Patton's Tactician: The War Diary of Lieutenant General Geoffrey Keyes (American Warrior Series) 0813198712, 9780813198712

Citation preview

PATTON’S TACTICIAN

American Warriors Throughout the nation’s history, numerous men and women of all ranks and branches of the US military have served their country with honor and distinction. During times of war and peace, there are individuals whose exemplary achievements embody the highest standards of the US armed forces. The aim of the American Warriors series is to examine the unique historical contributions of these individuals, whose legacies serve as enduring examples for soldiers and citizens alike. The series will promote a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of the US armed forces. Series editor: Joseph Craig

An AUSA Book

PATTON’S TACTICIAN The War Diary of Lieutenant General Geoffrey Keyes Edited by James W. Holsinger Jr.

A note to the reader: General Keyes’s war diary includes references to race and ethnicity that contemporary readers may find insensitive. This volume reproduces the original, unedited language to present an accurate record of General Keyes’s thoughts and opinions in their full historical context. Discretion is advised. Copyright © 2024 by The University Press of Kentucky Scholarly publisher for the Commonwealth, serving Bellarmine University, Berea College, Centre College of Kentucky, Eastern Kentucky University, The Filson Historical Society, Georgetown College, Kentucky Historical Society, Kentucky State University, Morehead State University, Murray State University, Northern Kentucky University, Spalding University, Transylvania University, University of Kentucky, University of Louisville, University of Pikeville, and Western Kentucky University. All rights reserved. Frontispiece: Lieutenant General Geoffrey Keyes (Keyes Family Archive) Maps by Richard Gilbreath Editorial and Sales Offices: The University Press of Kentucky 663 South Limestone Street, Lexington, Kentucky 40508-4008 www.kentuckypress.com Cataloging-in-Publication data is available from the Library of Congress. ISBN 978-0-8131-9871-2 (hardcover : alk. paper) ISBN 978-0-8131-9874-3 (epub) ISBN 978-0-8131-9873-6 (pdf) This book is printed on acid-free paper meeting the requirements of the American National Standard for Permanence in Paper for Printed Library Materials.

Manufactured in the United States of America. Member of the Association of University Presses

For my band of brothers: Dr. Bill T. Arnold The Reverend Daniel B. Baer Robert J. Benvenuti III, Esq. The Reverend Keith D. Boyette, Esq. David W. Brock Dr. Erik L. Carlton Phillip F. Connolly David E. Fleenor, Esq. Dr. George H. Freeman Dr. Joel B. Green Dr. Jeffrey E. Greenway Dr. W. W. (Tim) Havens Dr. George G. Hunter III Dr. Emmanuel D. Jadhav Dr. Bruce A. Lucas Dr. Stephen W. Wyatt and in memory of Dr. Terry L. Birdwhistell (1950–2023) Major General Joseph G. Gray (1935–2021) Dr. George C. Herring Jr. (1936–2022) Dr. F. Douglas Scutchfield (1942–2022) and in honor of Brigadier General James W. Holsinger (1905–1994)

Contents

Abbreviations xi Keyes Family  xv List of Maps and Map Symbols  xvii Note on Military Units  xix Editor’s Note  xxi Introduction: A Biographical Sketch of Lieutenant General Geoffrey Keyes  1 1. Operation Torch and the North African Campaign  5 2. Operation Husky and the Sicilian Campaign  25 3. Crossing the Rapido  52 4. On to Rome  87 5. The River Crossings  124 6. The End of the War  171 7. The Occupation of Germany  190 8. High Commissioner for Austria  275 Conclusion 369 Appendix A  375 Appendix B  379 Notes 385 References 431 Oral History Interviews  443 Index 445 Illustrations follow page  251

Abbreviations

AAA Antiaircraft Artillery ACC Allied Control Council AAI Allied Armies, Italy AES Army Exchange Service AFHQ Allied Force Headquarters AFN Armed Forces Network Ammo Ammunition ARC American Red Cross ASR Adjusted Service Rating ASW Assistant Secretary of War BOWD Budget Office, US War Department Br British CCA Combat Command A CCB Combat Command B CEF Corps Expéditionnaire Français (French Expeditionary Corps) CFM Council of Foreign Ministers CG Commanding General CI Civilian Internee CIE Civilian Internment Enclosure CIC Combat Information Center CO Commanding Officer COPRA Comparative Postwar Recovery Analysis COS or CoS Chief of Staff CP Command Post CPX Command Post Exercise DD Destroyer DivArty Division Artillery DP Displaced Person DSC Distinguished Service Cross DSM Distinguished Service Medal xi

xii Abbreviations

ECA Economic Cooperation Administration ERP European Recovery Plan ETOUSA European Theater of Ooperations, US Army FAITC Fifth Army Invasion Training Center FDR President Franklin Delano Roosevelt FEC French Expeditionary Corps FO Field Order fwd Forward GBK Geoffrey B. Keyes GCM General George C. Marshall “George” George Harrison (Keyes’s brother-in-law) GO General Order GOC General Officer in Command GSP General George S. Patton Jr. HQ Headquarters I & E Inspiration and Encouragement IG Inspector General ISB Information Service Branch, USFA INS Immigration and Naturalization Service IRO International Refugee Organization KT “Happy Hour” LCI Landing Craft, Infantry LO Liaison Officer LCT Landing Craft, Tank LHK Leila Harrison Keyes LM Legion of Merit LST Landing Ship, Tank LT Lieutenant MTO Mediterranean Theater of Operations METOUSA Mediterranean Theater of Operations USA MG Machine Gun MP Military Police NATOUSA North African Theater of Operations, US Army NCO Noncommissioned Officer NE Northeast NW Northwest NZ New Zealand OEEC Organization for European Economic Cooperation OI Operations Instructions

Abbreviations  xiii

OLC OMGUS OP OPD

Oak Leaf Cluster Office of Military Government, United States Observation Post Operations and Plans Division, War Department General Staff Office of Defense Planning (after July 1947) OSS Office of Strategic Services PM Prime Minister (Winston Churchill) PRO Public Relations Office or Officer PW Prisoner of War RAF Royal Air Force RCN Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron RCT Regimental Combat Team SA South Africa SANACC State-Army-Navy-Air Force Coordinating Committee SGS Secretary, General Staff SHAEF Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force SO Special Order SP Self-propelled SS Silver Star or Special Services SWNCC State-War-Navy Coordinating Committee TD Tank Destroyer TDY Temporary Duty TF Task Force TFA Task Force Alpha TFB Task Force Bravo T/O Table of Organization TSSET Theater Services Support European Theater UNRRA United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration US United States USACA United States Commission for Allied Austria USAT United States Army Transport USEUCOM United States European Command USFA United States Forces Austria USFET United States Forces European Theater USGCC United States Group Control Council USS United States Ship V V-Mail

xiv Abbreviations

VAC WAC WD WTF ZI 88

Vienna Area Command Women’s Army Corps War Department Western Task Force Zone of the Interior; i.e., United States German 88 mm antiaircraft and antitank artillery gun

LTG Geoffrey Keyes (Geoff)

Berenice May Keyes (Bev)

Ethel Keyes

Edward Keyes (Jack)

Lucy Beatrice Keyes

Maximillian Maxwell Keyes

M1. Maximiliano Luna M2. Howard Anderson

Virginia Maxwell

CPT Alexander S. B. Keyes

Leila Harrison Keyes (Leila Jr.)

COL Levin Barnett Broughton (Barney)

COL James Fuller McKinley Jr. (Jimmy)

Geoffrey Brooks Keyes (GBK, Geoff, Buster)

Mary Leslie Keyes (Les)

LTG William Robertson Desobry (Bill, Des)

COL Roberts Sherwood Demitz (Bob)

Ross Ray Harrison (Ross)

Mary Ross Ray

George Leslie Harrison (George)

Jacqueline Harrison Keyes (Jackie)

Virginia Maxwell Keyes (Ginger, Ginge)

Leila Harrison (LHK, Leila)

George F. E. Harrison

Keyes Family

Maps and Map Symbols

List of Maps 1. Operation Torch, November 8, 1942 2. Tunisian Campaign, January 24–May 13, 1943 3. Sicilian Campaign, July 9–August 16, 1943 4. German Defensive Lines in Italy 5. The Battle for Cassino, February 4–12, 1944 6. Liberation of Rome, May 11–June 4, 1944 7. Breakthrough into the Po Valley, April 14–21, 1945 8. The Drive across the Po Valley, April 21–26, 1945 9. Occupation Zones in Austria 10. Occupation Zones in Germany

xvii

11 15 30 54 82 111 183 185 193 203

Map Symbols River

xxx

Axis

Allies

Highway

Advance

Railroad

Retreat

Corps boundary

Infantry

Mountain peak

Armor

Landmark

Infantry

(Mechanized)

City/town

Airborne

Urban area

Unit Size

Flags

Company Battalion

United States

Brigade

USSR

France

Great Britain

x

Regiment

xx

Division

xxx xxxx xxxxx

Corps Army Army Group

Note on Military Units

For World War II military units, the theater of operations was the geographic area required for conducting offensive or defensive military operations and for the administration of combat units.1 An Army Group consisted of two or more armies and was a tactical unit with few supply or administrative functions. A numbered army was the largest self-contained unit, consisting of a headquarters, organic army troops, with corps and divisions assigned based on its mission, the terrain of operations, and the enemy forces. The numbered army was the fundamental unit of strategic maneuver, and it planned and executed strategic and tactical operations, having in addition territorial, tactical, and administrative functions.2 A numbered corps was a tactical unit consisting of a headquarters, certain corps troops, and divisions assigned depending on the mission, terrain, and combat situation. During combat, the corps commander influenced the outcome of the battle by maintaining close contact with the engaged divisions, coordinating or changing their disposition as necessary.3 The division, an administrative and tactical unit, was the basic large unit. It consisted of a headquarters and assigned infantry, cavalry, or armored units, as well as field artillery and other organic units.4 The regiment was both an administrative and a tactical unit, consisting of a headquarters and two or more battalions.5 The battalion was the basic tactical unit, composed of a headquarters and two or more companies of similar type.6

xix

Editor’s Note

While speaking to Sherwood Demitz, my boyhood friend and the grandson of Lieutenant General Geoffrey Keyes, I discovered that General Keyes had maintained a diary throughout World War II and the Cold War occupation of Germany and Austria. My father, Colonel (later Brigadier General) James W. Holsinger, served with General Keyes as the assistant chief of staff, G-4, Logistics, for II Corps and during the Italian campaign, then as the assistant chief of staff, G-5, Civil Affairs, for the Seventh Army. As I have worked through the diary, it has become clear to me that my father modeled himself as an Army officer on General Keyes. Many of the terms used to describe Keyes’s attributes could likewise be ascribed to my father, particularly in the final four years of his thirtythree-year military career, when he served as commander for the 2nd and 3rd Armored Division artillery and V Corps artillery. Both men were highly regarded commanders who cared deeply for their soldiers. They took their religion seriously and were beloved by their spouses and families. As a youth, while living in Arlington, Virginia, I vividly remember the visits of General and Mrs. Keyes, and subsequently at the Armed Forces Staff College in Norfolk, as our family lived next door to General Keyes’s daughter, Virginia, and her husband, Colonel Robert Demitz. These visits number among the very few times that I remember my father talking about his three years of combat, from the landing of II Corps at Oran until the surrender of Germany on May 8, 1945. As a consequence, the opportunity to edit the diary of Lieutenant General Geoffrey Keyes has been a remarkable experience, drawing me closer to both my father and a mentor and friend whom he deeply admired. In researching the details of the diary and inserting the various Editor’s Notes, I have been cognizant of the need to utilize primary and secondary sources produced in close temporal proximity to the events related in the diary. General Keyes did not have access to the German or Soviet archives that have become available in more recent years. He was xxi

xxii  Editor’s Note

in a position of only knowing what he knew firsthand, especially during his time as high commissioner in Occupied Austria. Based on that knowledge, he carried out his duties to the best of his and his staff’s ability. Various Editor’s Notes appear throughout the book in italics and provide context to General Keyes’s diary. Additional explanatory insertions are noted with brackets. The full names of senior officers as well as endnotes indicating their official positions have been added to provide context. Ranks have been written out to enhance the readability of the diary. Abbreviations are spelled out when they first occur and are found in the List of Abbreviations. The spelling of proper names and geographic locations have been checked and, where necessary, corrected. I am grateful for the assistance of research librarians at several institutions. Lynn Smith, video archivist at the Hoover Presidential Library and Museum, provided an introduction to Linda K. Smith, archivist specialist at the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum, who graciously assisted me in obtaining letters written to then General Eisenhower by Generals Patton and Keyes. Bruce Kirby, reference librarian at the Library of Congress, provided an important letter written by General Keyes to General Patton. Justine Melone and Thomas Buffenbarger, staff members at the US Army Heritage and Education Center, facilitated my visit to its archive. Elizabeth Fink accurately transcribed much of the diary, for which I am grateful. Richard Gilbreath, an extraordinary cartographer, graciously provided his expertise in creating the outstanding maps. Ashley Runyon, the director of the University Press of Kentucky, greatly encouraged me to engage in this project and consistently provided her support to bring it to a successful conclusion. Natalie O’Neal Clausen, acquisitions editor, and Tatianna Verswyvel, acquisitions assistant, provided expert assistance, encouragement, and support throughout the project. I am indebted to Derik Shelor for his outstanding copy editing of the manuscript. I am indebted to my friend and colleague for many years at the University of Kentucky, Dr. George Herring, a remarkable and talented historian, for reading, editing, and critiquing the manuscript as it was being written and making important suggestions for revisions and additions to the notes. I am grateful for the financial support of the University of Kentucky College of Public Health. Without the strong support of the family of General Keyes, this book would not have been completed. Sherwood Demitz played a key role in not only providing a copy of General Keyes diary, but in coordinating his family’s response to the effort to produce it for publication. I am grateful for his personal contribution to the project. In addition, the family provided insight, photo-

Editor’s Note  xxiii

graphs, and encouragement, making it possible to complete the project. Finally, my spouse of sixty years, Dr. Barbara Craig Holsinger, once again supported the use of my time for this book. Without her love, care, and encouragement, this project would not be finished. James W. Holsinger Jr. Major General, AUS-RET June 4, 2023

Introduction A Biographical Sketch of Lieutenant General Geoffrey Keyes

Lieutenant General Geoffrey Keyes was born on October 30, 1888, at Fort Bayard, New Mexico Territory, into what an Albuquerque newspaper called “one of the distinguished military families of this country.” His father, Captain Alexander S. B. Keyes, served as a cavalry officer, and his mother, Virginia Maxwell Keyes, was the eldest daughter of a legendary New Mexico landowner, Lucien B. Maxwell, a former hunter, trapper, and US Army scout for John C. Frémont, explorer of the American West, Army officer, and presidential candidate. As a young man, General Keyes was said to idolize his older brother Maxwell, who fought in the SpanishAmerican War in 1898 as a lieutenant in the Rough Riders, Theodore Roosevelt’s famed 1st US Volunteer Cavalry Regiment. Lieutenant Maxwell Keyes was killed in the Philippine Insurrection in 1899, and a week later his brother-in-law, Captain Maximiliano Luna, was killed in the same conflict. Following in his father’s footsteps, Keyes enrolled at the US Military Academy at West Point, New York, on March 2, 1908. He was outstanding in several sports, and excelled as a football player. An account of a 1912 game against Syracuse University reads: “This contest . . . belonged to Army’s Geoffrey Keyes. Scoring two touchdowns, kicking two conversion points and booting a 43 yard field goal, Keyes accounted for 17 of the Cadets’ points.” Marty Maher, the West Point football team trainer for fifty-five years, later said that Keyes “was the only man who could stop Jim Thorpe.” His 1913 class yearbook, The Howitzer, stated “if there is a man in the Corps who is more universally liked than he, we have yet to find him.  .  .  . His standing among his classmates and the Corps is a natural consequence of his sterling character and qualities which are admired among men.”1 1

2  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

General Keyes graduated from the US Military Academy on June 12, 1913, and was commissioned a cavalry second lieutenant in the US Army. He married Leila Harrison on December 1, 1914. They would eventually have four daughters, Virginia, Jacqueline, Leslie, and Leila, all of whom would marry Army officers, and a son, Geoffrey B. Keyes, who graduated from the US Military Academy in the class of 1945. Following his graduation from West Point, Keyes was assigned to the 6th Cavalry Regiment, where he served until October 1916, participating in General John J. Pershing’s Mexican Expedition (1916–1917). During World War I, he was assigned as an instructor of the French language at the US Military Academy, where in addition in 1917 he coached the Army football team to a season of seven wins and one loss. Between World War I and World War II, Keyes served as assistant chief of staff (G-3) with the Panama Canal Division, as chief of the Department of Tactics at the US Army Cavalry School at Fort Riley, Kansas, and as chief of the Supply and Transportation Branch, Supply Division, US War Department. He graduated from the US Army Command and General Staff School in 1926, the École Supérieure de Guerre (French War College) in Paris, France, in 1933, and the US Army War College in 1937. In 1940, Keyes served as chief of staff of the 2nd Armored Division, commanded by General George S. Patton Jr. Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, he was promoted to brigadier general and assumed command of Combat Command B (CCB) of the 3rd Armored Division. In July 1942, he was promoted to major general and commanded the 9th Armored Division. At the onset of Operation Torch (the invasion of North Africa on November 8, 1942) he was assigned as deputy commander of the Western Task Force (I Armored Corps) under the command of General Patton. He negotiated an armistice with Vichy French commanders, two of whom he knew from his days at the École Supérieure de Guerre. Following the North African landings, the Western Task Force was again designated I Armored Corps under General Patton’s command. Following the capture of Tunisia, the I Armored Corps was redesignated as the US Seventh Army for the invasion of Sicily and commanded by Patton, with Keyes as his deputy. During the initial period of Operation Husky (the invasion of Sicily, July 9–August 17, 1943), Patton divided the Seventh Army, and Keyes commanded the “Provisional Corps,” composed of the 2nd Armored Division, the 3rd Infantry Division, the 82nd Airborne Division, and two Ranger battalions along with supporting units. The “Provisional Corps” advanced 125 miles in five days through mountainous terrain, capturing western Sicily, including Palermo, the

Introduction  3

capital of Sicily, with only three hundred casualties. General Keyes accepted the Italian surrender from Major General Giuseppe Molinero.2 The “Provisional Corps” was disbanded on August 20, 1943, following the conclusion of the campaign. In September 1943, Keyes assumed command of II Corps and commanded it through the remainder of the war in Italy. He landed in Italy in October 1943, serving under Lieutenant General Mark W. Clark’s US Fifth Army. II Corps fought its way north through rugged Italian terrain, including the battle to cross the Rapido River, the first Battle for Cassino. The corps breached the Gustav and Hitler Lines of fortification in the Liri Valley, capturing Rome on June 4, 1944, only the second time in history that the city had fallen to an attack from the south. The Arno River was crossed and the Gothic Line breached as II Corps fought its way north following the winter of 1944. On May 2, 1945, the German army in Italy surrendered. During the years of the Cold War, General Keyes commanded the US Seventh Army in the occupation of Germany, controlling the German states of Württemberg-Baden and Greater Hesse (1945–1946). Following the unit’s decommissioning, from 1946 to 1947 he assumed command of the US Third Army, serving as the military governor of the US zone of occupation in Germany. He was assigned as US high commissioner on the Allied Council in Austria during its four-power occupation as well as commander of US Forces Austria, and served in that role for three and half years. He earned the respect and gratitude of the Austrians for his efforts on their behalf in the face of Soviet intransigence during the Berlin Blockade of 1948–1949. He is credited with saving Austria from Soviet control by insisting in the face of US State Department efforts that US forces remain until Austria could establish a military force and regain its sovereignty, which it accomplished in 1955. General Keyes retired in late 1950, only to be recalled to active duty from 1951 to 1954 as director of the Weapons Systems Evaluation Group. General Keyes’s military credentials were distinguished. “General Patton rated him ‘the most tireless, most loyal subordinate, and possessed of the soundest judgment and best tactical mind of any officer I know’3 and ‘the only officer that I have ever rated ‘Superior’ in all categories.’”4 But it was as a warm and humane person that he made his greatest impression on others. “A deeply religious man, he was never sanctimonious; he practiced what some merely preach. Possessed of great dignity, he was never arrogant. He gained loyalty and respect based on his own ability and integrity, never relying on his rank. He used a keen sense of humor to

4  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

make others comfortable or to relieve tension, never at the expense of others’ feelings or dignity. He had the courage to show compassion, and over the years he earned the devoted friendship of many, in high stations and low, not because he courted them but because they were drawn to him.”5 Upon his retirement in 1954, General Keyes and his wife, Leila, returned to his beloved Southwest at Tucson, Arizona, where he enjoyed life with his family and friends until his death on September 17, 1967.6 General and Mrs. Keyes are buried at the US Military Academy Cemetery at West Point, New York. General Keyes’s decorations and awards included the Distinguished Service Cross, the Army Distinguished Service Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, the Silver Star with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal, Honorary Companion of the Order of the Bath (UK), Commander of the Legion of Honor (France), Croix de Guerre with Palm (France), Grand Officer of the Order of Ouissam Alauouite (Morocco), Grand Officer of the Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus (Italy), Silver Medal of Military Valor (Italy), Grand Officer of the Military Order of the White Lion (Czechoslovakia), Czechoslovak War Cross (1939–1945), Military Order of Savoy (Italy), Papal Lateran Cross (Vatican), and Officer of the Legion of Honor (France).7

1

Operation Torch and the North African Campaign November 1942–June 1943

Editor’s Note: Following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, and the German declaration of war on the United States only four days later, the United States and Great Britain through the Combined Chiefs of Staff began developing plans to engage the Axis alliance by bringing US forces into combat. At the first heads of state conference, Arcadia, (December 22, 1941–January 14, 1942), the British suggested an invasion of North Africa in order to seize the initiative from the Germans, while Roosevelt was searching for an early entry of American forces into combat. Stalin was pleading with the Western allies to launch a second front in an effort to draw thirty to forty German divisions from the Eastern Front. For political reasons, Britain’s Prime Minister Winston Churchill favored an attack on North Africa in an effort to control the Mediterranean Sea and the British lifeline to the Suez Canal and the Indian Ocean. The American chiefs of staff, however, favored a crossChannel invasion of Western Europe. “In April 1942, Roosevelt sent Marshall and Hopkins to London to secure British agreement to a crash program to launch a cross-Channel attack. Russia’s needs loomed large in Roosevelt’s thinking.”1 Although seeming to agree with the Americans, Churchill soon expressed little agreement for a cross-Channel invasion.2 Roosevelt pressed the issue and Churchill hastened to Washington to dissuade him. He was able to convince Roosevelt of his view even though the American chiefs of staff considered North Africa to be a marginal, inconsequential theater, far from the German heartland. As a result, General Sir Alan Brooke, chief of the Imperial General Staff, stated concerning a cross-channel attack: “The prospects of success are small and dependent on a mass of unknowns, whilst the chances of disaster are great.” The American planners considered the British position 5

6  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

on Operation Torch to be “persuasive rather than rational.” “Direct attack was premature; its adherents exemplified an amateurish quality of American strategic thinking that would ripen only as the war ripened.”3 Following Roosevelt’s emphatic requirement that American troops “be brought into action against the enemy in 1942,” the Americans had little choice but to agree to the British plan to invade North Africa, and Operation Torch was born.4 Major Generals Dwight D. Eisenhower and Mark Clark arrived in Great Britain at the end of June 1942. On June 25, General Eisenhower assumed command of the European Theater of Operations US Army (ETOUSA).5 The plan for Operation Torch consisted of Allied amphibious landings stretching from Casablanca, Morocco, to Algiers, Algeria. The attacking force comprised approximately 65,000 men divided into three groups. The Western Task Force of American troops, under the command of Major General George S. Patton Jr., with Major General Geoffrey Keyes as his deputy,6 landed in and around Casablanca and included the 3rd and 9th Infantry Divisions, the 2nd Armored Division, and various armored and support units. The Center Task Force, consisting of the US II Corps, commanded by Major General Lloyd Fredendall, landed at Oran, Algeria, and was composed of the 1st Infantry Division, Combat Command B, 1st Armored Division, 1st Ranger Battalion, and one battalion of the 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment. The Eastern Task Force, with the American 34th Infantry Division and the British 78th Division, under the command of Major General Charles Ryder, landed at Algiers.7 The Eastern Task Force was originally commanded by the Americans due to the animosity between Great Britain and Vichy France that resulted from the destruction of the French naval forces in harbor at Mers-el-Kebir on July 3, 1940, in order to keep the fleet from falling into the hands of the Germans.8 Once the landing was complete, command of the Allied force passed to the British under General Kenneth Anderson and was designated the British First Army. A major issue facing the Americans and British in effecting Operation Torch concerned the reaction of the Vichy French forces garrisoning French North Africa. Since the United States maintained diplomatic relations with Vichy, it was hoped that the French would not resist the Allied landings. “In the diplomatic dance that ensued, the Americans stumbled repeatedly. Their first effort was to convince the French that Torch was an American operation even though nearly half the troops and virtually all the ships were British, although the overall commander was American. Vichy refused, and an effort was made to find an amenable French leader

Operation Torch and the North African Campaign   7

who could induce the French forces not to oppose the landings. Eventually, a Nazi sympathizer, Admiral François Darlan, at last arranged a general cease-fire, bringing opposition to the landings to a halt.9 Following the invasion of French North Africa, the Allies planned to move expeditiously eastward to control Tunisia so as to deny German reinforcements for Field Marshal Erwin Rommel’s German/Italian forces in Libya. Unfortunately, the German High Command immediately dispatched reinforcements to Bizerte on November 9, following the start of the North African landings, to maintain control in Tunisia and to support Rommel’s withdrawal from Libya. Due to confusion within the Vichy government whether French armed forces in North Africa would defend against the German encroachment and/or surrender to the Allied forces, “the French army commander in Tunisia, General Georges Barré, gradually withdrew his forces westward into the mountains as Vichy tried to force him to collaborate with Germans.”10 The Allies’ original plan, to secure airfields at Bone, Bizerte, and Tunis, was not carried out due to the uncertain French reaction. As a result, paratroop commando landings occurred at Bone and Allied forces pressed forward into Tunisia to contact the French. British forces began moving overland from Algeria, and by November 17 Allied and Axis forces were closing in on northern Tunisia. The race for Tunis was underway. By November 16, General Walther Nehring had arrived in Tunis to take command of the German-Italian forces. The 10th Panzer Division, Hermann Goering Division, and 334th Infantry Division arrived soon after. The British First Army under command of General Kenneth A. N. Anderson, along with elements of the US 1st Armored and the British 6th Armored Divisions, attacked the German-Italian forces on November 25 with no success. As 1942 drew to a close, efforts were made on both sides with little result. On December 8, 1942, Colonel General Jürgen von Arnim assumed command of the newly formed Fifth Panzer Army in Tunis to maintain control of the French Protectorate of Tunisia.11 The Atlas Mountains made possible the easy defense of western Tunisia by the German-Italian forces. As 1943 opened, the US II Corps under the command of General Fredendall moved into position south of the British First Army and the French XIX Corps. On January 2, 1943, General von Arnim attacked and penetrated the French line. To bolster the situation, the XIX and II Corps were subordinated to Anderson’s First Army. German attacks continued in the French zone, and by the middle of February “II Corps units were badly intermingled, the 1st Armored division was widely dispersed,

8  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

and Rommel was about to join Arnim in an attack on II Corps.”12 On February 14, 1943, the battle of the Kasserine Pass was initiated by the Axis forces, including both the Fifth Panzer Army and the German Afrika Corps (now at divisional strength). II Corps withdrew to the Western Dorsal of the Atlas Mountains, and on February 19 Rommel attacked the Kasserine Pass but failed due to a tenacious British defense. By February 22, he conceded failure and withdrew his forces. “Primarily because of an unduly complicated II Corps chain of command—the Allies had handled the matter poorly since 14 February—Rommel was able to withdraw unmolested. On the 23rd, he became overall commander in Tunisia—two weeks too late.”13 On February 19, Britain’s General Harold Alexander took command of the newly inaugurated 18th Army Group, consisting of the British First Army in the north commanded by General Anderson14 and the British Eighth Army commanded in the south by General Bernard Montgomery. His mission as stated by General Eisenhower was “the early destruction of all Axis forces in Tunisia.” Alexander found the front so disorganized that he assumed command a day early. He found that there had been “no policy and no plan. The battle area is all mixed up with British, French, and American units.”15 As a consequence, his most immediate task was to “sort out the scattered troop units, organize distinct national sectors, and create a mobile reserve.”16 In addition, he had to coordinate offensives by the forces in Tunisia and by Montgomery’s Eighth Army en route from Libya. The First Army was composed of the British 5 Corps along the Mediterranean coast, the French XIX Corps further inland, and the US II Corps now commanded by Patton centered on the Kasserine Pass, while the Eighth Army was positioned south and east of Mareth, Tunisia. During March and early April 1943, after a German offensive had stalled, the US II Corps advanced to Gafsa and on to El Guettar,17 and Montgomery linked up with Patton’s forces north of El Hamma. However, the Axis forces escaped. The Allies continued to advance, and by April 13 Axis control of Tunisia had shrunk to the area surrounding Bizerte and Tunis. On April 15, General Omar Bradley assumed command of the US II Corps. By the next day, the II Corps had been shifted to the north along the Mediterranean coast, relieving the British 5 Corps, which was then shifted to the south. From north to south, II Corps was composed of the French Corps d’Afrique, and the US 9th Infantry, 1st Armored, 1st Infantry, and 34th Infantry Divisions.18 On May 7, Bizerte was captured by the 9th Infantry Division, while Tunis fell to the British 7th Armored Division. North of Tunis, 40,000 Axis soldiers surrendered to Bradley’s II

Operation Torch and the North African Campaign   9

Corps. The last remaining Axis forces, commanded by Italy’s General Giovanni Messe, surrendered on May 13, 1943. With the collapse of the Axis forces in North Africa, the Mediterranean Sea was cleared for Allied shipping and air bases were acquired for bombing missions against southern Europe.19 The way was now clear for the invasion of Sicily (Operation Husky). October 1942 Editor’s Note: The invasion of North Africa was scheduled for November 8, 1942. General Keyes’s diary begins as he leaves Washington, D.C., to join the Western Task Force in Norfolk, Virginia, as its deputy commander. 22 Left Bolling Field [Bolling Air Force Base, Washington, D.C.] 2:30 p.m. Arrived Norfolk 3:30. Dinner with the Halls. Observed loading. 23 Conference on center operations. On board USS Augusta20 about 3:00 p.m. Observed loading of USS Calvert.21 Saw Blanchard, Stokes, and Nason. Sumptuous quarters on Augusta. Editor’s Note: On October 23, 1942, the British Eighth Army surprised the Germans and Italians at the Second Battle of El Alamein and, after a difficult fight over a twelve-day period, pushed the Axis forces back toward Tripoli. The eastern arm of the North African Allied pincher was launched.22 24 Left Norfolk 8:00 a.m. Wonderful sight. Five columns of four each with Augusta head of third column. All covered by destroyers. Not seasick. 25 General orders battle stations 5:20 a.m. Convoy practice in changing course and signaling. Wonderful mess (Turkey dinner). Conference on our landings. Went to “church.” No priest on board. 26 General quarters each a.m. at 5:30. Sea sick in p.m. Missed supper. Other convoys joined. [Editor’s Note: “The entire task force of more than 100 ships was too large to be sent from any one port in the United States without attracting undue attention.”23] 27 Navy Day.24 Fine weather. Still a little shaky. Combined convoy impressive. Will total over 107. Carriers join tomorrow. 28 Carriers joined about 11:30. Two depth charges dropped during the night. False alarms. Believe purpose behind Jap attack on the Philippines was to get our cook! Bakery and baked Alaska today.

10  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

29 Beautiful day. Feeling fine. USS Calvert and her escort joined. USS Boyle25 brought mail and transferred it to Augusta. 30 Birthday. 54 years old. Convoy is refueling. An interesting operation at sea. Special air and surface security measures. 31 Radio intercept indicates someone reporting our position. Suspect subversive activities from within. (Probably not true). November 1942 1 All Saints Day. No priest. No mass. General Patton gave me Leila’s birthday letter, which he had brought in an unopened trunk. A mighty welcome birthday present in spite of delay! 2 Perfect weather. No unusual events. 3 Unfavorable weather predicted. We seem to have passed through enemy submarine patrol screen. News of attack on an allied convoy a few days ago must have alarmed home folks thinking it was our convoy. CPX [Command Post Exercise] on assault phase. Have initiated plans on future actions. Also on possibility of prompt entry into Casablanca. 4 Wednesday. Rough going last night and most of today. Rolling of ship almost wrecked lunch. We were apparently surrounded by subs last night but not close enough to justify attack by them. Fueling except for old destroyers postponed. In spite of roughness I went up to observe the radar. (Four decks up). Advice from War Department re negotiations with French not too encouraging. Looks like a fight. [Editor’s Note: On October 21, 1942, Major General Mark Clark and a party of fewer than a dozen men went ashore from the submarine USS Seraph to negotiate with French military leaders to forestall a battle between their forces and the American and British forces to be shortly landing in North Africa.26] The Spanish question again pops up. Think our plans sound and flexible but means none too generous. 5 Continued rough all last night and most of today with little prospect for change. Unable to refuel destroyers. Missed lunch. Only second meal missed so far. Second CPX. Another scheduled for tomorrow. Finished my seventh book! 6 A good night’s sleep. Weather and sea fine. Refueling almost completed. Weather forecast for landing quite favorable! Met Portuguese merchant ship in middle of night. Shooed her south. Radio indications subs all around last night but they haven’t bothered us yet. Repacking my stuff for landing Sunday. Everyone in fine spirits

M O R O C C O

Fez

SP. M ORO CCO

Allied landings and subsequent operations

Rabat

S P A I N

Gibraltar

Map 1. Operation Torch, November 8, 1942.

Safi

Casablanca

Tangier

Port Lyautey

WESTERN TASK FORCE Gen. Patton (from US)

OCEAN

ATLANTIC

PORTUGAL

Oujda

Oran

CENTER TASK FORCE Gen. Fredendall (from Great Britain)

0

0

A L G E R I A

Blida

Algiers

SEA

mi

km 100

200 200

Biskra

Constantine

10 0

EASTERN TASK FORCE Gen. Ryder (from Great Britain)

MEDITERRANEAN

12  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

and optimistic! Talked to Commander Butler RN who was on the Madagascar expedition. [Editor’s Note: On May 4, 1942, Great Britain invaded Vichy Madagascar, and the French surrendered on November 6, 1942.27] 7–8 A fine day. Hard to realize we are on the eve of a fight. Talked over final plans with General Patton. Paid our mess bill at 75 cents per day! Would like to board the whole family at that rate. Everything quiet up to 10 p.m. Went to bed with orders to wake me at 12. Up at midnight all in transport area. Sea like Lake Como. Stars out. Lights of Fedala, Morocco visible. Some ships out of place. Landing boats strayed. Landing delayed nearly hour and a half. Very costly. Presidential proclamation and news cast from London announcing our landing before we had started! Shore battery started and opened fire. The war was on. The destroyers opened up. From then until daylight all we could see were gun flashes. At dawn a huge bank of smoke from some warehouses or oil tank hid the whole coast. Meager reports. Some reports of boat losses. USS Augusta entered the fight on the shore battery. About 9 or 10, the French squadron came out of Casablanca fighting and attempted to go north then under a smoke screen turned south towards Dakar. They put up a game fight but were driven back to the harbor. They came out again about 1:00 p.m. and another fight ensued. Their splashes around us were colored red, green and blue or purple. * * * Editor’s Note: Following the North African landing, General Keyes continued to serve as General Patton’s deputy after the Western Task Force was redesignated as I Armored Corps on January 9, 1943, and redesignated as the Seventh Army on July 10, 1943. Major General Lloyd R. Fredendall was “chosen by the US Army to lead its inaugural corps in combat against the Third Reich.” Prior to World War II, he had “earned a reputation as a capable trainer and a skilled handler of troops.” He established the II Corps headquarters in a ravine officially called ‘Speedy Valley” seventy miles behind the lines. Prior to the Battle of the Kasserine Pass, he divided his forces, including the 1st Armored Division’s two combat commands. Following the Kasserine debacle, General Eisenhower asked General Bradley to assess Fredendall’s ability to command at the corps level. Bradley replied: “It’s pretty bad. I’ve talked to all the division command-

Operation Torch and the North African Campaign   13

ers. To a man they’ve lost confidence in Fredendall as the corps commander.” On March 5, 1943, Eisenhower relieved Fredendall, who “would receive his third star, command of a training army in Tennessee, and a hero’s welcome home.”28 Editor’s Note: “Speedy” Became the nickname for II Corps throughout World War II. It was based on the II Corps call sign: “Speedy is the telephone exchange name of II Corps and became as well known as the Corps itself.”29 As the war progressed, “Speedy” was used to designate a variety of II Corps functions: “Speedy” justice, “Speedy” spa, “Speedy” Navy, etc. The term was also used in the lyrics of the II Corps Marching Song. January 1943 Editor’s Note: The second conference of Anglo-American military and political leaders, code-named Symbol and known historically as the Casablanca Conference, was held in the suburban coastal city of Anfa. The hotel and neighboring villas were requisitioned, a barbed wire barrier thrown around the area, and the site officially termed the “Anfa Camp.” From January 13 to January 23, 1943, the Combined Chiefs of Staff and their national organizations, the US Joint Chiefs of Staff and the British Chiefs of Staff Committee, met separately. “On three occasions during the conference, the Combined Chiefs of Staff met with President Roosevelt and Prime Minister Churchill to consider the agenda, to discuss the matters at issue, and to arrive at a final report of decisions taken.”30 The results of the conference included agreement for a combined Allied bombing offensive against Germany, initial planning for the invasion of France (Operation Overlord), and the requirement for “unconditional surrender” of the Axis powers.31 In addition, efforts were made to bring about a rapprochement between Generals Henri Giraud and Charles de Gaulle, rivals for leadership of the Free French forces, in an effort to demonstrate a public display of French unity.32 The initial planning for Operation Husky, the invasion of Sicily, was also endorsed by the American chiefs of staff and their British counterparts.33 10–24  Anfa Conference [Casablanca Conference], House and dinner guests: President FDR, Prime Minister, Generals Marshall, Arnold, Sommerall, Andrus, Sir John Dill, Brooke, Montbatten, Admiral Cunningham, Sir Dudley Pound,34 Generals Giraud,35 Noguès, Admiral Michelin, Generals Hull,36 Wedemeyer.

14  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

Editor’s Note: The Axis occupation of Tunisia made little sense militarily since by the beginning of 1943 time was no longer in their favor. Rommel, originally sent to Africa on a defensive mission, had held the British at bay for two years, but now was not the time to reinforce failure. Mussolini refused to withdraw his forces from North Africa, insisting that victory for the Axis was “mathematically certain” and that Hitler could not afford to abandon his closest ally. “By seizing Tunis ahead of the Allies, the Axis commanded the central position, which the Anglo-Americans would have to attack, and supply, from opposite directions. Axis forces would be operating close to their bases . . . [the Axis] brought together an experienced command team of Kesselring, Rommel, von Arnim, and eventually Messe at the head of tough, battle-experienced troops. In contrast, the Allied effort, especially on Tunisia’s western front, remained very much a work in progress divided among a coalition of inexperienced generals.”37 Early January, Germany’s General von Arnim attacked the Allied forces moving into Tunisia. In the meantime, Field Marshal Erwin Rommel, having retreated across Libya, was in position to attack the Allied forces, having prepared defenses in his area to hold the British Eighth Army under General Bernard Montgomery.38 February 1943 6 Flew to Gibraltar and back in B-25. 1 hour 20 minutes up and 1 hour 8 minutes return. 8 Flew to Algiers and return in B-25. 3 hours each way (about). 11 Flew to Port Lyautey with General Raymond-Charles-Emile Desre.39 Met General Meigs, Governor of Gibraltar and party on return. They spent night. 12 General John CH Lee40 arrived as guest. General Edmund B. Gregory41 and Colonel Robert W. Wilson42 for lunch. 13 General Patton and Lee left for Oujda and Algiers. Editor’s Note: Battle of the Kasserine Pass: On February 14, 1943, the German Fifth Panzer Army attacked the US II Corps between Faid Pass and Gafsa and drove it back fifty miles. The German offensive was not halted until February 22. Eisenhower counterattacked on February 26, and by March 3 the Allies had regained their original positions.43 Following the withdrawal of the Fifth Panzer Army, Rommel became the overall Axis commander in Tunisia.44 14 Flew to Agadir and back—3½ hours.

Sicily

Mediterranean

(Italy) Marsala

Sea 22 Apr.

14 Feb.

Strait of Sicily

Bizerte Gulf of Tunis

Tunis

Bône

FIFTH PANZER

xxx 5 BR

xxxx

Pantelleria (Italy)

xxxx

Beja

22 Apr.

L

FIRST BR

Cape Bon

Enfidaville

S

A

FR

O

R

Sousse

Kairouan

N

XIX

D

xxx

TE S xxx II

Sbeitla

Kasserine

Thelepte

Sfax

ER

14 Feb.

N

E Speedy W Valley

DORSAL

R

Tebessa

0

S

T

Gafsa

EA

Gulf of Gabes

El Guettar Tozeur

TUNISIA Mareth Line

Mareth Médenine

BR EIGHTH

Map 2. Tunisian Campaign, January 24–May 13, 1943.

50

km 0

Gabes

xxxx

25 25 mi

50

16  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

15 Assistant Secretary of War John J. McCloy and party arrived. Wilson and Tate for dinner. 16 Luncheon for ASW [assistant secretary of war], General Auguste Noguès,45 Admiral Emile Muselier.46 Sidi Manieri. Paelin Casa, etc. 17 With ASW to Rabat. Audience with Sultan. Luncheon with General Nogues. Flew back. Dinner guests [.  .  .] Quenda, Mr. and Mrs. Stanton, Mrs. Billot. 18 ASW to 2nd Armored Division and 3rd Infantry Division. 19 ASW left. Colonel Cuthbert Starnes arrived. 20 General Patton returned. General Ernest N. Harmon47 forward to 1st Armored Division 21 Flew to Sale to see Harmon off. 23 General Jonathan W. Anderson48 left for US. General Clark49 and party presented to Sultan. A big celebration. HQ 1 Armored Corps opened at Rabat. 24 Flew to Rabat re HQ and emergency planning 2nd Armored Division. 25 General Patton, Colonel William H. Wilbur50 and myself moved to Rabat. Flew to Port Lyautey re emergency plans 3rd Division. B-25 burned up just after I left it at Salé. 26 On exercise with French Division (General Desre). Editor’s Note: From February 26 to March 31, 1943, the Allied forces took the initiative by driving the Axis back into Tunisia, reducing its enclave. The attackers included the British First Army under the command of General Anderson, the US II Corps under the command of General Patton, and the British Eighth Army under the command of General Montgomery.51 March 1943 4 Firing problems with 2nd Armored Division. Casa in a.m. Editor’s Note: During the invasion of North Africa, General Omar Bradley trained the 28th Infantry Division of the Pennsylvania National Guard. As he was being considered for corps command, he was sent to North Africa to serve as General Eisenhower’s troubleshooter at the front, arriving just after the American defeat at the Kasserine Pass. After the relief of Fredendall as II Corps commander following the Kasserine Pass debacle, Patton temporarily assumed command of II Corps from March 6, 1943, to April 15, 1943, with Bradley serving as his deputy

Operation Torch and the North African Campaign   17

commander. Following Patton’s return to command of I Armored Corps, Bradley was assigned as II Corps commander.52 During this period, Keyes served as acting commander of I Armored Corps and “oversaw the preparations for Husky while Patton was busy in Tunisia, and even after Patton returned he left most of Husky’s planning in Keyes’s hands.”53 5

General Patton left for front. Temporary Assignment. I assumed command 1 Armored Corps. General Cannon54 arrived. 6 American and British Consul Generals called. General Lucian K. Truscott55 returns to command 3rd Division; M. Sidi Manieri called; Called on General Noguès at his request (apparently a courtesy visit only). 8 Air Marshal Arthur Tedder56 and Brigadier William Welsh and General Carl A. Spaatz57 arrived.58

Editor’s Note: After a widely distributed disparaging message by New Zealand’s Air Vice Marshal Arthur Coningham concerning the battle worthiness of II Corps under Patton’s command following Patton’s waspish comments complaining about Allied air support, Tedder and Spaatz were dispatched to Patton’s headquarters at Gafsa on an appeasement mission. During their visit Patton’s headquarters was strafed and bombed. “Dusting himself off, Tedder asked how such a flamboyant demonstration had been arranged. ‘I’ll be damned if I know,’ Patton replied, but ‘if I could find the sonsabitches who flew those planes, I’d mail each one of them a medal.’” 10 Archbishop Francis Spellman59 spent night with us. Lunch and dinner at our villa. Lunch next day at Residency. 11 Went to HQ 5th Army at Oujda. 15 Went to Lyautey for conference with Admiral Henry K. Hewitt.60 16 To Algiers in connection Force 141.61 Stayed with Rooks and Nevins. Conference on operations. 16–19  Conference on operations. 20 Flew to Youks-les-Bains airfield, Algeria and drove to Fériana (CP II Corps). 21 Visited front with GSP [General Patton]. 1st Division and CCA [Combat Command A] 1st Armored Division. Gafsa–El Guettar– Sened Station. 22 Kasserine—saw Eddy Gibson—Lewin—Baldwin. Returned to Algiers with Bradley. Plans changed.

18  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

24 Submitted reclama on charges [request for reconsideration of denial of charges] and started home. Stranded at Oran. Saw Colonel James W. Holsinger.62 25 Visited Arzew, Algeria FAITC [Fifth Army Invasion Training Center] and Mostaganem, Algeria. Continued to Oujda. 26 Arrived at Rabat, Morocco in rainstorm. Glad to be home. 27 Went to airport to meet General Juin. 28 General Henry C. Wolfe63 arrived. 29 Lunch at Residency in honor of General Juin. Filled with ABS [?] and head of American Legion!!! All the old timers seemed glad to have me back. Noguès, General G-E-J Lascroux,64 Desre, etc. 30 DSC [Distinguished Service Cross] to lieutenant of MPs [military police]. Wounded in Casablanca landing November 9th. 31 To Lyautey re 3rd Division matters. Heard Peter Ward was wounded. April 1943 1 General Adam Richmond65 JA [judge advocate] arrived for dinner. 2 General Ernest N. Harmon66 and staff left for Tunisia. Relieved from 2nd Armored Division.   General Otto F. Lange 36th Division Deputy Commanding General arrived. Called on General Lascroux re withdrawal of troops in north. 3 To Oran—Conference General Ernest J. Dawley,67 Nevins, Colonel Paul D. Harkins [Patton’s deputy chief of staff]. 4 Agree FAITC. Truscott, Wolfe; Admiral John L. Hall, Commander, Amphibious Force, North African Waters (Eighth Fleet). 5 Algiers; General Walter Bedell Smith (Chief of Staff), Allied Force Headquarters, General Ben M. Sawbridge, Assistant Chief of Staff G-1, North African Theater of Operations about further plans— continued to Thelepte, Algeria. Met by Speed Perry. Drove to General Patton’s HQ at Gafsa. (General Harold R. Bull,68 Bradley, three Turkish generals) Jensen absent. 6 Anti-Aircraft fired on 2 Messerschmitts, Visited OP 47th Infantry near Hill 369. Lunch with Randall the CO Benson Force.69 Continued to km 80 a few miles from where contact with British 8th Army was met half hour later. Benson Force withdrawn by order!70 Editor’s Note: By April 6, the US II Corps and the British Eighth Army had made contact with each other near the Gulf of Gabes. Throughout

Operation Torch and the North African Campaign   19

the month of April the Allied forces significantly reduced the Axis enclave to the region surrounding Bizerte and Tunis.71 7

Returned to Algiers. Lunch with Force 141. Continued to Oran. Dinner with Turks. 8 Returned to Rabat. 11 Dedicated Red Carpet Service Club Rabat. 11–14  General Maxwell D. Taylor72 82nd Airborne arrived. Editor’s Note: “By 16 April, the United States II Corps had moved to the Allied north flank and had relieved the British V Corps, which then shifted south. Alexander had reluctantly authorized the redeployment of the II Corps, having done so only after Eisenhower had indicated a desire to see it assigned an aggressive role. Major General Omar N. Bradley had assumed command of II Corps on the 15th so that Patton could return to Morocco and complete the planning for the Sicilian invasion. The transfer of the 100,000 American troops across the rear of the British lines and the creation of a new logistical base were considered administrative feats.”73 17 General Patton returned to I Armored Corps. 19 Dinner at Residency in honor of Governor General Pierre F. Boisson of Dakar, French West Africa. 20 General Lascroux called. 21 General Troy H. Middleton74 45th Division arrived. 22 Luncheon at General Lascroux. 23 Conference Generals Ernest J. Dawley, Lucian K. Truscott, Fred L. Walker,75 Maxwell D. Taylor, Troy H. Middleton, Paul D. Harkins, Henry C. Wolfe, Cushman, Allen F. Kingman. 24 Luncheon at Residency (farewell) Middleton and Nevins left. 25 Easter. Drove to Meknes, Morocco. 26 Left Rabat 1:30 p.m. via Flying Fortress for Oran and Mostaganem. Final call on General Lascroux. Witnessed 7th RCT in landing exercise. Not too satisfactory. 27 FAITC. Saw Admirals Henry K. Hewitt, Hall, Richard L. Conolly.76 Villas here not as nice as Casablanca or Rabat. HQ located in College Communal. Fine setup. 28 General Patton to Ain El Turk, Algeria to see General Leslie J. McNair wounded. General Hospital No. 12. [Editor’s Note: On April 23, 1943, General McNair, chief of the Army ground forces, was wounded

20  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

while observing US troops in action in Tunisia. “One steel fragment sliced through the rear lip of McNair’s helmet, slowing enough that it lodged in his skull instead of penetrating his brain; another gouged an eight-inch gash in his neck and shoulder, severing an artery.”77] Then to Algiers—Force 141. I attended services for 300 Senegalese lost on torpedoed ship recently. Generals Yves de Boisboissel, Commander-in-Chief French West Africa, Roger Blaizot, Commander, 1st Motorized Colonial Division, etc. called. Blaizot’s COS [chief of staff] Colonel Landouzy my group École de Guerre. 29 General McNair flew from Oran to Marrakesh en route home. General Patton returned from unsatisfactory conference. 30 3rd Division ordered to the front. 15th RCT left about dark. May 1943 Editor’s Note: From May 3 to 13, the Allied forces commanded by General Harold Alexander (18th Army Group), composed of the US II Corps (General Bradley), British First Army (General Anderson), French XIX Corps (General Koeltz), and British Eighth Army (General Montgomery), steadily tightened the noose around the Axis forces.78 In the final effort the US II Corps made steady progress along the coast toward Bizerte, while the British First Army in the center drove forward toward Tunis. By May 7, the 34th Infantry Division (II Corps) made contact with the British First Army and British units entered Tunis. Bizerte was soon occupied by elements of II Corps. By May 13, both Germany’s General von Arnim and Italy’s Field Marshal Messe surrendered, with 250,000 Germans and Italians becoming prisoners of war. A major result of the collapse of Axis control of North Africa was the loss of the entire Axis force committed to North Africa following the Allied invasion.79 1 Critique of 7th RCT landing exercise among those present Generals Patton, Dawley, Walker, Truscott, Clarence R. Huebner,80 Russell P. Hartle,81 Leonard T. Gerow.82 Admirals Hall and Conolly. 2 Visited General Dawley at HQ VI Corps Ain Temouchent, Algeria. 3 General Patton called to Algiers re change in Plans. 4 General W. H. Walker here for lunch. General Patton returned. British scored another victory over us. 5 Alternate plan made in draft form. VI Corps attached to I Armored Corps. 7 To Algiers with General Patton re planning Conference at AFHQ [Allied Forces Headquarters]. General Smith, General Montgomery

Operation Torch and the North African Campaign   21

8th British Army, Generals Patton, Charles H. Gairdner,83 Nevins, Richardson and myself. Others returned to Mostaganem. I remained at Algiers with a couple of planners. Battle of Tunisia over. 10–11  Planning. General Matthew B. Ridgway84 reported. II Corps for VI Corps. Editor’s Note: In early 1943, VI Corps was deployed to the Mediterranean Theater of Operations to participate in Operation Husky, the invasion of Sicily. The decision was made to replace it with II Corps in order to utilize experienced units.85 12 Flew and drove to Mateur, Tunisia to see Bradley. Saw many old friends at officers’ assembly. Truscott, Manton S. Eddy,86 Charles W. Ryder,87 Hogan, Lambert, Maurice Rose,88 Benson etc. etc. Great account of battle. 1st Armored Division did well. Visited prisoner of war cage. Over 30,000. Not bad looking. Older than I expected. Spent night in Commander in Chief’s trailer. 13 Flew to Le Kef, Tunisia in Piper J-3 cub. First ride since beginning 1941. Fine trip. Returned to Algiers about noon. Algiers heavily bombed during movie, “Pride of the Yankees.” Fine show from roof. 14 Returned to Mostaganem. 15 Returned to Algiers on 141 business. Phoned little Marj [Marjorie Harrison, American Red Cross] at Tlemsen, Algeria. General Paul M. Robinett89 is in General Hospital #12 at Ain El Turk, Algeria. 16 Returned to Mostaganem. Bradley, Truscott, Allen, and Lyman L. Lemnitzer90 came in. Bradley and Truscott remaining. Trip to Algiers not too bad. Many conflicts principally with Allies. 17 Good news re I Armored Corps. Saw Robinett. German prisoners being deloused and shipped to US. 18 Arranged for Robinett’s return to US by plane. 19 RCT landing exercise at ITC [Invasion Training Center]. 20 Generals Patton and Bradley flew to Tunis for ceremony. Disgusted with treatment. Saw Robbie again. Conference Oran on 141 supply. First air raid Mostaganem last night. One plane, 3 bombs, a few casualties. Editor’s Note: Generals Patton and Bradley were invited by General Eisenhower to the North African campaign victory celebration in Tunis, where they were relegated to a reviewing stand “occupied by French

22  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

civilians and minor military officers.” In his diary, Patton expressed his hope that there would be many more such events, but that he and Bradley would have “a more conspicuous role.”91 21 General Harold R. L. G. Alexander,92 General Frederick A. M. Browning93 (airborne), Brigadier Alexander W. C. Richardson,94 all British spent the day with us. 22 Conference Port aux Perles re rehearsals etc. False air raid last night. Saw Speed Perry. Visited CP of 2nd Armored Division. 23 Drove to Tlemcen, Algeria via CP 1st Division at Sidi Chami, Algeria and Sidi Bel Abbès, Algeria to see Little Marg who was in charge of Red Cross Service Club. 9 hour trip! 24 General Alexander, Brigadier Richardson arrived for 2 day visit. General Bull for lunch. General Wolfe reported out for AFHQ. 25 Fine show at Invasion Training Center. General Alexander says best he ever saw. Took him through our hospital where he saw a number of British wounded. 26 Generals Alexander and Richardson left. Admiral Hewitt arrived for overnight. More agreements on Husky. We won all bouts! 27 Plans shaping up. Editor’s Note: Throughout the rest of May and June, planning for the invasion of Sicily (Operation Husky) by Task Force 141 was difficult since its major commanders—Alexander, Montgomery, and Patton— were “distracted by the Tunisian campaign, as were many of the units they planned to use.” It was determined that Patton’s I Armored Corps (Reinforced), which would serve as the American command headquarters, could not effectively serve as the American command and control unit of the US II Corps and its subordinate units, so the decision was made to redesignate I Armored Corps as the Seventh Army for the invasion of Sicily. Patton’s Western Task Force (Seventh Army) would land on the south coast and seize the port of Licata and the Gela airfield. Montgomery’s British Eighth Army would land on the beaches between Syracuse and Cape Passero, seizing the port at Syracuse and the Italian air bases south of Mount Etna. The two armies would march on Messina in an effort to sever the Axis forces from the Italian mainland.95 June 1943 1 Flew to Phillipeville, Algeria in B-25 then to Jemappes, Algeria in a cub. Spent day with 3rd Division. Returned to Mostaganem.

Operation Torch and the North African Campaign   23

2 Flew to Algiers conference with Navy. Eisenhower, Everett S. Hughes,96 Lowell W. Rooks97 etc. Returned to Mostaganem 8 p.m. Generals Marshall, Bradley, Bull, Thomas T. Handy,98 Harmon, and Eddy for dinner. 3 Accompanied General Marshall to 1st Division. Bivouac and airport. Flew to La Sénia in cub to see Robbie depart. Postponed until tomorrow. Saw Larkin re supply matter. Editor’s Note: The Piper J-3 Cub aircraft was produced in large numbers and was designated as the L-4 Grasshopper military observation aircraft.99 4 Flew to La Sénia about 45 minutes as against 1 hour 45 by car. Sat with Robbie in ambulance 4 hours waiting for his plane. 5 Conference all afternoon with Huebner and John K. Cannon100 on air corps and RAF [Royal Air Force] lift. GSP [General Patton] had large wrangle with 1st Division. Navy finally released 4 LSTs [Landing Ship, Tank]. 6 Had lunch with 2nd Armored Division. General John P. Lucas101 arrived for 2 day visit. 7 Flew cub over 30 minutes. 8 General Frank J. McSherry102 arrived for short visit re civil affairs. 10 General Eddy spent night with General Patton. To Algiers to visit 3rd Division. 11 Flew to Maguenta to visit 9th Division: General Ridgway here for tonight. 12 General Patton returned. Middleton reported in. 13 Rehearsal for tomorrow’s distinguished visitor. 14 Fine show for King George and Sir James Grigg.103 Radio via AFHQ. US Military Academy Cadets Keyes and Truscott passed. Patton and Gray deficient—reexam 60 days. 16 Visit to HQ and museum of Foreign Legion—Sidi Bel Abbès. 17 General Eisenhower and Clark visited our area. 18 Exercise Cuttlefish—very encouraging. 20 To Algiers for conference Husky. 21–22 Conference of Commanders and staffs—very interesting. General Montgomery not present—as usual. Air forced to yield to combined pressure. Returned to Mostaganem. 23 General Alexander and General Richardson here to see troops. General Patton returns to Algiers with them to witness 1st Division exercise.

24  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

24 General Patton returned. 25 45th Division Exercise. Poor from navigating standpoint. Flew B-25 to Tunis to witness 3rd Division Exercise. 300 miles off course. After supper flew the beaches in cub. 26 Exercise of 3rd Division very satisfactory. Witnessed from beach OP and later from cub. Flew over Bizerte and Carthage in cub. Visited Carthage. Returned to Nouvion [airfield] (600 mi.) in 2h30m. Honorary member of 66e Regiment d’Artillerie d’Afrique (French) fourragiere aux couleurs du Ruban de la Medaille Militaire [fourragère in the colors of the ribbon of the Military Medal]. Colonel Chauvin presided for Colonel du Payrat (Gay, Cummings, Harkins, Galt, Codman and Carter). 27 Packed up. Air Force agrees to execute certain missions. General Patton addressed 45th Division. 28 Sent portrait home. Hugh J. Gaffey104 came in to say goodbye. 29 Closed CP at Mostagenem 0900 drove to Algiers via route 11 (coast road) beautiful drive opened on USS Monrovia 1700. Editor’s Note: The USS Monrovia (AP-64) departed for Sicily on July 6, 1943, serving as the command ship of the Western Task Force for Operation Husky. Vice Admiral H. Kent Hewitt commanded the naval task force, and Lieutenant General George S. Patton Jr. commanded the landing force.105 30 Visited AFHQ. Dull day.

2

Operation Husky and the Sicilian Campaign July 1943–August 1943

Editor’s Note: At the Casablanca Heads of State Conference (January 14–24, 1943), the Allies made the decision to invade Sicily in July 1943. As the final report stated: “The main line of offensive action in the Mediterranean will be the occupation of Sicily.”1 The British believed that since a cross-Channel invasion of France was not feasible for 1943, continued pressure on the Axis powers in the Mediterranean would be the most effective means to weaken them. During the summer of 1942, the War Cabinet, while considering possible operations in 1943 by British forces, first discussed the invasion of Sicily. Invasions of both Sicily and Sardinia were considered. While the British argued among themselves as to the relative importance of invading these two, the Americans never doubted that the invasion of Sicily was the best option. At the Combined Chiefs of Staff meeting on January 22, 1943, agreement was reached for the invasion of Sicily, and several days later agreement was reached for the appointment of Britain’s General Harold Alexander as ground commander in chief for the Tunisian campaign and all future operations, including the Sicilian campaign.2 “Casablanca was a masterpiece of the art of compromise. In return for Husky, the British committed themselves to Roundup [the invasion of Northern France, later renamed Overlord]; but without a specific date set for the cross-Channel invasion, they had merely acknowledged the inevitable.”3 From its inception, planning for Operation Husky was fraught with difficulties. Eisenhower was so removed from the operational level that he served more as the chair of the board refereeing differences between his subordinates rather than functioning as the operation’s commander in chief. He had been commanded by the Combined Chiefs of Staff to create a 25

26  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

separate headquarters for planning Husky known as Task Force 141, but until the end of the Tunisian campaign it continued as part of the AFHQ G-3 section, serving as an inter-Allied, inter-service force. At the end of the Tunisian campaign, it became a separate headquarters under General Alexander until D-Day, when it was activated as the 15th Army Group.4 Task Force 141 planning for Husky was a shambles. The Combined Chiefs of Staff had required that there be both a Western and Eastern Task Force, both of which would be inter-service, but not inter-Allied. The Eastern Task Force would be composed of British forces, and the Western American. Designated Task Force 545, British planning for Husky was located in Cairo. General Miles Dempsey served as its chief of staff until Montgomery, the designated commander of the Eastern Task Force, sent his own Eighth Army chief of staff, General Francis de Guingand, to assume the role. On the other hand, the Western Task Force was first located in Rabat, Morocco, and designated Task Force 343. Additional planning was conducted in both London and Washington, as some of the troops used in Husky departed directly from the United States and Canada. “With five separate centres of planning in five widely separated locations, there was bound to be confusion—and there was.”5 As the designated ground force commander, General Alexander was responsible for developing the invasion plan, However, he was preoccupied with the Tunisian campaign and the ineptitude of his subordinate commanders, General Kenneth Anderson (British), commander of the British First Army, and General Lloyd Fredendall, the US II Corps commander. As a result, day-to-day planning for Husky fell to British general Charles H. Gairdner, Task Force 141’s chief of staff. Gairdner’s deputy, Brigadier A. A. Richardson, was later replaced by American general Clarence Huebner, who was dismissed by Alexander in July 1943 and replaced by American general Lyman Lemnitzer. From the beginning Gairdner was ill-equipped to lead such a planning endeavor, as was his staff, which was drawn from a variety of assignments across the Middle East. The original deeply flawed Husky plan was developed by the Joint Planning Staff in London and called for three British divisions to be landed on the Sicilian coast from Syracuse on the east coast to Gela on the southern. Sixty miles west, a single American division was to land between Sciacca and Marinella. Two days later a second American division was to land at Palermo on the northwest coast, and a day later an additional British division was to capture the port of Catania. With the slight modification of adding a force reserve, Eisenhower and Alexander

Operation Husky and the Sicilian Campaign  27

approved the plan. When Montgomery, heavily involved in the Tunisian campaign, became aware of the plan, he immediately informed Alexander that it must be revised extensively. A period of significant disarray followed, with the result that General Gairdner by May 1943 had been relieved of his duties as chief of staff of Task Force 141. Throughout the Tunisian campaign, both Alexander and Montgomery were unavailable to provide the leadership required to successfully plan Husky.6 Once direction could be provided by the senior Allied commanders, the plan began to take shape, with the British Eighth Army commanded by Montgomery landing on the southeastern coast of Sicily between Pozzallo and Syracuse and the US Seventh Army commanded by Patton landing between Pozzallo and Licata on the southern coast. On July 10, 1943, the Allied forces numbering 478,000 men landed on the coast of Sicily, engaging approximately 350,000 German and Italian troops.7 The Eastern Task Force consisted of the British Eighth Army, composed of the British 13 and 30 Corps, while the Western Task Force consisted of Patton’s US Seventh Army, made up of the US II Corps (Shark Force), commanded by General Omar Bradley, and Joss Force, commanded by General Truscott, composed of the 3rd Infantry Division, CCA of the 2nd Armored Division, and the 3rd Ranger Battalion. Both task forces had a division in reserve. Although the invasion plan did not mention the port of Messina, it was understood that Montgomery would move on that city to prevent the withdrawal of Axis forces across the strait, while Patton protected his left flank.8 July 11 was a critical day for the Allies due to a German counterattack at the port of Gela, which was repelled. As the Allies landed, General Alfredo Guzzoni, commanding the Italian Sixth Army, concentrated his strength in the Catania plain to repel the Eighth Army, while additional German troops arrived in Sicily. The Axis forces were comprised of four mobile Italian divisions and two German divisions. Hitler offered to send three additional German divisions that were initially refused by Mussolini, but by July 10 reinforcements were arriving by ferry at Messina, resulting in a total force of approximately 350,000.9 As a result, Montgomery began to encounter stiffer resistance as he moved toward Catania, a vital choke point en route to the port of Messina opposite the Calabrian mainland of Italy.10 On July 12, Alexander and Montgomery made a decision that changed the invasion of Sicily from a battle of maneuver into a battle of attrition, thereby postponing the inevitable outcome. Montgomery proposed to divide his forces, moving two divisions to the west of Mount Etna and thereby turning them north through Enna toward Nicosia,

28  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

allowing him to make a left hook around Etna.11 The result of this decision was to markedly shift the boundaries between the Seventh and Eighth Armies, forcing the Americans into the western half of Sicily. After the capture of Agrigento on July 17, Patton sent Bradley’s II Corps north and obtained Alexander’s approval to attack the port of Palermo on the northwestern coast of Sicily. To do this, he created the “Provisional Corps” commanded by General Geoffrey Keyes and composed of the 2nd Armored Division, 3rd Infantry Division, and 82nd Airborne Division, with orders to overrun the western half of the island, including capturing the capital of Palermo, which was accomplished by July 22. The 45th Infantry Division drove north through the center of the island, reaching Petralia in the north-central part of Sicily by July 23. In the Eighth Army sector the Canadian 1st Division hooked around Mouth Etna while the rest of the Eighth Army held fast on the Catania plain.12 In a change of plan, Alexander ordered Patton to move east along the north coast of the island to capture the port of Messina before the German and Italian forces could withdraw to the Italian mainland. As a consequence, the 1st, 3rd, and 45th Divisions turned east, later to be joined by the 9th Division in the race for Messina. Montgomery advanced on Messina by sending the 50th Division north along the eastern coast to capture Catania, while the British 5th and 51st Divisions and the Canadian 78th and 1st Divisions moved around Mount Etna. The Axis forces withdrew from Catania. By August 8, the Allies were moving forward on all fronts, arriving in Messina on August 17 only to find that the Axis forces had successfully evacuated to the mainland, including approximately 100,000 troops, 9,800 vehicles, and forty-seven tanks. The three escaping German divisions would make their presence known in the coming Italian campaign.13 On July 26, 1943, the Combined Chiefs of Staff ordered Eisenhower to prepare plans for the invasion of the Italian mainland at Salerno. July 1943 1 Still aboard USS Monrovia. Flew to La Marsa–Kairouan–Tunis– home—about 900 miles. B-25—2½ hours out—3 hours home. Visited 82nd Airborne Division. Ridgway—and Truscott at Tunis. From Ridgway learned of plan to deny US use of British Glider Regiment. 2 Conference all morning on plans. News reel in p.m. Tunis. Colonel Hobart R. Gay’s nomination sent in. Air Forces to execute most of our missions.

Operation Husky and the Sicilian Campaign  29

3 Flew to Bizerte. Took General Teddy Roosevelt14 to Tunis. Inspected our rear echelon setup at Bizerte. Town badly damaged but not as bad as expected. Phoned Truscott. Saw Admiral Conolly. General Patton had a bad day (Reports on 1st Division unfounded. Excitement over Joss mistaking date, etc.) Editor’s Note: The Joss Task Force was composed of the 3rd Infantry Division, CCA of the 2nd Armored Division, and the 3rd Ranger Battalion. The Dime Task Force was composed of the 1st Infantry Division and two Ranger battalions.15 4 Mass and communion 0730 in Algiers. Understood there was question of propriety in celebrating the 4th!! However, the French have decorated the city with our flag and theirs! Maybe this is the First Independence Day. When we get free of this allied business we should celebrate the Second. 5 Generals Patton, Ridgway, Gay and myself called on CinC [commander in chief] to say goodbye. Strange interview. Mostly about 1st Division. Gay’s promotion finally came thru.16 We celebrated at dinner. General Everett S. Hughes came aboard for dinner. General Albert C. Wedemeyer17 came aboard. Called on Admiral Jimmy Hall18 in the USS Ancon.19 We sail tomorrow. Subs sank two freighters last night and one this afternoon quite near here. Just received copy my orders as Deputy CG 7th Army. Huebner phoned re 82nd Airborne. Ewing brought message 2300. 6 Admiral Hewitt and staff came aboard 0715. General Lucas came aboard. Convoy moved to outer harbor commencing 0800. We (USS Monrovia) left dock at 1005. Heard Bizerte was bombed last night. Moved out at 1700. On our way after 5 months of planning and about 2 months after fall of Tunisia. 7 No excitement all night. General Quarters 530 a.m. British convoy (Canadian Division passed us about 5 p.m.) We made in 24 hours what I did in 45 minutes last week in bomber. Spent most of the afternoon studying Italian. Went to mass 3:30 p.m. nearly 80 present. 8 Beautiful day—Highly organized Mediterranean cruise. Cleared Sicilian narrows without accident. No signs of enemy! Magnificent sight with British convoy just ahead and our 45th Division just behind. Lots of official photos today. Several large air sorties passed close by. P-38 and B-17. 50 to 100 in sortie. Went to mass and communion 3:30 p.m. Everyone in high spirits.

xx

82

Castellammare

10

10

mi

20

20

km

30

30

2

SEA

xx

15 July

xx 45

SEVENTH

3

PATTON

xxxx

xx

x II PR x x OV

23 July

Map 3. Sicilian Campaign, July 9–August 16, 1943.

0

0

MEDITERRANEAN

Trapani

Palermo

Licata

xx 1

xx

Sea

2 82 Gela

1

xx

xx

Enna

xx

San Stefano xx 3

Ty r r h e n i a n

9

11

xx

xxxxx

xx

xx

2 Aug.

51

xx

xx 50

MONTGOMERY

5

15 July

23 July

17 Aug

BR. EIGHTH

xxxx

Messina H NT VE x x SEx x HTH G I E

Catania

MT. ETNA

1 Can

San Agata

15 Au g.

15 ALEXANDER

45

2 Aug.

ug. 8A

. Aug

SEVENTH xxxx EIGHTH

Gulf of Castellammare

xxx

Operation Husky and the Sicilian Campaign  31

9 No reaction last night! We turned North about 0800. Great sight with Canadian Division on our right and 45th Division behind. 3rd Division will join us about dark. Ceremony of changing 7th Army flag for I Armored Corps, General Patton gave me the IAC flag. A real breeze developed about 1300. Sea rough but beautiful day. Grand menu. Mass and communion 3:30 p.m. Nearly 200 attended and practically all went to communion. Malta in sight 1600. Staff conference this a.m. Final checkup. Commanding General will not go ashore in early waves. Much better not to do so. Strong wind and rough sea continued until well after dark. Many sea sick. I escaped! In transport area about 12:30 a.m. Our bombing and dummy parachute attacks began about 2300. Set fire to parts of Gela and along beach to east. Cent (45th Division) Force nearly 2½ hours late. Dime (1st Division) Force 40 minutes late. Hostile Anti-Aircraft fire, flares, and search lights. Ship ahead lost man overboard. Editor’s Note: Colonel James M. Gavin, while commanding the 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment reinforced with other 82nd Airborne Division units, spearheaded the Seventh Army landings in Sicily with a night airborne attack just before midnight on July 9, 1943. The 52nd Troop Carrier Wing (USAAF), utilizing 144 C-47 aircraft, ferried the paratroopers from their base in Tunisia. As a result of strong winds and inexperienced flight crews, the paratroopers were dispersed over 1,000 square miles of Sicily. Although Ultra20 had discovered that the German Hermann Goering Panzer Division had arrived in Sicily, this information was deliberately withheld from the 82nd Airborne Division. Over the next thirty-six hours the two would be locked in combat.21 10 D-Day!! Heavy naval gunfire as waves hit the beaches. Enemy air attacks at dawn. DD Maddox sunk.22 All landings successful. Few casualties. Reasonable number of prisoners. Our position just opposite Gela which is on a long low ridge. Went ashore at 0730. Visited 1st Division and two of its beaches. Under considerable artillery fire which became quite effective. Returned to Monrovia 1230. Soaking wet. Another rough sea. Many small craft broached. One navy spotting plane shot down over 1st Division. Little sleep last night. 30 minutes this afternoon. Several air raids over our beaches. One LST set on fire. No reports on paratroops. 11 Quiet night. Late reports favorable. Air attack 0650 hits awfully close to Monrovia. Thought it was gas explosion. Ship’s news had first

32  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

releases on the operation. Amusing. Interesting and fairly true but like all prefabricated releases not too accurate. General Patton went ashore at Gela at 0900. I am set up to go to Joss (Licata). [Editor’s Note: The Joss attack force, a part of Operation Husky, was composed of the US 3rd Infantry Division reinforced by the 3rd Ranger Battalion and Combat Command A, 2nd Armored Division, which conducted an amphibious assault on Licata, Sicily, and its airfield on July 10, 1943.23] Still bugs in our communications. Reports too delayed. No guns on ship manned at 0650 attack. Smoke screen ordered 0930 apparently false alarm. Went to Licata on mine layer #118. Fine view of coastline. Went through another air attack. Transferred to USS Biscayne [amphibious force flagship]. Saw Admiral Conolly. Went ashore through Licata port. 6 LST unloading.24 Civil Affairs established. CP 3rd Division. Spent night there (Lucas, Wedemeyer, and Lowman. Also Lucas’ aide). More bombing of port. No damage. 12 Lucas and Wedemeyer returned to Gela. Went over plans with Truscott. Decided to attack 1320–1620. CCA [Combat Command A]. Saw many familiar faces in 2nd Armored Division. Lowman sprained ankle. 2nd lift of 82nd Airborne Division disastrous. [Editor’s Note: On the night of July 11, 1943, the American 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment was dropped to reinforce the 505th, but was badly mauled by Allied naval forces.25] 13 Returned to 7th Army CP Gela by ¼ T [Jeep] at 0900. Learned 1st Division had been seriously attacked yesterday. Some uneasiness by assembled commanders observed, etc. I reassured General Patton that situation was excellent. Was strictly as anticipated and on schedule. Losses far below expectancy. Parachutists finally turned up. They had been landed all over the South East end of Sicily. Small groups did fine work. 2nd lift came in off route and 23 planes lost by combination our fire, Navy, British and enemy. Big stink and investigation ordered. Are we at war or just running for office? General Alexander and British staff visited us and gave us new plan which tends to sell us down the river. [Editor’s Note: Alexander informed Patton of the boundary change between the Seventh and Eighth Armies.26] Lone bomber raided us about 2300. Editor’s Note: The original plan called for Montgomery’s British Eighth Army to advance on Catania and move north over the coast road past Mount Etna to Messina, while General Patton’s Seventh Army protected his left flank and moved north into central Sicily west of Mount Etna. The

Operation Husky and the Sicilian Campaign  33

new operation plan called for the British Eighth Army to advance northward on either side of Mount Etna, with Messina on the northeastern tip of Sicily as its objective. The Seventh Army was to protect the Eighth Army’s rear and move north to divide the island in two, with mopping up operations in the western half of Sicily. As II Corps moved north of the center of the island at Villarosa, General Patton created the Provisional Corps, consisting of two divisions, the 3rd Infantry and 82nd Airborne. The 2nd Armored Division would join it later to advance northwest to Palermo, the capital of Sicily. General Keyes, Seventh Army deputy commander, was assigned as the Provisional Corps commander, serving as the senior tactical commander in the western half of Sicily.27 He had tactical responsibility for mission planning for the three divisions under his command and for the assignment of their tactical objectives.28 As a result of the Sicilian campaign, “Keyes emerged as a future corps commander of considerable promise.”29 14 Drew up plans for new operation and with General Patton’s instructions constituted a provisional Corps of 3rd Division and 82nd Airborne Division with me as commander. Visited 2nd Armored Division then Butera captured last night and 26th Infantry Regiment at Mazzarino. Butera is typical robber baron stronghold. Many dead still alongside road. Returned to Gela via Ponte Olivo airfield [3 km north of Gela] now operating. Just south of Mazzarino saw column of Italian soldiers marching on side road waving white handkerchiefs. Stopped car and when they caught up they surrendered to us—Colonel Campanolli, Sergeant Chewning, and myself—about 1520. Turned them over to NCO [noncommissioned officer] 1st Division. We are established in a large fine house owned by a Fascist doctor. Our CP is on a bluff overlooking the Mediterranean few hundred yards distant. All the Dime beach [Gela] activities right in front of us. The LCT [Landing Craft, Tank] and LST [Landing Ship, Tank] turn arounds have been ahead of schedule. The Goums arrived and are attached to 3rd Division. The fact of landing July 14th Bastille Day made great hit. Editor’s Note: Goums were Moroccan Muslim mountain tribesmen composed primarily of 12,000 Berbers with French officers.30 15 Directive on new operation is issued. Have organized my staff on streamlined basis: COS Willems, G-2 Slocum, G-3 Bowman, G-4

34  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

Gallant, Signal Smith, Aide Bowman, Couriers Lee, Hugard, Coffin, Aland. Linde (Ordnance). No headquarters set up or paraphernalia. General Patton to 45th Division. Attack on Agrigento no push over. 16 Call of alarm from 1st Division. Went to Mazzarino. Things under control but outfit is loggy.31 Return via II Corps. New directive from Force 141 [15th Army Group] received 1800, gives us secondary role. 17 Completed draft of plan for 7th Army further operations. General Patton and Wedemeyer to HQ 141 to protest last night’s directive. [Editor’s Note: “On July 17 Patton flew to Alexander’s headquarters in La Marsa insisting on a greater role for the American forces. Alexander concluded that the impulsive Patton would declare ‘the hell with this’ and do what he pleased anyway, so he sanctioned a move into western Sicily.”32] Agrigento and Porto Empedocle fell last night. Went to Empedocle. 3rd Division got about 6000 prisoners. Editor’s Note: “Patton’s advance—especially that made by Truscott’s Third Infantry Division, dubbed the ‘foot cavalry’ after Stonewall Jackson’s infantry in the 1862 Valley Campaign—removed whatever tarnish on American arms still lingering from Tunisia, but it achieved no strategic advantage. Meanwhile, Montgomery discarded the strategy of concentration and fought four separate division actions.”33 18 Ammo dump burned up. Conference commanders west of Palma di Montechiaro. Flew back from Licata to Gela. Returned to Licata and drove to CP arrived 2010. Ordered advance 0500 tomorrow. 19 Wakened at 0330 instead of 0430. Joined outpost at 82 Airborne (504th Parachute Infantry Regiment) at Montallegro about 0500. Got them started. Drove to 3rd Division at Aragona via Raffadali. Flew to 7th Army CP Gela then to CP near Ribera. 20 With 82nd Airborne leading elements entering Sciacca [northwestern coast of Sicily]. Bridge blown out. Flew 10 miles in advance of Advance Guard—reconned road to Menfi—then via Santo Stefano to Aragona. OP 3rd Division. More recon on way home. 2nd Armored Division attached to Provisional Corps. Order issued for dispositions for attack tentatively around noon tomorrow. Left CP after supper and got troops forward and over bypass until 0230 when stopped by mined road. Spent night with leading Battalion Task Force X (39th RCT, 2 Ranger Battalions and artillery). [Editor’s Note: Task Force X was composed of two Ranger battalions reinforced by artillery and

Operation Husky and the Sicilian Campaign  35

the 39th Infantry Regiment under the command of Colonel William O. Darby, who was later killed in Italy.34] 21 Up at 0430. Went with leading element TF X till stopped by blown bridge over Belice River. Usual traffic congestion. Mild rush to rear on hearing shots. Stopped it promptly. Planned to get ready and attack tomorrow. 2nd Armored Division to go through. TF X captured Castelvetrano about noon. Flew over city and airport and then to Santo Stefano to visit 3rd Infantry Division. CP moved to Prizzi. 45 minutes by jeep. Everything going OK. Division at least through the blown bridges etc. Made fine time. Plane back to Santo Stefano then to Castelvetrano. OK’d orders for the last phase of the assault. General Patton visited us in my absence. Crossing the Belice River slow. Supervise until 3 a.m. Got to the CP and to bed at 0425. 22 Up at 5:15. To forward line for jump off. Caught up and stayed with advance Guard to Mondello. Went back to Gibellina to contact command group and 82nd Airborne Division. Saw Slocum (G-2). Wrote letter demanding surrender of Palermo. Forward to San Giuseppe Jato where I found Willems, Gaffey, and Rose. 2nd Armored Division held up in gorge by manned road blocks. Sent CCB [Combat Command B] around coast road. Liaison Officer from 82nd Airborne. Was told Division to stand fast for present. Sent Liaison Officer to 3rd Infantry Division which was thought to be on the Blue line. As column seemed to move I went forward till I came to Monreale where 2nd Armored Division and 3rd Division were to wait my orders to attack. Plan was to hear from patrols of 2nd Armored Division and 3rd Division as to attitude and then to send in ultimatum. When I arrived at the city limits, I found the column stopped with a patrol loading a number of Italian officers in a scout car. Found one was the senior general of the District. Sent for him and he came to my car. I got out. We saluted and shook hands and then after discarding the services of an Italian soldier as interpreter we discussed terms, etc. in French. He surrendered everything under him unconditionally but when I asked if he controlled the troops in Palermo he said they were under the direct orders of another although subordinate general. In order to get matter settled promptly, I took him in my car and with white flag on scout car, we drove to the Palazzo Monreale the headquarters. [Editor’s Note: “General Giuseppe Molinero, commander of Porto Difensa—Port Defence Force—‘N,’ . . . offered to surrender the city. The offer was relayed to Keyes, who accepted; and so, with Molinero in the back seat of their command car, General Keyes and

36  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

Major General Hugh Gaffey, the 2nd Armored commander, entered Palermo to streets already lined with civilians and drove straight to the Palazzo dei Normanni where at 7 p.m., the surrender was formally signed.”35] The other general who had been taken prisoner by a 3rd Division patrol was also the chief of police. So all arrangements were made with Italian General Giuseppe Molinero and the head of the Carabinieri. Moved Battalion of CCA [2nd Armored Division] and 3rd Division into town at once for guard and put city off limits for other troops. After a bath and supper at Hotel Excelsior went to bed to be wakened up 3 times, the last by General Patton who arrived about 10 p.m. Finally got to sleep about midnight. A great day and a grandstand finish. 23 Visited harbor and city with General Patton who was interviewed by press etc. and received representative (Bishop) from the Cardinal. General Patton very generous in my praise as usual. Told the Bishop I was a very devout Catholic. After lunch, I flew to Agrigento with General Patton then tried to locate CP 82nd Airborne Division which had been ordered to take Trapani and the coast. Had to return to Palermo because of darkness. 3rd Division was ordered to continue east on coast road No. 113. Port of Palermo will be operative in no time. 24 3rd Division took Termini Imerese, which frees the coast road for supply and communications. Flew to Trapani and 82nd Airborne. Division had quite a fight taking the town last night. Town and harbor badly damaged. Gave instructions about islands off coast. Admiral Giuseppe Manfredi commanded the district and surrendered all to 82nd Airborne. Started for Marsala. Fighting still going on. Flew over the area. Visited the town there. Liquidated the last resistance. Visited hospital at Trapani. 4 Americans and 3 South African aviators prisoner patients. Hospital clean, efficient, and our men well cared for. Returned to Palermo via coast. Visited another hospital where we found 2 more Americans and 2 British aviators. We will evacuate all by air very soon. Moved from hotel to Palace apartments. I occupy one that Mussolini occupied. General Patton will have the No. 1 guest apartment. We did not take over the Kings suite. Lots of furniture still in place but all silver and linen has been removed. Raddy Johnson promised to send me a sizable cask of cognac! My sacroiliac belt finally caught up to me after some 2 months. 25 Mass in Palace Chapel. General Patton and staff arrived. Dinner at the Hotel Excelsior.

Operation Husky and the Sicilian Campaign  37

26 Work on port progressing. With General Patton called on the Cardinal. Very short and bright and kindly. 67 years old. All the clergy seem friendly and antifascist. News of Mussolini’s resignation received. Indications that the end is beginning. Editor’s Note: By mid-July, the Italian government under the leadership of Benito Mussolini was close to collapse from within. The poor performance of the Italian military combined with Allied bombing resulted in conspiracies to remove Mussolini. A key plot to overthrow the dictator and his Fascist dictatorship involved the anti-Fascist head of the Italian Supreme Command, General Vittorio Ambrosio; the former head of the Italian armed forces, Field Marshal Pietro Badoglio; and King Victor Emmanuel III, who in 1922 had brought Mussolini to power. In the early hours of July 24, the Italian Grand Council of Fascism after an acrimonious debate approved a vote of no confidence in the Italian leader, which was later that day upheld by the king, thus bringing to an end Italian Fascism.36 27 Flew to HQ II Corps near Petralia Soprana. Rough trip. Supply situation not too good. G-4 [Logistics] is not out ahead. Cardinal returned our call. Had a collation of C and K rations and champagne taken from the Germans. Received him in the Palazzo Royale. II Corps progressing slowly. Lemnitzer and Nevins arrived for visit. Former takes General Clarence R. Heubner’s37 place at Force 141. Heubner was too outspoken in our favor to suit General Alexander and Richardson. City is well under control and is being rapidly cleared and policed. No disturbances whatsoever. 28 Cloudy. General Montgomery due for visit and lunch. Came with his COS General Francis W. de Guingand and Air Vice Marshal Harry Broadhurst.38 Usual platitudes and plans which call for more of our means. General Eddy and staff (9th Division) arrived. General Patton, Nevins, Lemnitzer, myself and aides to dinner at Provisional Corps mess. Fine party. Number members Provisional Corps and 7th Army sick—diarrhea or dysentery. Nicosia reported captured by 1st Division. 29 A week ago today we took Palermo. First supply ships arrived last night. Great progress made in clearing and cleaning up city and maintaining order. General Patton to HQ II Corps. 30 General Patton to 45th Division. Ordered 45th relieved by 3rd. Waited at airport 2 hours for General Alexander who didn’t show

38  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

up. Flew to CP 45th to arrange for Naval gun support and relief by 3rd Division. Conference until 2230. Saw Truscott en route. 31 3rd Division started move 0500. 45th returned by same trucks. General Eisenhower visited us. Lunch only. Disclosed future plans (tentative). Santo Stefano captured. Truscott phoned 2330 re LCTs, etc. August 1943 1 G-4 phoned 0130. Boche bombed us 0403–0445 (?). Set fire to trainload ammunition and gas dump on dock setting fire to one coaster. Terrific explosions. Looked as if whole city was to go. Actual damage slight. 4 planes reported shot down. Visited port with Generals Patton and Lucas about 0515. After breakfast 0700 went to office then to port to arrange for speeding up unloading 9th Division39 and getting craft etc. to Truscott. Went to 9 a.m. mass. Flew over harbor, then coast—Santo Stefano–Nicosia–Castelbuono–finally landed near Santo Stefano. Lunch with Bradley and Truscott. Everything arranged to continue the push. Returned to Palermo at 1500—after 4 hours flight—one hour lunch and conference. Only mail Alumni Bulletin dated May 1st. 2 Generals Alexander, Charles H. Miller,40 William R. C. Penney41 (all British) and Lemnitzer (American) and Richard C. Partridge42 arrived 1000 left 1500. Future operations discussed. Only reasonably favorable to us. Visited Royal apts. Very gorgeous. Labors of Hercules room remarkable. Plans for Special Operations approved and I am on Temporary Duty with II Corps to coordinate. Dinner at Provisional Corps mess. Gaffey, Perry. 3 Flew to Nicosia. CP II Corps re Special Operations. Bradley approved. Saw distant battle of Troina. Flew to Santo Stefano CP 3rd Division. Conference with Truscott and Naval Air Representatives. Road shelled by enemy as we returned to landing ship. No damage. Returned to Palermo. General Patton and Lucas to II Corps and 3rd Division by car. Wrote Danny a birthday note. Returned belt to Major Duncan together with Italian pistol. Editor’s Note: Between August 3 and August 16, General Alfredo Guzzoni, commanding the Italian Sixth Army, evacuated the Italian forces from Sicily. From August 11 to 17, the German commander, General Hans V. Hube, ordered the evacuation of German forces from Messina, primarily at night. “The Italians evacuated 62,182 men, although most of their equipment was left behind. . . . The Germans, on the other hand,

Operation Husky and the Sicilian Campaign  39

evacuated 39,569 men, along with 9,605 vehicles, 94 guns and 47 tanks.” Of the German troops, “only 25,669 were ferried across the straits during LEHRGANG, the formal evacuation operation from August 11 to August 16.” The number of fighting troops numbered less than 30,000, representing only two full-strength divisions. “The four divisions that did escape had been badly mauled and were under-strength.” By the end of October the Germans would have nineteen divisions in Italy, and twentyfour by the following March.43 5

Flew to Caronia Mina—CP 3rd Division. Got plans for special operations. [Editor’s Note: The plans mentioned here probably refer to small amphibious raids behind enemy lines by the 3rd Infantry Division44 that would take place on August 8, 11, and 15.45] Returned to Palermo and turned plans over to Navy (Captain David). Several unsuccessful calls to 3rd Division. Communications very bad. COS said General Bradley approved of plans but heard General Truscott thought necessary for Admiral Davidson representative come for conference. Unable to get Confirmation for 3rd Division on air missions. 6 Sent word to Admiral Davidson setting tomorrow as day. At noon learned by accident 3rd Division did not count on executing operation tomorrow. This was disturbing to me and to General Patton when I told him. Flew to CP 3rd Division at 12:30 (to 1:30) waited until 3:30 for Bradley and 4:30 for Captain Davis. Bradley and Truscott opposed to carrying out operation tomorrow although Bradley would do it if General Patton insisted. Truscott estimates he would be ready in 4 days. This is too long and based on too slow and orthodox tactics. I am convinced the operation should be carried out as planned. However enemy air slipped in and sank one of our 2 LSTs so operation is off temporarily. Flew back to Palermo. Notified General Patton through Cummings. My new job is in charge of all 7th Army affairs in the rear area, civil and military. This makes me a “triple threat.” Air support not satisfactory. General Edwin J. House46 admits we are dominated by the British air. 3rd Division got nothing all day. 7–8  Admiral Davidson arrived at CP about 1100 ref. Special Operations. Concerned over lack of air cover—he returned to ship to prepare for tonight’s show [first amphibious assault by 3rd Infantry Division at Sant’Agata]. General Alexander arrived guest of AMGOT [Allied Military Government of Occupied Territories] who failed to meet him. Flew to 3rd Division after making arrangements for General Alexander’s visit to advance CP at Santo Stefano. Had dinner with

40  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

General Patton and Gray. Returned to 3rd Division. Tried to locate my intercept set up over the mountain. Returned to CP. Left at 5 a.m. saw fleet leaving after landing. Landing a complete surprise and successful. Started Truscott and Davis planning for repetition tonight (Sunday. 8). Generals Patton and Alexander arrived. Flew up coast by Sant’Agata. We made gains everywhere. Flew back to Palermo. Staff conference. COS 3rd Division notified me tonight’s show off. Drove to 2nd Armored Division CP for dinner with old gang. Mail 3 from LHK [Leila Harrison Keyes] one dated 7/15; one from Geoffrey B. Keyes [son] and one from Leonard. Understand I’m a Goumier (honorary). 9 Inspected Port. Truscott hoped to hold show tonight. Called on General (Lord) Rennell47 head of AMGOT. General Teddy Roosevelt arrived. Awaiting Terry Allen. Both en route home on Turnover Policy. Gay phoned. Tonight’s show off. 10 Back to 3rd Division by cub. Truscott decided to hold operation tonight. General Patton arrived there for lunch and returned to Army CP at Santo Stefano. I flew via mountain route to Cesarò–Troina– Santo Stefano—then back to 3rd Division arriving about 1900. Truscott announced he wasn’t in position to execute operation tonight. (Our troops were then at the beach and Navy had started for rendezvous) claimed his artillery unable to reach positions from which to support land advance to join landing force in time to save it from being lost. I disagreed and stated I would call General Bradley and inform him. Truscott called Bradley and stated his case. I talked to Bradley while Bradley agreed with Truscott, he said if General Patton ordered it, the operations would go. I asked if he would call General Patton or if he wanted me to do so. Bradley said for me to call. I phoned General Patton stating Truscott and Bradley’s arguments and said I disagreed as to the “sacrifice” aspect of the mission. General Patton ordered the operation to proceed. Truscott asked to speak to General Patton and stated his arguments in person. General Patton adhered to his decision and later came to Truscott’s CP and assumed all responsibility for the affair should it fail. He repeated the same to Bradley. I believe that was a wise decision from many angles. Orders were issued and the operation proceeded but several hours later than planned. Editor’s Note: General Patton’s infamous slapping incidents involving hospitalized troops occurred on August 3 and 10, 1943, neither of which

Operation Husky and the Sicilian Campaign  41

is recorded in the diary. As noted in the diary on August 3, while Patton was en route to II Corps CP, he stopped at the 15th Evacuation Hospital outside of Nicosia. The first instance occurred when he slapped a private from Company L, 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division. The second incident was on August 10, when Patton visited the 93rd Evacuation Hospital, again while en route to the II Corps CP.48 11 Up at 0500. No word from landing operation. 3rd Division CP moved to Sant’ Agata. About 0630 received word landing effected with little resistance. [Second amphibious assault by 3rd Infantry Division at Brolo.] Situation appeared good. Flew back to Palermo. Saw one of our planes crash—pilot bailed out—landed with parachute full of holes. Returned about 1500; flew around west side of Cap d’Orlando to see attack of 30th Infantry Division. Also saw evidence of fight near Brolo (landing operation). Observed 5 specks in water which turned out to be DUKS [amphibious modification of 2½-ton truck] from Brolo. At CP learned of 2 counterattacks on landing battalion one of which (east) was driven off but other seemed very threatening. Took cub again to 7th Army CP but flew east of Cap d’Orlando first. Got quite close to Brolo. Saw one explosion. USS Philadelphia [light cruiser] was attacked by 8 Boche planes. 4 brought down. Had supper with Generals Patton, Lucas, Gay and Senator Henry Cabot Lodge, Jr. [US Senator-Massachusetts] Returned at 2000 and again saw specks at marina—same DUKS. After landing I drove to marina and interviewed one crew. They had made about 45 miles by water in 8–9 hours. At 3rd Division CP everyone rather gloomy over 2nd Battalion 30th Infantry Regiment [“Task Force Bernard was composed of LTC Lyle W. Bernard’s 2d Battalion, 30th Infantry, supported by two artillery batteries, a tank platoon and a combat engineer platoon.”49]. Radio had quit in final call for help from Liaison Officer (Captain Millar). Turned in at 2300. Another 18 hour day. 12 Up at 5. No further report from 2nd Battalion 30th Infantry Regiment. Report at 0300 from Rogers saying contact with members of 2nd Battalion. Drove to Brolo, CP of leading Battalion 30th Regiment. Story from Colonel Rogers. Evidences of severe fighting yesterday. Found Captain Millar. Got his story and took him back to Division CP. Says bulk of Battalion is on the hill but most of the guns and tanks were lost. In spite of losses the net result of operation was the knocking out of the northern hinge of the Boche resistance and the advance of the entire 3rd Division east of Cap d’Orlando.

42  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

Leading elements near Patti. Returned to 7th Army CP through Palermo. General Patton to return later. 13 General Patton remained Palermo (sand fly fever). Plan for next amphibious landing involving 157th RCT (45th Division) progressing. Generals Middleton and Gaffey50 for lunch. Hodge left. General William C. (Pink) Crane51 arrived. 14 More work on amphibious landing. Flew to II Corps CP. 1 hour 40 minutes each way by cub and 50 minutes each way by jeep. Got OK on amphibious landing [third amphibious assault by 3rd Infantry Division]. After dinner got report 3rd Division was practically at landing point so a new plan was drawn up with landing opposite Spadafora (east of Milazzo). Everyone worked hard. 15 Mass at 9 a.m. Checked and double checked on advance of 3rd Division and gave word at noon for operation to go. Flew to Falcone [airport] and upon arrival at CP 3rd Division Truscott claimed his troops were in Spadafora and would need all roads and a disaster would result if landing took place there. Recommended calling operation off. I refused to call it off but sent word to Admiral Davidson stating situation and requesting he land at one of 3 designated beaches. After much effort and delay message got through and landing was made at Brolo (West of Milazzo). 3rd Division did not pass Spadafora until about midnight and was held up until noon. Truscott also claimed he would be in vicinity of Messina early tomorrow. 16 Up at 5 and on to CP 7th Infantry Regiment (Colonel Harry B. Sherman, West Point Class of 191652). Had breakfast in orchard. Fresh figs and grapes. Went up to 3rd Division. Hotel Le Due Torri. 3rd Reconnaissance Company and II/7 [2nd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment] held up by 88 [German 88 mm antiaircraft and antitank artillery gun] and Machine Guns. Had a couple of close calls from shelling. 88 seemed to be watching for our tanks. Big stone fell under my car. Returned to 3rd Division about 3 p.m. Then flew to Naso 7th Army CP and got back at 8:30. Landed practically in the dark. Checked 3rd Division orders for final advance on Messina. Troops to gain ridge by midnight. Artillery in place by daylight. Preparation to be completed for advance at 0800. General Patton to arrive about 9 a.m. To bed about 11 p.m. 17 Up at 5. Went to ridge position with Truscott. Plans for final advance by 7th Infantry Regiment, 1st Battalion; 157th Infantry Regiment (45th Division); and Rangers. 3rd Reconnaissance Company patrols

Operation Husky and the Sicilian Campaign  43

in Messina before daylight. Reconnaissance Platoon brought mayor and chief of police of Messina to General Truscott. Later brought colonel commanding all Italian troops in Messina area. Surrender completed. No troops left in Messina. No further resistance. Arrangements made for formal surrender to General Patton at the city hall about 1030. General Patton arrived and when crater in main road was reported filled and troops on their way, the official party including escort started down the hill. Generals Patton, Truscott, Gray in first car. Myself, Lucas, Don E. Carleton,53 and Lournan in second. Other cars followed. As we passed one turn, the Boches opened up on us from the mainland and almost got us. Colonel Walter and one enlisted man had slight wounds, two vehicles hit. Mad race to the city, which was badly bombed. Worst I’ve seen. Found a British gun carrier and some tanks in the city but they arrived hours after our troops. Ceremony brief and in the street. We then returned to 3rd Division CP for lunch. Met Generals Smith and Lemnitzer en route. Flew back to Cap d’Orlando where General Bradley was given Distinguished Service Medal. I continued to Palermo. 18 Went to Piana dei Greci with Colonel Campanoli. Greek town. Lucas returned. Arranged for use of LCIs with Admiral Davidson. 19 Flew to 7th Army CP had lunch and attended to business connection with troop movements. Called on General (Lord) Reynolds (head AMGOT) at his request—business ref. CIC—imprisoned countess, etc. Dinner at Colonel Roberts in Palazzo of the Duc d’Orleans— very elaborate table. Captain Audin (French) mess officer. Long talk with Audin afterwards. 20 General Patton and Army HQ. Returned. Flew to Trapani and Marsala to see 82nd Airborne Division off by carrier planes. Also saw a couple of B-24s (Liberators) which had had forced landings after Vienna raid last week. Flew over islands off Trapani. General Patton received letter from Eisenhower. Truscott arrived en route to Tapani area. Editor’s Note: “The letter Eisenhower sent to Patton [referring to the slapping incidents] contained the strongest words of censure written to a senior American officer during World War II. In it Eisenhower expressed shock and dismay over the allegations of misconduct.  .  .  . Contrary to popular belief, Eisenhower’s letter did not require a personal apology to every soldier and unit in Seventh Army,” only that Patton make every effort within his power to apologize appropriately.54

44  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

21 Received DSM from General Lucas (General Patton DSC) and later Silver Star from General Patton for flying ahead of column in a cub at Menfi July 20th. [Editor’s Note: Keyes received the DSM for his command of the Provisional Corps in which he “demonstrated tactical judgement, courage and drive of a superior type, and by his continued personal contact with the front line unit commanders, (which) contributed immeasurably to the remarkable success of his own Corps and the Seventh Army as a whole.”55] Lucas returned to Algiers. Went Swimming, first time since Cranberry Lake. Fine beach and water. Bob Hope and Company for dinner. Sort of a flop. 22 Mass at Palace Chapel. Flew to Palma di Montechiaro CP 1st Division. Lunch with Huebner. 23 3rd Boche air raid on Palermo 0415–0450. Estimated 10–20 planes. We claim 4. Two small sub chasers sunk and small fire on freighter. 10–20 killed. 40–50 wounded. We used smoke and search lights. Enemy used dive bomber tactics. General Bradley to Algiers re Avalanche. Editor’s Note: Operation Avalanche was the code name for the corpssized operation at Salerno to be conducted by the US Fifth Army under the command of General Mark Clark following the end of the Sicilian campaign.56 24 To 2nd Armored Division with General Patton who addressed the officers on the recent operations and complimented them. [Editor’s Note: General Patton had previously commanded this division, and there was an enthusiastic response to his presence and a general disbelief in the rumors about him.57] Like going home. Spoke to White and Speed Perry about Jimmy Duke Jr.58 25 Flew to 3rd Division (Trapani) and Castelvetrano. Sure rough. General Lord Rennell came to dinner. Told us lots of interesting things about the history of Sicily and American expeditions along North African coast in the days of the Barbary Pirates. William Eaton apparently led first American amphibious operations (west of Alexandria). Fifth and 8th Armies continue to call on us for units and equipment. Hope our turn comes again. General Patton addressed 45th Division. [Editor’s Note: “He made a speech to the 45th Division, and again made no note in his diary of his rather circuitous explanation of what had taken place in the hospitals.”59] Colonel Rogers 30th Infantry Regiment for dinner.

Operation Husky and the Sicilian Campaign  45

26 Inspected Prisoner of War Cage—Palermo. General Patton addressed 9th Division. [Editor’s Note: When addressing the 60th Infantry Regiment, 9th Division, one of the most remarkable moments of World War II occurred. The division had only been in action in Sicily for two weeks, and its men were not familiar with Patton. When he began to speak, the men of the regiment erupted, shouting, “Georgie, Georgie!” With tears of appreciation streaming down his face, Patton walked off the platform.60] Letter from LHK [spouse] bracelets arrived home safely. Bad movie. 27 Generals John H. Hughes [Secretary of War’s Personnel Board], Miller G. White (G-1 War Department), Russell B. Reynolds (G-1 ASF [Army Service Forces]) arrived also Mr. Jones, Bureau of the Budget. General Patton addressed the 1st Division. [Editor’s Note: In addressing the 1st Infantry Division, now under its new commander, General Clarence R. Heubner (General Allen had been relieved by General Bradley), General Patton’s speech “was greeted by stony silence. Heubner believed this not a renunciation of Patton so much as an acknowledgement that Patton was wrong and the matter should be forgotten as quickly as possible.”61] Hughes said my DSM went to War Department one day and returned approved the next—a record. 28 Inspected my beach cottage. Very swank. First swim. Very hush hush re impending arrival of mysterious visitor. 29 Generals Patton, Bradley, Truscott, Gay, and myself flew to Catania and then drove to Taormina for lunch with General Montgomery CG 8th Army. General Eisenhower also a guest. Guard of Honor in Kilts. Rough trip. First shower in months. Upon return we landed just ahead of mysterious plane (Italian). 30 Flew to Trapani. General Patton addressed 3rd Division. [Editor’s Note: “Emotion also ran high when Patton appeared before the entire 3rd Division outside Trapani . . . ‘there were a hell of a lot of tears shed when Patton had to apologize to my whole division. . . .’”62] Then he continued with Hughes to Algiers. Dinner at my Mondello beach cottage. A huge success. 31 Mystery plane landed Termini (east) about 9:30 safely. [Editor’s Note: The mystery plane carried Brigadier General Giuseppe Castellano, chief of General Vittorio Ambrosio’s military office, who had been in Spain negotiating the Italian surrender. General Bedell Smith and other American officials arrived at Cassibile, near Syracuse, to negotiate the final terms of the surrender.63] Flew to Termini to visit

46  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

II Corps and to Trabia to visit 45th Division. Heard broadcast of Churchill’s speech from Quebec. Stalin is still the prime factor. Editor’s Note: Speaking for himself and President Roosevelt, Prime Minister Churchill, following the Quebec Conference, expressed a desire that the three wartime leaders meet and that the three foreign ministers should meet expeditiously.64 September 1943 1 Flew to 2nd Armored Division and later drove to CP II/41 [2nd Battalion, 41st Armored Infantry Regiment] to see Colonel Raw. Mr. Robert D. Murphy and Mr. MacMillan from AFHQ called. They were attending conference at Syracuse with passenger of “mysterious” plane. Prospects seem hopeful. Editor’s Note: “President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s personal representative, [Robert D. Murphy] worked with the French to negotiate the terms of the Allied takeover of North Africa. During 1943 and 1944 he was political advisor to General Dwight D. Eisenhower. He attended the Potsdam Conference after the defeat of Germany in 1945, and he served as a political adviser in postwar Germany until 1949.”65 2 General Patton returned. Our stock not very bright (am supposed to rise very slowly in the estimation of the higher ups!) Lucas to get the II Corps. That is OK by me. Understand Wedemeyer had little to say in favor of 7th Army staff but gave me a boost. Our future is none too secure but seems pointed toward UK. Dinner at General Frank J. McSherry’s villa. 3 General Bradley arrived en route 15th Army Group. HQ 8th Army jumped off on Baytown—0440. [Editor’s Note: Operation Baytown was the code name for the crossing of the Strait of Messina into Calabria on the Italian mainland by the British Eighth Army following the Sicilian campaign.66] Recommendations for promotions agreed upon by Generals Patton, Bradley and myself. Got letters from LHK, MLK, and BKA—first mail in ages. 2 IG’s from AFHQ to investigate feeling about General Patton. 4 Inspected staging area at Castellammare. Report from AMGOT on 3rd Division at Trapani. Went Swimming. General Thomas B. Larkin [Commanding General, Services of Supply, North African Theater of Operations] here on setting IBS [Island Base Section, Sicily]. First news of impending move to Italy.

Operation Husky and the Sicilian Campaign  47

5 Mass and communion 8:30. Rained again. Larkin says our supply was tops!! Everyone of importance says the same but AFHQ says we were rotten!! Sent 2 dozen silk stockings and some linen home by Larkin. Paddy Flint came in. Looking fine. Goums return to North Africa. 6 Word from AFHQ stating 7th Army is not to be retained. Bradley to United Kingdom to command First Army [Operation Overlord]. Our future not settled except by inference. It can’t be as dark as it looks! Or can it? [Editor’s Note: The Seventh Army headquarters remained relatively inactive in Sicily, and “in the months following the end of the campaign Patton resided in isolated splendor in the palace at Palermo as his army was gradually stripped away to meet new commitments in Italy and England” until early 1944, when its staff began planning for Operation Dragoon, the invasion of southern France.67] Lucas returns today to take over II Corps. Bill Morris and aide arrived for sightseeing tour with 45th Division. Reports many changes in Armored Force. 7 General Bradley called to say goodbye—en route tomorrow to United Kingdom. Has turned over II Corps to Lucas. Went with General Patton to say goodbye to Middleton departing on Avalanche.68 Received word about possibility of Italian planes flying in tonight to intern. General Patton ordered troops to guard all airports to prevent a surprise coup. The time of arrival at fields involved coincided with those used by our 82nd Airborne Division departing on their Avalanche mission which is now understood to be Rome. Heard announcement over radio at 2000 of Italy’s request and grant of military armistice. Came just as we finished dinner at Provisional Corps Mess. Civilians celebrated until about midnight. Editor’s Note: While the British Eighth Army invaded mainland Italy across the Straits of Messina on September 3, 1943, the US Fifth Army landed on the beaches at Salerno, south of Naples on September 9, 1943, under the command of General Clark.69 9 Radio announcement Allied landings on Italy. Did not say where other than Naples area. Something went awry. 82nd did not take off; no Italian planes came in. 10 General Patton to Bizerte to confer with General Alexander. Interview rather favorable for 7th Army. Situation of 5th Army not too good. Buffet supper dance at Provisional Corps.

48  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

11 Visited 3rd Infantry and 2nd Armored Divisions. Lunch at 2nd Armored Division. Al Jolson there for soldier show. Red Cross opening. Mr. Norman H. Davis and party representing Red Cross. Mr. Davis spoke of George [General Patton]—very dear friend, etc. [Editor’s Note: Norman H. Davis served as chairman of the American Red Cross from April 12, 1938, until his death on July 2, 1944. “In the summer of 1943 Mr. Davis made a month’s inspection of the battle areas, coving 15,000 miles and visiting England, North Africa, and Sicily, inspecting the work of the Red Cross and meeting most of the Allied commanders.”70] 12 Mass and communion at Palace Chapel. General Carl A. Russell, OPD [Operations Division],71 arrived. Lucas for lunch. Flew up to Termini and back to see Italian fleet in harbor and arriving. Saw 5 destroyers and 8 corvettes arrive. Flags flying—crew paraded! KT [Happy Hour] supper at Captain Douthit Navy. 13 Ordered hunt for 20–30 Germans hiding near Altafonte. Furnished “air cover” in cub. 45th Division 2nd contingent loaded out. Word received Avalanche is in tight spot. [Editor’s Note: In the week following the Salerno landings, the situation deteriorated so badly that there was the possibility of the Allies failing to retain their foothold.72] 14 More of 45th out. 3rd coming into staging area. Dinner at General Runnell’s (General Alexander there). General James K. Crain73 and General William H. Hobson74 due. Been sick in hospital. Algiers— Sand Fly Fever. Truscott to HQ 5th Army by PT boat. 15 Flew over to see Greek ruins at Sagesta. 1st or 9th Divisions alerted (tentatively). 1 Tank Company to Fortbase McSherry, doubt necessity. General Alexander and Truscott returned from Salerno. 16 Only mail received for days is an ad for Timken apples! General J. K. Crain left and gave me a bottle of Scotch. General Eisenhower passes through here tomorrow. 1st contingent 3rd Division loaded. 17 General Eisenhower passed through. Indications I may get II Corps (at General Patton’s urgent recommendation). Bill Morris returned from Fifth Army. Situation there was grossly exaggerated by troops involved. Estimated max 1 Reinforced Armored Division [16th Panzer Division] was all that opposed 5th Army. Larkin and Bill Goodman came in after supper. Editor’s Note: Letters were exchanged between Generals Patton and Eisenhower concerning the assignment of General Keyes as commander of

Operation Husky and the Sicilian Campaign  49

II Corps.75 See Appendix A. Patton wrote Eisenhower on September 19: “On the 18th I got a message from Smith stating in part, ‘He authorizes you to place Keyes in temporary repeat temporary command II Corps.’ A temporary status for the Commanding General of the II Corps makes the organization of staff, which is now wholly disorganized, very difficult, and I therefore hope that you will let the original telegram stand or clarify the situation in some other way.”76 On September 20, Eisenhower responded to Patton: “The reason for using the word “temporary” in orders affecting Keyes was merely to protect him pending final completion of command rearrangement. He should proceed immediately to any reorganization of the staff that is required and my only thought is that if it should later become necessary to make any rearrangement of higher command organization, he would not have the feeling of being relieved by cause. I have every reason to believe the assignment will be permanent but in any event he should proceed to act exactly in that manner.”77 On September 30, Eisenhower wrote Patton: “As far as I am concerned the assignment of Keyes to the II Corps is a permanent one. If you will drop a note to General Smith and tell him that I know of no further reason for keeping the temporary assignment the orders will be issued promptly. I will probably do it myself before your letter gets there but I am telling you about it so that there will be no danger of its being overlooked.”78 On September 21, General Keyes wrote to General Eisenhower expressing his commitment to carrying out the duties of his assignment as II Corps commander to the best of his ability. 18 Captain Coffin woke me at 0200 to deliver radio message assigning me to II Corps and ordering Lucas to 5th Army. Things always come out right in the end! Am certainly grateful to GSP. Flew to Termini to see Lucas. Bradley had taken 32 officers, 7 Warrant Officers, and 48 Enlisted Men from II Corps HQ. Lucas had wired to US and elsewhere for replacements—nearly all Field Artillery!! I cancelled some and plan to take Willems and a few from Provisional Corps. Late in afternoon radio message arrived from General Walter Bedell Smith, Chief of Staff, Allied Forces Headquarters stating my assignment Temporary. [Editor’s Note: The assignment of a commander on a temporary basis would indicate that a permanent commander would be assigned in the near future, relieving the temporary commander of the position.] That makes an entirely different story and leaves II Corps HQ and staff in uncertain position. Lucas came in for dinner and left about 2130 to board ship for Fifth Army. I had last KT with Provisional Corps Staff.

50  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

19 Mass and communion. Asked Gray to cancel guard of honor, etc. in view of Temporary Status of my assignment. Went to CP II Corps with Colonel John M. Willems [II Corps chief of staff]79 to work with staff. Flew to 2nd Armored to try and get Butchers as G-3. General Hugh J. Gaffey80 reluctant to lose him. General Patton advises me to take Butchers but wait a day or two till he hears from AFHQ. Grand supper party at General’s villa at Mondello. Assumed command II Corps. 20 Paddy Flint awarded DSC. Moved to CP II Corps near Termini. Now occupy the famous caravan. Tel El Lighto wash stand, etc. radio, etc., etc. Bought and sent home 10 Pairs of gloves ($19.50). Dinner with General Eddy at villa above Cefalù—real Moulin A Vent wine. 21 Decoration ceremony. 70th Tank Battalion and 53rd Signal Battalion. Wrote letter to General Eisenhower re my assignment.81 23 Terrific wind and dust storm last night and this morning. Took Admiral L. A. Davidson [commander of Task Force 88] on battlefield trip in cubs. Had delicious dinner and spent night on the U.S.S. Philadelphia. 24 Started inspection of 9th Division. 25 Dysentery last night. Tough day inspecting. Colonels Robert W. Porter [deputy chief of staff] and Ralph J. Butchers [G-3] reported for duty. 26 Finished inspection. Chaplain Chataignon set up an altar and said mass alongside my trailer this a.m. 27 Lunch in Palermo with General Patton and Gaffey. Got some details of Dawley’s relief. 28 Another dust and wind storm. Received through General Patton a remarkable letter from General Eisenhower. [Editor’s Note: See Eisenhower’s letter in Appendix A.] Editor’s Note: Eisenhower’s letter to Keyes expresses confidence in his abilities as a commander, but it also implies that Keyes was quick to take credit rather than expressing his appreciation for the work of others. In the letter, General Eisenhower expresses his concepts of command. A copy of General Eisenhower’s letter to General Keyes is contained in the George S. Patton Papers archived at the Library of Congress. Apparently Keyes provided a copy to Patton, who felt that the letter was also directed at him.82 29 Somewhat dazed over my alleged reputation as a publicity hunter and limelight hogger! Within 5 days of fall of Palermo I had written

Operation Husky and the Sicilian Campaign  51

and signed 100 letters of commendation. Have also recommended 7 for medals! [Editor’s Note: See Eisenhower’s letter in Appendix A.] 30 Still working on staff training. Went into Palermo for supper party at Mondello. Fine party but not too ritzy. Spent night in my old room. October 1943 1 Showed GSP my reply to Ike [General Eisenhower]. He said it is a masterpiece. Am sure his asking correspondents to give me a “plug” (unknown to me) was the basis of it all. Secretary of Navy Frank Knox passed through Palermo returning from Italy. No word on our movements. Naples fell today about 19 days behind schedule. Have invited GSP, Gray, Eddy, General Donald A. Stroh,83 Huebner and Colonel Wimans to lunch tomorrow. Guard of Honor etc. 2 Luncheon called off. Rain! Dinner with General Eddy at his Sicilian Berchtesgaden. 40 year old wine. 3 Beautiful day. Decoration ceremony 39th Infantry Regiment (Colonel H. A. “Paddy” Flint). General Patton presented the medals (75 Silver Stars or clusters). Fine dinner with Eddy. Broiled lobster—turkey, etc. GSP got his permanent Major Generalcy. That puts him ahead of several of his bitterest rivals. No word on our move to join 5th Army. 4 Heavy rain last night. A.M. clear. Went to see Jim Goodewillie. Called Speed Perry re Jimmie Duke. Reports on him not too good. Chaplain Chataignon for dinner. 37 years in US. Fine chaplain. 5 Generals Patton, Heubner, Eddy, Gay, Stroh and Colonel Wimans came for lunch. General Patton gave me fine sendoff. Our orders finally arrived. We close in by October 5. I go by plane tomorrow with 6 of my staff. Am confident we can do any job they give us. GSP said Eisenhower had written him to make my assignment permanent. It must have been my letter! II Corps is having a smoker tonight. 6 Smoker a grand success. Leaving by plane with staff about 1300 from Palermo. Lowman supposed to have malaria! To Palermo by cub. Lunch with GSP. Left Palermo with staff by C-47 at 1315, Flew direct to mainland south of Agropoli and landed at airport 1435. Ran into Hank Allen at airport. Advance agent for 1st Armored Division. CP of 5th Army in process of moving to Naples. Spent night at Salerno CP.

3

Crossing the Rapido October 1943–February 1944

Editor’s Note: In the invasion of mainland Italy, Operation Avalanche, the main attack was made by the US Fifth Army at Salerno, with secondary attacks by the British Eighth Army across the Straits of Messina (Operation Baytown) and at the port of Tarranto.1 Eisenhower “allowed the AFHQ planners to concoct no fewer than four separate widely scattered assaults on Italy that could not be mutually supporting.”2 Salerno, fifty miles south of Naples, was selected as the Fifth Army objective since it was within range of Allied fighters operating out of Sicily. Montgomery protested in vain against this division of force that also divided the logistic requirements and the air power required to support the attacks.3 The attacking Allied forces would be met by eight German divisions—two in or north of Rome, two near Naples, and four south of Naples. “Most of the divisions had incurred heavy losses in personnel and equipment in Sicily.”4 The 16th Panzer Division was located in the general region of Salerno, with the Hermann Goering Panzer Division further north near Naples. In southern Italy, three German divisions would confront the British landings.5 Due to the recall of landing craft to Great Britain for use in Operation Overlord, the Eighth Army was ferried across the Straits on September 3, 1943, to be followed by the Fifth Army’s four divisions landing at Salerno on September 9. Salerno offered excellent beaches for the invasion, but they were surrounded on three sides by high, steep hills.6 While the Eighth Army met little resistance, the four divisions of the Fifth Army encountered a determined mobile defense by the 16th Panzer Division. The British 10 Corps, commanded by General Richard McCreery7 and composed of the 46th and 56th Infantry Divisions, landed just south of Salerno. The US VI Corps, commanded by General Ernest J. Dawley, was composed of the inexperienced 36th Infantry Division, the 45th Infantry Division, with the 82nd Airborne Division in reserve. The 36th Division 52

Crossing the Rapido  53

was landed in the south without naval or air support in a vain attempt at achieving surprise.8 The plan entailed having VI Corps wheel to the north, make contact with the Eighth Army, and march toward Rome. However, by September 11 the Germans had concentrated elements of five Panzer or Panzer Grenadier divisions to contain the invasion forces. For the next four days the Allied beachhead was tenuous, but by September 15 it was safe.9 By September 16, leading elements of the British 5th Infantry Division had made contact with the Fifth Army forty miles southeast of Salerno, forcing the German withdrawal from Salerno on September 18. Naples was occupied by Allied forces on October 1, and by October 6 the Fifth Army had reached the Volturno River.10 As the German units withdrew slowly northward from Naples toward Rome, their engineers, utilizing all available reserves as well as forced Italian labor, constructed a series of fortified defensive lines stretching across the Italian peninsula. The Gustav Line stretched from the Tyrrhenian Sea on the west and along the Gari and Rapido Rivers, extending beyond the town of Cassino across the Apennine Mountains and north along the Sangro River to the Adriatic Sea south of the town of Ortona.11 The slow advance of the Allies enabled the Germans by early November to prepare an additional defensive line composed of temporary fortifications, the Winter Line, which hinged on “the Garigliano River ten miles from the [Tyrrhenian] sea, the system extending northeast through the hills barring access to the Rapido Valley into the high Apennines where neither side could operate in force.”12 The Winter Line was designed to delay the Fifth Army, but German success in stopping these forces in early November resulted in an effort to hold it as long as possible. As a succession of interlocked barriers, it was a formidable defensive position.13 On October 12, 1943, the Fifth Army attacked across the Volturno River with the British 10 Corps on the left and the US VI Corps on the right, each with three divisions abreast. Three days later, five divisions were across the Volturno with the Germans falling back, aided by the terrain. On the eastern side of the Apennines, the Eighth Army opened its offensive on October 22 and closed on the south bank of the Sangro River. As the Fifth Army approached the Winter Line, it became clear that the troops were exhausted and drained by casualties.14 On November 15, 1943, it was ordered to halt its attack. The fall rains made movement difficult, and streams were flooded and bridges washed out. Morale declined and the level of mud rose. The lack of reserves resulted in an inability to exploit breakthroughs. As a result, reorganization of the units and consolidation of their gains occurred in preparation for a renewed attack.

54  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

AUSTRIA

SWITZERLAND

FRAN CE

HUNGARY

Milan

L. Garda

Turin Gothic Line Sept 44 - Apr 45

Bologna

Arno Line Aug 44

Florence Arezzo Trasimene Line July 44 Caesar Line May 44

I TA LY

Corsica

YUGOSLAVIA

Adriatic Sea

Rome MONTE CASSINO

Gustav Line Winter 43 - Spring 44

Winter Line Nov 43 - Jan 44

Naples

Taranto

Sardinia

0

50 100 150

MEDITERRANEAN SEA

km 0

50

100

150

mi

Sicily

Map 4. German Defensive Lines in Italy.

“The Fifth Army rhythm of attack, reorganization, and then renewed attack was being established.”15 October 1943 Editor’s Note: General Keyes arrived at Salerno on the Italian mainland on October 6, 1943, to be followed by the II Corps headquarters staff on October 10. The Corps Command Post was established on the north slope of Mount Vesuvius at Santa Anastasia. As commander of II Corps in the battles to come in Italy, General Keyes would be subordinate to the Fifth Army and its commander (General Mark Clark initially and General Lucian Truscott later). He would serve as the senior tactical com-

Crossing the Rapido  55

mander on the battlefield when II Corps and the divisions assigned to it engaged in combat and would be responsible for implementing the battle plans and overseeing those tactical units engaging the enemy. 7 Drove to Naples via Pompeii and Vesuvius. Lunch at CP—General Clark’s mess. Present Generals McCreery 10th British Corps, Lucas VI Corps, Gruenther COS 5th Army, Brigadier Richardson, British Colonels Brann, Hill, Sutherland. After lunch conference then talk with General Clark. I am to have 3rd and 26th Infantry Divisions and possibly 1st Armored Division. 10 Corps [British] to remain in Fifth Army. Clark very cordial and offers help. 8th Army [British] behind due now to lack of supplies (us). Time bomb (?) exploded in building occupied by base section about 1400 killing and wounding many. Myself and staff now installed in Hotel Parco overlooking bay of Naples. From my window balcony I can see Vesuvius to the left and the Isle of Capri on the right. The rain (all day) temporarily spoils a beautiful sight. 8 Heard at least 2 LSTs of II Corps HQ are due in this a.m. [Editor’s Note: The II Corps headquarters and headquarters company was composed of approximately seventy-five officers and 250 enlisted personnel.16] Tentative location for CP designated. Drove all over docks and harbor area—a long time to clear up but not too badly wrecked. Lunch with General Matthew Ridgway. Had to clear hotel while German safes were removed. Captain Winthrop H. Lee17 and I did Pompeii. Interesting but too long—the dining room was filled with bones of five skeletons—don’t know who ate who. Air alarm and 15 minutes of AA [antiaircraft] fire about 9 p.m.—neither saw nor heard a plane. 9 More rain. Willems [II Corps COS] arrived last night approximately 3 LSTs off Salerno with II Corps on them. No telling where or when they will unload. Have bivouac selected just North of Vesuvius. Went shopping to kill time. Willems says GSP and some of the staff left for Algiers yesterday on business. I hope it is something good. Lee and I went to HQ VI Corps for visit with General Lucas (Avellino). Nice set up. Major General Roscoe B. Woodruff (VII Corps)18 also visiting. 10 Spent day with Middleton, 45th Infantry Division. Like getting home—seeing the division watch on so many. I think the division is tired and can’t spurt. Watched some artillery firing around Guardia. Turkey dinner! Hilly country but not as rocky and barren as Sicily. A

56  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

few hours after we left 10 Boche planes attacked a battery effecting some casualties—we got 5 of the planes. Chicken dinner; never have eaten so well. Editor’s Note: “From the Volturno River to Rome was over 100 miles of jumbled mountains, deeply cut by swift streams which usually ran east or west across the allied line of advance. Such country was naturally designed for delaying actions. . . . Autumn was the wettest season in Italy; coastal swamps would be flooded and mountain streams would run in torrents.”19 11 Drove to 3rd Division with Lucas. General Clark arrived for conference. Believe 3rd Division gang was glad to see me. A fine lunch at the “Canton Chop House.” Went up to the OP and got fine view of the division zone for the attack. Returned to Naples. Sergeant Chewning was at the hotel. All elements of first echelon arrived yesterday. 12 Moved from hotel to our CP on the north slope of Vesuvius (S. Anastasia) a fine layout in some kind of orchard. Sun out and nice breeze is drying out the ground although forecast is for more rain. Am returning to 3rd Division tonight to observe the jump off. Sure like coming home to get back in the self-propelled shack—running water—shower—electric light and radio. Nothing like that in the hotel in Naples. Editor’s Note: “The Fifth Army opened its offensive across the Volturno on the night of 12 October, each of its corps attacking simultaneously with three divisions abreast.”20 By October 15, five of the six Allied divisions were across the Volturno River and moving north toward the Winter Line, a series of well-prepared position along the shortest possible line across the waist of Italy—from the Garigliano River on the west through mountains in the center to the Sangro River on the east.21 Marshal Albert Kesselring commanded the German Tenth Army, with LXXVI Panzer Corps facing the Eighth Army and XIV Panzer Corps opposing the Fifth Army. The XIV Panzer Corps was composed of three divisions, located from left to right: 15th, Hermann Goering, and 3rd Panzer Grenadier Divisions. In the mountains on the right, the 26th Panzer Division of LXXVI Corps was replaced by the 3rd Panzer Grenadier Division as it withdrew into the Eighth Army combat zone.22 13 Up at 0200 to watch returns in 3rd Division war room. Almost first return was report that attack of British 56th division had failed and

Crossing the Rapido  57

operation cancelled by General McCreery. 3rd Division met some resistance but by daylight had made fair progress. Went to OP at 0600 and watched progress until 1030. Unable to construct bridge due to enemy artillery fire. Returned to my bivouac via CP VI Corps. After lunch and staff conference returned to Maddaloni, CP of VI Corps and spent night there. Editor’s Note: In little more than twenty-four hours of fighting, the 3rd and 34th Infantry Divisions had won control of the Volturno Valley, and by the morning of October 14 every battalion of the 3rd Division was across the river.23 The Allied drive from the Volturno to the Winter Line occurred between October 15 and November 15.24 14 VI Corps staff round up. Progress satisfactory. Lucas is worried about Middleton—thinks he is tired and physically unable to keep up. Returned to bivouac and spent day in staff conference and planning. Believe the staff is on the way now and will be a fine operational staff. Rainy and cold again. 15 Went to HQ 5th Army. Lunch with Clark. Seems quite friendly and cordial. He is having his troubles with the British and 15th Army Group. Their Press guides are amazing. First of overland II Corps serials arrived from Termini. Went to VI Corps CP to spend the night. Took Colonel Porter [deputy COS] with me. Fine time including fried chicken and movies. Battle going OK except slow progress of 10 Corps (British). Louman returned with my winter wardrobe. 16 After roundup went up to 3rd Division CP north of Volturno and then on to CP 7th Infantry Regiment at Cisterna. Truscott has bad cold and looks tired. Tries to do it all. 3rd Division doing fine. Returned to II Corps at 1200. Rest of serials arrived about 1500. Jimmie Duke Jr arrived and reported for duty—gave him a good talking to. 17 Mass in chaplain’s tent—only parishioner. Drove to 36th Division area and had lunch with Generals Walker and Wilbur.25 Drove through waterfront area of Naples where big hotels and apartments were. Must have been a beautiful area. 18 First cub flight in Italy. Crossed the Volturno and had a grand trip. General Clark visited our CP. Most interesting visit as he opened the subject of II Corps employment and was toying with idea we’ve had for some time. I believe he is open to our views and I hope he will adhere to my recommendations to go light on the coast and shoot the

58  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

works in the valley of the Garigliano—Liri. He left me with the impression that I am to get the 3rd—36th—1st Armored divisions and possibly some British. What an opportunity! How much returns our recent planning and study have rendered!! 19 Inspected 53rd Signal Battalion area. General (Mother) Baer26 came to see me. May get his Battalion (71st). Spent most of day on plans for next operation. 20 Took another cub flight looking for new CP. Took memo into General Clark. Fine weather. News from front favorable. [Editor’s Note: By October 20, 1943, the 3rd Division was advancing north along the west side of the Volturno River, while the 34th Division had crossed it and was advancing along its east bank.27] 21 V-Mail [letter] from Leila date October 8. First in 3 weeks! Also letter from GSP. No news. Radio announced death of Sir Dudley Pound. First real air raid on Naples since my arrival. Lasted about one hour—a great spectacle. First directive from 5th Army. Looks pretty certain II Corps is to be gypped out of 3rd Division. 22 Left Washington one year ago today! Lunch with 36th Division. Spending tonight with Lucas at VI Corps CP. Eisenhower and Clark had been there for lunch. No real dope. Another air raid (minor). My CP moving to Morano NW of Naples tonight. 23 Flew over part of 3rd Division and British front. Visited 3rd Division CP. They are beginning to talk about two weeks for rehabilitation!! I knew they couldn’t keep on forever. Flew over Pompeii in a cub— that is the way to sight see! Got several letters from home—sure are welcome. We are in a fine apple area! 24 Another large air raid in Naples last night—about 6:30. Had just gone to bed to avoid mosquitoes so didn’t go out to watch raid. Chaplain said mass at my billet at 7 a.m. Flew around the forward areas. Saw some artillery shelling. Got 5 letters from Leila. What a grand day! One year ago we sailed from Newport News. 25 Inspected the 143rd Infantry Regiment of the 36th Division. It was attached to the 2nd Armored Division in the 1941 Maneuvers. Same Colonel William H. Martin.28 Got two letters from Leila and one from Jackie. 26 Continued inspection of 36th Division. Lowman sick. 27 Finished inspection of 36th Division. Attended orientation conference of 5th Army. Held in King’s summer palace at Caserta. Saw Lieutenant Colonel Beverley E. Powell.29 Big mail day—4 letters from Leila—September to October.

Crossing the Rapido  59

28 Brigadier General Raleigh R. Hendricks AAA [71st Antiaircraft Artillery Brigade] whose group is to be assigned to II Corps came for lunch. Says General Harold F. Loomis30 is in Algiers on French rearmament. Heavy rain. 29 Took draft of II Corps plan to 5th Army. Was just in time for both Lucas and Harmon had been there and II Corps was about to lose its shirt. Think I sold my plan, repaired the shirt and even an extra pair of pants. Harmon came to see me. Has lots of men (1st Armored Division) but no combat vehicles. I had lunch with General Clark and then went to VI Corps too late to accept Lucas invitation to lunch with General Giraud. However, had a brief chat with Giraud. He asked me if I were here to “faire la guerre” [wage war] said it was dangerous and that Casablanca would be much quieter. I said I thought the Anfa conference was more dangerous than war and he agreed heartily. Said he remembered meeting Leila at West Point—that he had had a fine trip and very profitable from point of view of armament for French troops. 30 55 years old! Fine day in honor of my birthday! Inspection and ceremony at 19th Combat Engineer Regiment. Sent boxes of apples to Clark, Gruenther, Lucas. Someone organized a birthday party for me at supper. KT—hors d’oeuvres—cake with 1 candle and 2 stars—and a desk set. Also Lowman received a letter from his mother wishing me a happy birthday. That’s timing! 31 Mass at 0700. Another rainy day. Called to 5th Army re future plans. Their proposal quite different from what we were working on. Flew back and got staff to work and evolved a modification to offer. Two British captains to supper. Worked on plans till 10:30 p.m. November 1943 1 All Saints day. Mass at 0700. Flew to 5th Army. General Clark approved our proposition. Learned VI Corps has been scheming to get 3rd Division. General Walker came to lunch. 2 Lunch at VI Corps. Visited Middleton at 45th Division CP. Big air raid over Naples last night. 3 Inspected 91st RCN [Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron]. Had lunch with them. Called on Harmon at 1st Armored Division CP. Had dinner in Naples (Pence’s villa) with General Patton. Fine long talk with him after dinner. They are still gunning for his staff. Can’t imagine who reported to General Marshall that 7th Army supply failed in Sicily unless it was Wedemeyer or Bradley. Nothing definite as to GSP’s next Assignment.

60  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

4 Another operational Directive from 5th Army. Changes our boundary and mission. Definitely assigns 3rd and 36th Divisions to II Corps. Drove to 36th Division for conference with Truscott. Saw Gerow and Gerhardt,31 latter still imbued with his importance. On way back, had a good look at the near front. No mail for some time. 5 To 5th Army re future plans. Success on 3rd Division front presents new picture. Moved II Corps CP from Marano to Villa Volturno area. Watched spectacular air raid on Naples while en route. 6 Right after breakfast our kitchen truck and 4 men ran over a land mine. Complete destruction front end of truck. All 4 men hurt but not fatally. Area has been occupied by British troops for weeks! Visited 3rd Division CP. Understand 3rd is trying to get one RCT of 36th Division. Am going to 5th Army to propose putting II Corps in without delay. 7 No luck at 5th Army. They agree “in principle” but think time not ripe. Am afraid it will be another rush job and that 36th Division will be dissipated. 141st RCT moving up was strafed this morning. Drove to VI Corps for lunch. Saw Gerhardt and Gerow. Long talk with Gerow who says British putting so many conditions in the 2nd front (Channel) idea as to make it doubtful. Caught in rain coming home. Lucas says 34th Division is tired out. He thinks whole VI Corps is. Editor’s Note: On November 9, 1943, General Alexander, commanding the 15th Army Group, outlined three phases for the breakthrough to Rome: Phase I—In the east, the Eighth Army would attack across the Sangro River to gain control of the Pescara–Popoli roads in an effort to threaten the German lines of communication behind the Fifth Army on the east side of the Apennine Mountains and then swing west toward Rome. Phase II—The Fifth Army would drive north through the LiriSacco Valley to Frosinone. Phase III—An amphibious landing south of Rome would follow. Although the objectives of the Fifth Army lay beyond Rome, the immediate aim was to obtain control of the entrance to the Liri Valley. “The fact that Fifth army issued four operations instructions during the period October 20–November 24, each with a different plan of attack [see General Keyes’s diary], indicates the expected difficulty of gaining this first objective of its drive.”32 Additional confounding issues included the transfer of seven veteran divisions from the Mediterranean Theater to England in preparation for Operation Overlord while the French units designated to replace them were still training in North Africa. Most of the Mediterranean assault shipping was likewise being

Crossing the Rapido  61

transferred to England, and the shipping that was retained for the amphibious assault could be kept only until January 15, 1944.33 8 Anniversary of our landing in Morocco! How much has happened since then! Thank God Leila and the children have kept well and happy. Went to visit the men hurt the other day. All four are getting along nicely. Cold rain has stopped but we are all cold. The news from Russia is certainly encouraging. [Editor’s Note: By the end of 1943, a large part of the Ukraine and the Northern Caucasus had been cleared of German forces.34] This time next year should see the approaching end of the German resistance and another year Japan. 9 Good sized air raid just north of us. General Vincent Meyer35 came out for lunch. Mother Baer and Walker came over. Pretty cold today. 10 Air raid on Capua bridge about 0400. Enemy seems to be striking back in small units not larger than a company. Our advance slowed down. Petros [General Keyes’s orderly] insists on shaming me into taking open air shower. Got a birthday letter from Clark. Don’t know where it has been all this time. Radio indicates De Gaulle has squeezed out Giraud. However I guess the latter is glad to have command of Army only. 11 Armistice Day! One year since Armistice Day at Fedala when I met for first time General Noguès. Admiral F. C. Michelier and Generals Lascroux, LaHoulle.36 Lascroux had been my instructor at the École de Guerre. About 2 hours after conclusion of the negotiations, 3 of our ships off Fedala were torpedoed by German sub. Flew to 3rd Division then to Caserta. Lunch with Harmon at 1st Armored Division CP. Conference at 5th Army with CG, COS, G-3 and G-3 VI Corps re new plan to take S. Pietro and relieve 3rd Division. Saw General Karl Truesdell.37 12 Conference with General Walker and staff—Wilbur—V Meyers on Big Cassino Plan. Presentations of 16 Silver Stars to members of 91st RCN Squadron. Italian motorized brigade attached to II Corps! Boche air raid about 0715 this a.m. Attacked air fields near Naples. 13 Visited 5th Army. Long talk with Gruenther about future plans and current situation. Saw General Courtney H. Hodges.38 General Clark came to my CP for conference. Walker present. Relief of 3rd Division by 36th and future plans were the subjects discussed. Walker and I drove to 3rd Division for preliminary arrangements. Phoned Gruenther who promised to advise Lucas.

62  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

14 Mass and communion 0700. Call from Clark re relief. Lucas on way to see me. Had not been informed of our transactions yesterday. Lucas arrived. Everything OK. Departed for 5th Army. General Cesare V. Dapino39 commanding the Italian motorized brigade attached to my Corps reported and stayed for lunch, with him Major Campobello and Captain de Medici. Major Campobello speaks English quite well. He and Willems were competitors at the Olympic Games in Berlin in 1936. General Donald W. Brann40 G-3 5th Army came in about 2 p.m. Hope we put over the seeds of a few of our ideas. Cute letter from Leila jr [daughter]—one from Les a few days ago. Editor’s Note: By November 15, the Fifth Army was stalled at the Winter Line and its units had been ordered to halt their attack. The fall rains had been exceptionally heavy, with streams flooded and bridges washed out. Men and vehicles were mired in mud. Due to the lack of fresh divisions, a breakthrough could not be exploited and the German defense of the Winter Line slowed and then stopped the Fifth Army. The drive north from the Volturno, which had been uninterrupted since September 9, ground to a halt.41 15 A real rainy day. 36th Division preparing to relieve 3rd Division. One hour up—2 back due to rain, traffic, detours, etc. Movement of our CP postponed. 16 Still raining. 3rd Division CP shelled last night. Dick Creed killed. [Editor’s Note: Colonel Richard L. Creed was killed in action while commanding special troops of the 3rd Infantry Division at the Battle of Monte Lungo near Mignano, Italy.42] Saw and talked with him yesterday. Visited 5th Army re boundaries. 10 Corps (British) trying to encroach on our roads. I won out. Clark says I am to get a mountain group of some 2000 mountain troops. Truscott and Carleton43 trying their usual tactics of bucking orders. I wouldn’t fall for it this time. Maybe since that is the first attempt under this regime they won’t try it again. 17 Still raining and mud everywhere. 36th Division took over from 3rd about 1200. 5th Army called to know if II Corps could take over. We replied yes. Visited 36th about 1500. Saw B Company, 30th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Division on their way out. Was shocked at their wan appearance. They have certainly been through terrible things in 60 days of combat. Obviously they were kept in too long. Trench coat and 1 case Bourbon arrived from Everett Hughes.

Crossing the Rapido  63

Editor’s Note: On November 18, 1943, II Corps took over the center of the Fifth Army line, with the 36th Infantry Division in the line and the 3rd Infantry and 1st Armored Divisions in reserve. On their left, the British 10 Corps, composed of the 45th and 56th Infantry Divisions (with the 9th Armored Division in reserve), extended to the coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea. To their right was the US VI Corps, with the 45th and 36th Infantry Divisions and a parachute infantry regiment from the 82nd Airborne Division.44 II Corps would face the 15th Panzer Grenadier Division.45 18 Sun is out. Rainy spell is over. A good omen. II Corps took over the sector from VI Corps at 0001, i.e., midnight last night. Went up to 36th Division CP. Rained all afternoon. 2 letters from Leila and one from Ethel. 19 Visited 3rd Infantry Division, 36th Infantry Division, 71st Field Artillery Brigade. Rain. Letters from LHK & Rose. 20 More rain. Boche strafed our main road and killed one man of our HQ—the first death. Colonel Robert T. Frederick46 of 1st Special Service Force (raiders) reported. Truscott, Carleton and Bartash came to lunch. Frederick and his unit led the landing on Kiska. Unit organized at request of Churchill! Originally half American and half Canadian—now two-thirds American. Editor’s Note: The 1st Special Service Force, commanded by Colonel Robert T. Frederick, was a combined force composed of American and Canadian infantrymen who were recruited “among American lumberjacks, Canadian prospectors, and assorted ruffians of both nationalities.” Trained in Montana, the unit’s emphasis was on mountaineering and skiing, skills that would prove useful during the Italian campaign.47 21 Big Lunch at 5th Army. All corps, division, etc. commanders—British and French included. Saw several old friends and acquaintances. Doc Ryder, General Andre-Marie-Francois Dody48 2nd Moroccaine Division. Troy Middleton is about out with bad knee. General William W. Eagles49 to get the 45th Division. Had Captain Andrieu and Captain Malitch for KT and supper. Malitch is very bright and amusing, a Russian who was in the French cavalry in North Africa then attached to G-2 1st Division. Now attached to G-3 II Corps. Andrieu is liaison officer from French Mission—a sort of lug.

64  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

22 General Clark phoned me to come in for discussion of impending operations. Went in prepared to have to fight for our plans. Came out a winner on every point and without any argument! We have a green light and feel confident we can do a good job. General Alexander due tomorrow. May come by here. At last a sunny day. Lee went up to spend a couple of days with 36th Division. 23 More rain and some hail. Lunch at 36th Division. General Clark and General Gerald W. R. Templer,50 56th British Division there. General Alexander and his COS Richardson came for a visit to the front. They were shelled and didn’t get to the OP. Plans none too clear however II Corps will meet all calls! 24 Still raining. General Brann, 5th Army G-3, held conference here on next operations. Representatives of II, VI & 10 Corps, 36th Division and 5th Army Artillery attended. While we didn’t win all points we left 5th Army with some things they couldn’t answer satisfactorily. Looks like same old game of British outsmarting Americans. I suspect General Alexander had something to do with it. If the plan now about to be adopted is ordered I predict the British fall down before they reach San Giorgio. I visited the CP of 7th Infantry Regiment and saw Sherman. He has done a fine job and as I am responsible for him having the command of the Regiment I am doubly glad. Lee got back from the front. Spent 2 nights with a forward battalion—full of adventures. Editor’s Note: “The final plan, issued on November 24, recognized that simultaneous attacks by the three corps would be impracticable and divided the Fifth Army into three parts. In the first, 10 Corp and II Corps would take the Camino hill mass. Then II Corps would shift north of the Mignano Gap and take Mount Sammucro, while VI Corps drove west on the two roads in its zone. The last phase constituted the main attack into the Liri Valley, for both shoulders of the Mignano Gap would have been secured in the previous phases.”51 25 Am disturbed over the airing of the GSP hospital incident. Have written him to remember the yoo hoo incident. [Editor’s Note: The Yoo Hoo Incident occurred in July 1941, when the 110th Quartermaster Battalion, while returning from a training exercise, passed a golf course in Memphis, Tennessee. While doing so the soldiers waved and shouted “Yoo Hoo” at the young women golfers. Lieutenant General Ben Lear, while dressed for playing golf, took significant umbrage at

Crossing the Rapido  65

the antics of the soldiers, with the result that the soldiers marched fifteen miles back to Camp Robinson. As a result of the incident both the general and the unit received the nickname “Yoo Hoo.”52 On November 21, 1943, “The Quaker muckraker Drew Pearson, apparently tipped off by an OSS source, broadcast a garbled but uncensored version of the hospital incidents during his weekly radio show.” “Beetle Smith in Algiers made matters worse by disingenuously insisting that Patton had not been reprimanded, distinguishing between an official reprimand and Eisenhower’s personal castigation in August.”53] That commentator (Drew Pearson) certainly is helping the war effort! Thanksgiving Day and more and more rain. A real turkey dinner for everybody and a band entertainment at the CP for the HQ personnel. Plans going ahead although someone (not II Corps) is delaying the game. 26 The sun is out! Second morning since the 13th. Flew to the Mignano area to get a good look at the terrain in our front. Then flew to Caserta and on to Montechiari for the 1st Italian Motorized Brigade exercise which was very satisfactory. Then by jeep and cub to 36th Division for discussion with Walker then home by jeep. Air raid during supper. Leila Xmas box #3 arrived. More about GSP in news items. I’m sure he will weather the storm. 27 Visited 5th Army. Lunch with Gruenther. Attended critique on the Italian Motorized Group exercise. 3 hours 20 minutes! Cloudy and some rain. 28 The most beautiful day imaginable. Mass and communion 0700. Flew to 36th Division for conference then to VI Corps for lunch; then to Caserta to visit 1st Special Service Force at Sta. Maria. Generals Juin, Dody and Roosevelt were at VI Corps for lunch. Had a fine time. 29 Rain again! High powered conference here to complete plans for next events. Generals McCreery and his two division commanders Templer and Hawkesworth54 and several Artillery represented the 10 Corps. I had Walker, Meyer, Baehr55 & Hess56 for II Corps and 5th Army had Gruenther & Brann. Things OK except of course the British don’t intend to do what was expected of them at the time specified. Gave them a fine lunch. Barney Oldfield57 came for lunch en route to US. Looks quite old. Had to rush to 3rd Division for presentation of a Medal of Honor and 2 DSCs by General Clark. Clark not pleased about this a.m.’s conference. Thinks it was on too high a level!

66  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

30 To HQ 36th Division 0730 to get early information on Ranger reconnaissance last night. 1st report satisfactory. Visited CP and OP of 141st RCT which had been shelled night before. On return to 36th Division reports from Rangers not too good—however they could be withdrawn and were directed to withdraw at night. Conference with Harmon on missions for 1st Armored Division. December 1943 Editor’s Note: Following the pause, the last two weeks of November were spent making preparations to attack the Winter Line. Fifth Army’s plan of attack was based on three corps abreast: the British 10 Corps on the left, II Corps in the center, and VI Corps on the right. The initial attack by 10 Corps and II Corps was centered on the Camino hill mass, six miles long by four miles wide, a hill mass composed of three ridges running in various directions, but falling away to the west toward the Garigliano River. The attack by these two corps was termed Operation Raincoat and served as the first phase of the Fifth Army’s drive northward toward Rome. While 10 Corps attacked the Camino hill mass, II Corps struck the hill mass from the northeast, with the 1st SSF attacking Mount La Difensa on the night of December 2. The attack on Mount Maggiore was made by the 142nd Infantry Regiment (36th Infantry Division).58 1

29th wedding anniversary! General Dapino and staff arrived en route to front to reconnoiter. Flew over 36th Division sector hoping to see some of our bombing but weather prevented. Lunch at 36th Division then flew to Caserta and talked to officers of 1st Special Service Force which is moving up tonight for tomorrow’s show. Letter from General Everett Hughes re GSP etc. 2 A beautiful day. General Clark arrived my CP about 0915. After going over situation we visited CP of 142nd Infantry Regiment and 1st SSF in preparation for night’s show (Cassino—Difensa—Maggiore). Then to 36th Division for lunch and then to OP to watch the first stages of the biggest artillery preparation so far this war—900 guns. Also saw fine air show. Returned to new CP about 1830. 1st SSF jumped off on time. So did British 10 Corps (for a change). Editor’s Note: On December 2, 925 artillery pieces of various calibers fired high explosive, white phosphorus, and smoke shells into the enemy position, and by 4:30 p.m. on December 3 they had expended more than 64,000 artillery rounds.59

Crossing the Rapido  67

3 Rain again! Until about 3 p.m. Our attack went off on schedule and at high speed. The 1st SSF had their first objective by 0440 and the second before noon. The 142nd Infantry Regiment had theirs about 1400. A grand success to crown II Corps entry into this campaign. Plans for next move well on the way. 1st SSF had to pull back from 2nd objective (Hill 907 [Mount La Difensa]) because of mortar fire. 4 Fighting still continuing on the hills. 1st SSF plans to retake Hill 907 tomorrow. More rain. Letter from Leila—fine picture of her. 5 Mass and communion. Rain in early a.m. Two Russian generals for lunch. Flew around Camino–Difensa–Lungo–Retondo–Sammucro. Saw fight on Hill 907 which 1st SSF took for keeps. British driven off of Monastery Hill. They have never reached Camino (Hill 963). Relief of 1st SSF not in sight so am making new plans for Phase II. First letter from Buster since July or August! 6 General Clark arrived. Some rain. Visited wounded in two hospitals (94th & 95th Evacuation Hospitals). We repulsed 3 attacks up on the hills and now our men are confident they can hold them forever. The British finally got Monastery Hill and Camino [Hill 963]. The rest will be easy now. The Italian 1st Motorized Group moved into position tonight. 7 Light rain. Visited CP of Italian 1st Motorized Group. Prince Umberto and General Walker for lunch. He made no comment on our china so why should I bring it up! Speaks English very well. Very pleased 3rd Rangers and 1st Battalion 143rd RCT jumped off at dark on Phase II. [Editor’s Note: Prince Umberto of Savoy was the son of King Victor Emmanuel III of Italy, who stepped down in June 1944. Umberto acted as regent until his father abdicated in his favor in May 1946. As Umberto II, he ruled for thirty-five days until, following a referendum, Italy abolished the monarchy.60] Editor’s Note: The battles for San Pietro started the night of December 7–8. The hills towering over the village of San Pietro, including Mount Summucro (Hill 1205), were important elements of the German Winter Line. German defenses stretched across the valley to Mount Lungo and were planned to prevent a breakthrough on Highway 6.61 8 Mass and communion. Phase II on the way. Rangers and 143rd gained objectives but Rangers driven off during the day. Remnant of 143rd attacked S. Pietro but not too successfully. The Italians jumped off but were thrown back. They are not good fighters but I never

68  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

thought they would be. I visited 36th Division CP also CP of General Dapino who was very nervous and discouraged. Bolstered him up. Back to 36th and then flew to visit returning 1st SSF at S. Maria and then to 5th Army. Got home just at dark. Flew over the Lungo fight but could not see much due to fog. John Lucas phoned to congratulate me. 9 Situation on Mount La Difensa—Maggiore OK. We also hold top of Mount Sammucro. Rangers have not yet attempted to retake Hill 950. 143rd attacked S. Pietro at 0350. Progress slow. Italians are holding Mount Lungo. 1st SSF mostly back in rest area—will be ready again in less than week. General Clark and ASW [Assistant Secretary of War] McCloy visited my CP then I took him up to visit 36th Division and Italians. I visited 36th Division and 71st Field Artillery Brigade (Baehr) also the 11th Field Hospital saw some pretty badly wounded men but all were cheerful and plucky. Long talk with Frederick, CO of 1st SSF. 10 More rain. Reports not too good but I believe they are natural. Spent nearly whole day at 36th Division getting 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment (82nd Airborne Division) in and making plans to carry on. Visited the Italians to bolster them up. Saw General Juin at CP 36th Division. One of his staff officers is Cherriere of 53° Promo at the École de Guerre. 11 1st clear day since the 2nd [December]. Flew over the forward area. Some action in San Vittore area. Visited forward battalion 936th Field Artillery Battalion. Gave them a lecture on spreading rumors. Met Generals Clark, Arnold, Spaatz, Cannon, and Lucas at 36th Division CP for lunch. Then continued planning with Walker. Think we have a fine plan. Boche air attacked 3 times in our area today and inflicted some losses. 12 Rain again! Jackie’s birthday. Visited 36th Division re next operation. John Lucas came for lunch and visit. General Dabney Elliott62 came in from Algiers. Funny letter from Les re football and her play. Brann G-3 5th Army came in. Don’t like their plan too well. 13 Fairly clear. Long conference at 36th Division on next operation. Not giving enough attention to right flank (Sammucro). Flew to Caserta. Long conference with Clark about future plans (which involves my units and has been effected more or less without including me). Also items of interest from the Tehran Conference. [Editor’s Note: The Teheran Conference between Roosevelt, Churchill, and Stalin resulted in the decision to mount Operation Overlord in May 1944 and an invasion

Crossing the Rapido  69

of southern France to coincide with a Soviet offensive in the east.63] Upon return directed my staff to work on the new plan to make it work and forget all about our opinions as to its disadvantages. 14 Fine day. Another enemy air raid in the Mignano defile. Colonel Werner 141st Infantry Regiment wounded. Visited 36th Clearing Station. Saw a few wounded men. All cheerful. Harmon came to lunch nervously energetic as usual. He is too elusive to be stable. Flew up the valley to watch the air and artillery attack on Porchia. So bumpy and pilot so nervous his turns were so sharp I could only stand it about ½ hour. Looked pretty good. Landed at 36th Division and had long talk with Walker re personnel. He is loyal to his men and I am all for him. Porter and [. . .] attended 5th Army G-3 conference and brought back general scheme. II Corps is definitely to carry the load. We are going to work without delay. Nothing but a miracle will permit us to meet G-3 (Brann’s) time schedule. I don’t think he knows what it is all about! Editor’s Note: Following the clearing of the Germans from the slopes of Mount Sammucro, the 141st and 143rd Infantry Regiments (36th Division) made the main attack against San Pietro on December 15, while the 142nd and the 1st Italian Motorized Group attacked Mount Lungo on December 16.64 15 Another fine day to start with. Also another sizable air raid in the defile—we could watch some of the action from our CP. Walker [36th Division] says he is all set for today. Told him the lack of progress in assault on Sammucro indicated need for new Battalion on top. Called Clark to report and to ask certain decisions on new plan. Already plan may be changed! He says his staff informed him we are not progressing on the right flank and we are making a piecemeal attack! They forget that the VI Corps on our right hasn’t advanced a foot since we started two weeks ago! 16 Spent most of the day planning. Truscott for lunch—nearly an hour late. 17 Visited 5th Army. Conferred with General Clark re future plans. Flew back to 1st Armored. Lunch with Harmon then flew to 36th Division. Editor’s Note: By December 18, II Corps had reached the German line: Cedro Hill–Mount Porchia–San Vittore–the western end of Mount Sammucro.65

70  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

18 No rain. Spent a.m. planning approved Field Order 17 at evening staff conference. I’m sure I’ve got one of the smartest working staffs in the theater. 19 Beautiful day. Mass and communion. Generals Eisenhower, Clark and Beetle Smith arrived then I joined the party and went to the Lungo– Rotondo front then had lunch at 36th Division. Harmon and Truscott met party here. Walker and Wilbur joined en route to Lungo. “Kay” [Kay Summersby, General Eisenhower’s driver] drove the party here but stayed to visit with her ex fiancé’s brother. What a kick GSP would get out of that!!! Conference here of division and brigade commanders FO17. Our efforts too weak. Walker promises to bear down. Editor’s Note: During the last days of December 1943, following the capture of San Pietro, the 36th Division, 1st SSF, and 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment made some gains, but when combat patrols entered San Vittore a few miles northwest of San Pietro on December 29, they were unable to hold the village.66 20 Cloudy and cold. Visited 504th Infantry Regiment at Ceppagna. Met Walker there and organized an attack on Morello-S. Vittore and Hill 730 which 141st Regiment has claimed for days! Then went to CP 143rd checked with Wilbur and then on toward S. Pietro for view up the valley. Inspected some German dugouts well protected. Attack started at dark as planned. Rain began soon after dark. 21 Rain. All attacks last night failed due to rain—loss of way—difficult terrain—reduced strength. Spent entire a.m. at 36th Division planning. Decided to use 1st SSF to get Hill 730. 36th Division is about spent. Will have to use 142nd to get Vittore–Chiaia and that will leave practically nothing for Mount Trocchio. Flew to 5th Army explained plans and views to Gruenther and Brann (Clark away). Clark phoned later and pressure was off and he would relieve 36th with 34th Division. Just what I had recommended a week ago. Now we can really do a good job. Letter from Leila with clippings on GSP. Also news about another Demitz in June. 22 Rained all night. Plans for 1st SSF under way. General Dupino arrived with sad story of his outfit and said frankly it cannot take on another mission due to disaffection and low morale of his infantry. Have washed the Italian Motorized Group from our plans. Called 5th Army recommending they be moved out of II Corps. Visited 3rd and 36th Divisions. Roads in bad shape.

Crossing the Rapido  71

23 Rain all night and day. Generals Wickersham67 and Hughes called. Missed Hughes—terribly sorry. Drove to 5th Army and back. Got several points cleared up on next operation but they won’t commit themselves on what to do if weather or terrain prevents use of 1st Armored Division. Was told advance dope on Eisenhower going to UK and General Maitland Wilson68 (British) succeeding him at AFHQ. The question is Alexander or Montgomery go to UK to command British Forces? I suspect we are outsmarted again. With the assignment of the 34th Division to II Corps I now have command of . . . [sentence incomplete in original] 24 Called to 5th Army for conference. Plans changed again and we lose 3rd Division again. This poorest of all their plans. High tea and concert by Royal Artillery Band in Caserta theater. 1st SSF jumped off for attack on Hill 730. Midnight mass in nearby village church. No roof. Over 300 soldiers went to communion. Church crowded in spite of rain and wind. Chaplain Chataignon deserves great credit. Visited 504st—1st SSF—and 143rd. Also San Pietro. 25 Xmas  Visited 3 hospitals—a heart rending duty. Big turkey dinner. 1st SSF well on road to success. Ceremony for decorations and promotions very successful and General Clark very complimentary. Visited 36th Division before dark. New villa on wheels arrived as Xmas gift from Ordnance Department. Very nouveau riche. After supper finally found time and quiet to open my many many presents—useful, desirable, amusing. 12 books—razor—cap—game—socks, ocarina—toilet articles and vodka. 26 Visit from Harmon, Also General Dapino who says Americans very sympathetic but British especially General Alexander very difficult. Phone from Clark to come to 5th Army. Plan of the 24th out and a new one “Shingles” [Anzio amphibious operation] on. Looks like II Corps really politicked into secondary role from now on. Doc Ryder came for lunch. I now have 2 division commanders senior to me! I should have had the 3rd and 45th Divisions and Lucas the 34th and 36th. 27 Colonel Hank Allen (CCB, 1st Armored Division) reported for special job. 28 Clear brisk day. Lunch with 71st Artillery Brigade (Baehr). There watched a serenade of 16 artillery Battalions working over Cedro, Porchia, Chiaia and Trochio. Visited V. Meyer at CP 18th Artillery Brigade. He is certainly the nervous type. Some “incoming” rounds landed in a nearby artillery area. Gruenther phoned at suppertime

72  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

taking away the 15th RCT and hinting the loss of the 1st SSF for Shingles. If they would only make up their minds and see the picture clearly! Letters from Leila and Les. 29 After drafting plans for new operation flew to Caserta (5th Army) had lunch with Gruenther (Clark in hospital with flu). Plans changed again! When I got home, Gruenther phoned to say I could keep the 1st SSF also my request for time was OK. Devers coming to Italy as Deputy Commander Allied Forces Mediterranean. Don’t know how that is going to suit Clark and GSP who must be more anxious than ever to move on. Another attempt on Vittore failed. 30 34th has taken over from 36th. Visited CP of 36th for last time. They have done a fine job but can do better next time. Walker cooperated 100%. Then went to S. Pietro. Saw Ryder. Rain began about suppertime. 31 New Year’s Eve. Rain, rain, rain! We held 2 sessions of orientation for enlisted men. Very well done. Visited Allen at his CP near Lungo. Saw young Jack Davis. Allen, Steele, and Lieutenant Colonel Crosby came in about 4 p.m. with their plan. The rain is apt to spoil their maneuver. Editor’s Note: As 1944 opened, the third phase of the Fifth Army attack commenced with II Corps in position to enter the Liri Valley, while the FEC on the right attacked the high ground northwest of the town of Cassino. The British 10 Corps on the left was prepared to attack Cedro Hill and Mount Porchia and be ready to cross the Garigliano River near Sant’Ambrogio. “Ahead of II Corps lay Mts. Porchia and Trochio and the high ground north of San Vittore and Cervaro centering about Mt. Majo. Task Force A (6th Armored Infantry reinforced) under Brig. Gen. Frank A. Allen, Jr., on the left was assigned to Mt. Porchia: the 135th Infantry was to capture San Vittore and push on toward Mt. la Chiaia; the 168th Infantry [34th Division] was to make the main effort in the hills north of San Vittore to break the enemy line where it anchored on the mountains; and the 1st Special Service Force (reinforced) was ordered to capture the high peaks on the north flank.”69 January 1944 1 What a day! A real blizzard and this is sunny Italy! Visited a couple of hospitals and CPs of 34th Division and 1st SSF. Returned to CP wet to the skin. Terrible wind—sleet, snow and rain. We moved our CP to Presenzano—a fine site. V Meyer and Carl Baehr came in.

Crossing the Rapido  73

2

3

4 5

6

7

Another change in artillery setup in the air. Storm today may seriously affect operations. Clear crisp with only the wind necessary to dry things up. Mass and communion as usual. Have conference with subordinate and adjoining commanders on next operation. Very encouraging. Among those present Generals Ryder (34th), Walker (36th) Harmon (1st AD), Allen, Baehr, Meyer, Stanford,70 Roosevelt (Ted jr), Seeger (?) British. Having our New Year’s turkey tonight. Major Hurley a fine officer of the MPs killed by artillery shell on Highway 6 near Mignano. Fine day clear and somewhat warmer. Wish we could have 72 hours more of the same kind. Major Hurley’s funeral services at the CP. Flew to 5th Army after lunch. They are not so cavalier about what is in front of us! Future plans still wobbly. Got picture frame for Leila’s picture. My gallery is very impressive. Planning and preparations. Attacks off on time. TF Alpha [6th Armored Infantry] thrown back to line of departure— confusion due to lack of experience. Resumed attack in afternoon and gained 1st objective. 34th Division and 1st SSF making progress. 1st SSF making progress on Hill 1109 [Vischiatoro Ridge] and Monte Majo. Sent 133rd RCT (-Battalion) [34th Division] to join 1st SSF and constitute TF Bravo. TF Alpha holds firmly on Monte Porchia. Allen wants my reserve battalion. Nothing doing. 34th Division really has S. Vittore after all these weeks! A good bag of POWs. What a day! With a battle on in full force was swamped with visitors. General Juin, CEF, General McCreery 10 Corps (British), Roosevelt, Brann. Porchia really ours! British refuse to go for Cedro until we guarantee not a single German gun on Porchia!

Editor’s Note: From January 5 to January 10, II Corps units made spectacular advances, driving the Germans from the high ground. Over the next several days the Winter Line crumbled, and by January 15 the area east of the Rapido River had been virtually cleared of German forces.71 8 General Patton arrived to spend the night. Took him to the Campagna Gap. He is still low. Has been relieved from 7th Army and is awaiting orders for new assignment which rumor says will be UK. General Dapino sent me a Mussolini poniard and gold belt (Armed Facisti Militaria). 9 Took General Patton to TFA [Task Force Alpha] OP on Lungo and after lunch to S. Pietro where a Boche volley of 6 105s [howitzers]

74  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

covered us with gravel and set fire to straw in ammo cave about 50 feet away! Too close for comfort! Fried chicken and biscuits for dinner. 10 Cloudy and small showers. Went to TF [Task Force] Alpha to present about 10 Silver Stars. Then to 8th Evacuation Hospital to do same for Lieutenant Long 235 Engineers, who was seriously wounded and died 45 minutes later. Flew to 5th Army for conference on pending operations. Clark publicly complimented II Corps on recent successes! Full understanding with Juin of CEF—wish I could say same about McCreery! Things going fairly well in center but too sticky on right flank. 11 Commanders conference on Monte Trocchio operations. 12–13 Fighting continues. Much uncertainty over Hill 1109 [Vischiataro Ridge]. Have flown over it two separate days. Got too close to Boche NW of Cervaro and he opened up on my cub with Machine Guns. 14 Conference at CP 36th Division with Walker, Ryder & Porter on final arrangements for Trocchio attack. Ryder asked for 24 hour delay but for many reasons I could not grant it. General Juin came to see me on future operations. After lunch Ryder phoned to say he believed Boches are pulling out and he was crowding in. I visited his CP late in afternoon and he said he was glad I hadn’t yielded to the delay! I took him a bottle of Scotch for which he was very thankful. He closes in tonight and attacks at daylight. Walker attacks tonight. Editor’s Note: By January 14, II Corps was closing on Mount Trochio and captured it on January 15, following the German withdrawal behind the Rapido River.72 Unlike the Winter Line, the Gustav Line was centered on a key point: “the massively built town of Cassino lying at the foot of the Mount Cairo hill mass, at the junction of the Rapido and Liri Valleys.”73 The Liri Valley lay in front of Mount Trocchio, with Highway 6 stretching out over the plain for ninety miles to Rome. Rising in the mountains to the east, the Rapido River flows past the town of Cassino and Monastery Hill to its junction with the Gari River several miles below the town, forming the Garigliano River, a sizable river flowing west into the Tyrrhenian Sea. The Fifth Army now faced the main Gustav Line of German defensive fortifications built by the Todt Organization, taking advantage of the rivers and mountains flanking the Liri Valley both to the north and south. “Beginning in the Fifth Army zone at Mt. Marrone, the Gustav line ran southwest to Belvedere Hill (721 meters) and then south to Monastery Hill (516 meters), crowned by the venerable

Crossing the Rapido  75

Abbey of Montecassino and overlooking the city of Cassino. From the valley floor, 40 meters above sea level at Cassino, the hills on the west side of the Rapido rise steeply, one after another, to the great bulk of Mt. Cairo (1669 meters), four miles northwest of Cassino. Beyond Cassino the Gustav Line ran behind the Rapido and Gari to the Liri, and west of the Garigliano through the rough and steep mountains centering on Mt. Majo (940 meters) on the sea at Mt. Scauri.”74 The Fifth Army’s plan called for the FEC to attack the German left, while on January 15 the US II Corps, in the center, was to capture Mount Trocchio. On January 17, the British 10 Corps on the left was to cross the Garigliano, protecting the left flank of II Corps. The next day, II Corps was expected to frontally assault Sant’Angelo across the Rapido River. VI Corps was to threaten the German rear by landing at Anzio (Operation Shingle).75 By January 15, 1944, the Gustav Line along the Garigiano River was garrisoned by units of the XIV Panzer Corps, including the 94th Panzer Grenadier, 44th Grenadier, and the 5th Mountain Divisions. In reserve were the 3rd Panzer, Hermann Goering Panzer, and 29th Panzer Grenadier Divisions. As the battle unfolded, two additional German divisions were moving into the area: the 71st Panzer Grenadier from Trieste and the 90th Panzer Grenadier from the Eighth Army sector.76 15 We took Trocchio in a breeze! Only a few Boches left on it. Sorry we didn’t bag more but thankful we had no losses to speak of. We are now 2 days ahead of schedule. Unless I’m mistaken that is the first time a 5th Army operation has been ahead of schedule! Went to Porchia and looked over battlefield. Boche were shelling Trocchio and Cedro. Boche air attack hit Chiaia while we were watching. Drove to CP 34th Division via S. Vittore. 16 No rain since the 2nd. Swamped with visitors. General Freyberg (New Zealand) who apparently had idea that after we carry it to the one yard line, he and his are to take the ball and make a touchdown! Wanted us to prepare all roads and turn our artillery over to him! God forbid we ever have to serve with or near the British again. On our right with the French the story is entirely different—full cooperation both ways and excellent results. General Boraldi, Italian Deputy COS; Lieutenant Colonel Zeller, Deputy COS to General Juin and a classmate of mine at the École de Guerre; General Max Taylor, 82nd Airborne Division; Colonel MacKinnon Armored Corps formerly 2nd Armored Division. Went to French CP for lunch with General Juin. Drove over the jeep trail to Radicosa. A wonderful feat for 19th

76  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

Engineers and II Corps. Had Captain Nicholas Vladimir Malitch in for dinner to celebrate his one year with American Army. Things quiet on our front. Patrols to the Rapido. Editor’s Note: Captain Nicholas Vladimir Malitch, a White Russian exForeign Legion officer and colleague of Colonel Robert Porter, served in the II Corps G-2 and G-3 sections. “‘Nic was one of the most resourceful and most unscrupulous characters I’ve ever run into,’ Keyes recalled.”77 17 Flew to 5th Army. Clark insists we are not being sold down the river but I am not convinced. Every move is a repetition of the slick maneuvers of the British in planning Husky and in the Sicilian campaign. Had lunch with Lucas at Maddaloni. He is not too optimistic over prospects for Operation Shingle. 5th Army and 15th Army Group are moving in on him. Finally got the shirt Leila sent via Wedemeyer. 18 Conference of subordinate commanders on the Rapido operation. It promises to be a tough job. The British are going to contribute nothing as usual. They were forced to admit it and I’m sure 5th Army will also as usual decline to force them to comply with the 5th Army directive. 19 Still good weather. 10 Corps (British) making progress on south flank. Enemy resistance will really be felt commencing with tomorrow. 46th Division (British) crosses tonight on our left. General Dapino called to say goodbye. He has been given the boot I think. While not a world beater, he was at least earnest and sincere in his desire to fight. Blocked out contingent plans for next operation. Visited 36th Division. Clark phoned he and General Wilson (British successor to Eisenhower) would be out for lunch tomorrow. There was some mishaps in the rehearsal for Operation Shingle. Navy unloaded DUKS 10 miles out and 28 DUKS loaded with equipment, including 19 105mm howitzers, were lost. 5th Army refuses to make 46th Division even “demonstrate” in connection with our crossing! Editor’s Note: On January 20, the 36th Infantry Division was to carry out the II Corps mission of crossing the Rapido River in the drive toward Anzio. This would occur by establishing a bridgehead across the Rapido in the vicinity of Sant’Angelo. The II Corps plan called for the 1st Armored Division to exploit the bridgehead. The Rapido River south of Highway 6, a narrow, swift stream varying in width from twenty-five to fifty feet and with banks six feet high and water nine to twelve feet deep, formed a formidable barrier for the attacking forces.78

Crossing the Rapido  77

20 Fine weather. 46th Division (British) crossing last night failed and they refuse to continue! Always the same story—too few—too little practical preparations. That is serious for us tonight. Clark flew out here—is worried about 46th Division failure. Asked what they should do to help us (II Corps). I told him and he agreed to order them to do it—Later in p.m. he sent me a copy of his order to 10 Corps directing just what I had asked for. Ryder & Walker came for lunch and final conference. Everything set. Flew to Santa Maria to present Silver Stars to 10 members of the 1st Special Service Force, 6 Canadians, 4 Americans. A fine organization. Flew back and over the front where we are to attack tonight. Later: Attack off on time and progressing satisfactorily in spite of fact a Boche lucky shot this afternoon landed in a boat area and destroyed 25 assault boats. Editor’s Note: From January 21 to 31, II Corps attempted to envelop Cassino from the north with the 34th Infantry Division crossing the Rapido River, with one column advancing to take the town of Cassino. A second column seized the high ground north of Cassino, taking the Germans in the rear. The 36th Infantry Division would prepare to force the Rapido River in an effort to establish a bridgehead for the employment of armor forces. The 1st Armored Division would be prepared to exploit the bridgehead over the Rapido River, attacking toward Aquino and Piedmonte.79 21 Attack partially successful but bridges could not be started. Rubber boats were shot up. 3rd Battalion of 143rd Infantry Regiment withdrew about 10 a.m. I ordered renewal of attack without delay and without waiting till dark. Our smoke quite effective. 143rd resumed attack at 4 p.m. but 141st waited until 9 p.m. Visited CPs of 36th Division, 34th Division, 71st & 18th Field Artillery Brigades. 141st and 143rd Infantry Regiments and CCB. Things look hopeful of getting Bailey bridges in before dawn. Editor’s Note: On January 22, VI Corps landed at Anzio (Operation Shingle). 22 Nearly 6 battalions across but no bridges. Something wrong. Told Walker at 1000 to use 142nd Infantry Regiment without restrictions to get across and extend bridgehead. He said Colonel George E. Lynch (CO 142nd) would require 3 hours warning. Walker issued order by noon (1200) yet Lynch said he could not attack before 0230 tomorrow

78  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

14½ hours!! Visited CP 141st then to vicinity of bridge site. Saw several dead & wounded. Returned to CP 141st and learned all of 143rd had pulled back across the Rapido River again. 141st was making preparations to attack in afternoon. General Walker had gone to CP 36th Division. I sent Willems there and then I returned to CP 36th Division and then home. Later Walker phoned. 143rd was disorganized. I ordered attack of 142nd to proceed as long 141st was sticking. After supper General Clark called and questioned advisability of continuing. I stood out for continuing as long as 141st was holding out. Later Wilbur, then General Walker phoned that 141st was practically wiped out. I called 5th Army (Gruenther) and told him I was cancelling the 142nd attack. With staff I made plans for next move. The enemy has reinforced his position and troops on our front and the surprise landing of VI Corps in his rear makes it imperative he hold on our front. Our failure due to (1) lack of means (2) poor division (36th). Editor’s Note: The 36th Division’s attack resulted in a costly defeat, with 1,681 total casualties, of which 143 were killed, 663 wounded, and 875 missing in action. An important reason for the failure was the strong and expertly defended German fortifications on the west bank of the river.80 The FEC attacked the Gustav Line on the right of the 34th Division in its support.81 23 Sunday. Mass and communion. Sunday is certainly visitor’s day. General James A. H. Gammell82 COS to General Wilson came for breakfast—then Generals Idwal H. Edwards83 and Benjamin F. Giles84—Air Corps—General Clark and Tate85 from 5th Army—Devers was scheduled but didn’t come. Clark concerned over yesterday’s setback which is also repeated on British and French front. Several inclined to find fault with our decision to force the Rapido River. All the records will show that beginning in October or November I have pointed out fallacy in going up the valley unless heights on either side were attacked! And each time I was overruled by 5th Army. Also 5th Army at one time contemplated I establish a bridgehead with one RCT plus 6th Armored Infantry Battalion!! However at 36th Division CP Clark admitted the decision to force the Rapido in mid valley was his! Went with him to 36th & 34th CPs. He was in better frame of mind when he left and decided on maneuver over high ground with French assisting—his opinion of General Juin and French have undergone a decided change. Now they are hot stuff. I always thought so!

Crossing the Rapido  79

After he left I went to see General Juin and made arrangements for the operation. While General Clark and I were approaching 34th CP, 36 B-26s our medium bombers flew over and one group of them dropped their bombs only a few hundred yards from S. Pietro and also from several bivouacs of our troops! This a.m. another group dropped bombs on Lungo! I hope Clark takes the hide off them. 24 General Devers arrived, took him throughout area—seemed very pleased. 34th Division jumped off at 10 p.m.—just north of Cassino. 5th Army reducing my force in favor of Shingle which is OK. 25 34th Division ran into serious difficulties last night—mines and wire. Throughout day only elements of 3 Battalions got across the river. Plan to continue attack tonight and tomorrow. 36th Division arranged truce with enemy to recover dead and wounded—at least 100 of our dead on west side of Rapido—and many Germans. Boche artillery almost silent until 1600. Spent day at 34th Division CP. 26 34th Division not making much progress. Boche position too strong. Visited General Juin’s CP to see about continuing our attack through his zone. General Giraud was there. He and Juin enthusiastic over our coming through CEF zone. Giraud looks much better than last time I saw him. Plans made and approved by 5th Army. Will use 142nd RCT/36th Division. 2 Battalions of 34th Division forced back across Rapido and 3rd one being withdrawn tonight. However 168th Infantry Regiment [34th Division] will attack tomorrow. Moved CP from Presenzano to vicinity of Ceppagna. Had a good view of Boche air attack over St. Elia—flak hit in our area. 27 142nd Infantry Regiment moved to S. Elia area under great difficulties. First reports say it cannot attack tomorrow. Later, Brigadier General Frederick B. Butler86 reported everything set. [Editor’s Note: General Butler commanded a special task force composed of the 142nd Regimental Combat Team (36th Infantry Division) attached by Fifth Army directive to the 34th Infantry Division, for combined operations with the French.87] Arrangements made for French guides. Went to 34th Division OP. Advance almost negligible. Tanks cannot get over road to the crossing. 28 The 142nd got off to a bad start. Shelled at initial point losing Battalion Commander & executive officer and interpreter—then ran into mines and wire and returned to assembly area disorganized. I drove 4 hours to catch up to Juin at General Monsabert’s88 CP. General Giraud there. Their attack on Hill 700 postponed due to Boche counterattacks and infiltration. All agreed that 142nd’s attack should

80  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

follow French attack. Continued on to Lynch’s CP near S. Elia. He felt everything set for attack tomorrow. Captain W. H. Lee [II Corps staff officer] wounded in thigh by shell fragment last night. He was standing at the door of the 142nd CP. Wound not serious. 29 Saturday. Spent most of day at 34th Division OP and 168th Infantry Regiment CP. While at 168th Boche laid down heavy barrage trying to get our tanks nearby. Colonel Mark M. Boatner (CO 168th) and Lieutenant Colonel Harry W. Sweeting, Jr. (CO 753rd Tank Battalion) seemed confident they would get objective tonight as 45th Combat Engineer Battalion under Colonel Andrew J. Goodpaster89 claim they can get tanks over the Rapido at last. Stopped at 5th Army. Talked with Clark—he is concerned over VI Corps in bridgehead and about 36th Division. After supper Ryder phoned to say 168th was on objective—20 tanks across the Rapido. Clark phoned that he had a letter from Juin stating he could not hold his position unless the 34th Division advanced! Butler phoned to say French attack was to be delayed until 1000 to await arrival of high ranking officers. 30 (Sunday) Mass & communion. Clark phoned three times before 1000. He is disturbed about lack of progress of 142nd Infantry Regiment and says French are dissatisfied and that “special sources” inform him that there was total lack of coordination re 142nd. He seems to have some sort of Gestapo. He is misinformed and told him so. Any error was from 5th Army and not II Corps. Sent Porter to CEF and went there myself about 1700. Gruenther was there. Only apparent gripe Juin had was that his troops could not hold their exposed positions if someone didn’t do something. He disclaimed any criticism of 142nd Regiment or 34th Division. Since the success of the 168th last night he is now reassured. 31 Worked on plans. Went to OP 34th Division. Directed Ryder to attack tomorrow on Castellone and Majola. 142nd at last making some progress. The French did not take the hills and provide the flank protection agreed upon originally. 142nd had to do this preliminary work before it could continue. Stopped by 36th Division CP. Walker pessimistic over renewing crossing of the Rapido. Am afraid under circumstances it will be a failure. Stopped at 5th Army and had long talk with Gruenther. He is only one there with whom I can discuss matters freely. Editor’s Note: By the end of January 1944, the Fifth Army’s position was difficult in that the Anzio beachhead was being contained by German

Crossing the Rapido  81

reinforcements; the 10 Corps attack across the Garigliano River had been halted; and the 36th Division had suffered high casualties in an unsuccessful attempt to cross the Rapido River two miles south of Cassino. In the north, the 34th Division had made a small breach of the Gustav Line and, in conjunction with the FEC, had made progress in the mountains.90 By February 12, however, the 34th Division had failed to take Cassino and the newly arrived New Zealand Corps replaced II Corps in the line.91 February 1944 1 Flooded with visitors. General Freyberg (Spadger Force). [Editor’s Note: The New Zealand Corps, composed of the 2nd New Zealand, 4th Indian, and 78th (British) Divisions, was initially called Spadger Force in an effort to confuse German intelligence.92] Generals Sloan93 and Kurtz94 88th Division and Colonel Zeller95 from CEF. Took Freyberg and Kurtz to 34th Division OP and in walked Juin and Roosevelt. 34th making fine progress. Believe we shall have Cassino by tomorrow night. Have prepared plans for next move. Also proposal for employment of Spadgers. Hope 5th Army will accept. News from VI Corps not good. Have felt for several days that we have lost the opportunity to attack and should defend the bridgehead while we (remainder of 5th Army) drive on. 2–3–4 142nd finally got on Castellone Hill. Meeting at 5th Army ref. Spadger. Clark seems to have viewed favorably my recommendations. At the conference Freyberg proceeded to take over—proposed to put his CP at Cevaro where we have the 34th & 36th Divisions & to move some of our artillery to make room for his; and to take over Ceppagna area which would deny II Corps any roads!! I objected and as a result got a disagreeable letter from Clark for displaying hostility and saying I had to get along with Spadger—“by order.” Why we Americans have to Kowtow to the British is beyond me. Maybe someone else is trying to get the “Order of the Bath”! [Editor’s Note: General Mark Clark was subsequently a recipient of the British Honorary Knight of the Most Honorable Order of the Bath.96] Progress on Cassino front slow but it is still progress. Moved CP (February 4) to vicinity of S. Vittore—heart of gun area. 5 Revised plans to put 36th Division in on the right. Started for 34th OP. Met Clark. Thanked him for the bottle of Scotch and squared up alleged hostility toward Spadger. Am still burned up. Clark still afraid of offending the British! New plan well received by Ryder and Walker.

82  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

o cc Se

Area of Detail

HILL 862

M. ABATE HILL 915

Valleluce

Gu

stav L i

ne

ERE LVE D . BE HILL T M 771 HILL 700 142

xx

Lago

oundary Corps b

F ECx xx II

Caira

Rapid

o

x

xxx XIV

PANZER

HILL 575

To R

44 HILL 593

e

HANGMAN’S HILL

34

Jail

0

Cassino Hotel des Roses RR Station

0

6

1 1

2 km

3 2

3

mi

6

15

Lir

V A L L E Y

i

L I R I

CASTLE HILL

Abbey

om

xx

Portella

Italian Barracks

Albaneta Farm

FE x x xC II

Gustav Line

xx

S. Elia

1 SSF

xx

Villa S. Lucia

3 ALG

Ga

ri

MT. TROCCHIO

Map 5. The Battle for Cassino, February 4–12, 1944.

Boche shelled Cassino heavily to drive us out of North end. Spadger called and brought me a peace offering of lambs tongues, canned oysters and honey—all New Zealand products. 6 Sunday—mass and communion. Chaplain Kenny replacing Chataignon who is still in hospital with pneumonia. General Alexander and his new COS General Harding97 visited us for an hour but wouldn’t

Crossing the Rapido  83

7 8

9

10

stay for lunch although he prevented us from having lunch! Spadger came for lunch and spent quite a while discussing plans. Plans shaping up. Gave Ryder permission to use observed fire around outside walls of monastery. Boche are not inside but within a few hundred yards of the outside walls. Boche air raided again today. Our CP is certainly in the heart of things though we have not been bombed or shelled yet! From our CP we can see most of the actual battlefield with the exception of Cassino town. Flew across the Rapido and around behind the monastery—my second flight across the Rapido. News from Anzio not too good. That operation may one day be classed as a definite blunder—dividing our forces and giving the enemy a decided advantage which he quickly seized. Preparations for attack. Attack off on time but progress very slow. Clark has doubts of our ability to take Cassino—considers utilizing the 4th Indian Division (NZ Corps) (Spadgers). Made hurried trip to 5th Army for conference. With my release from contingent and continuing missions I know we can take Cassino and we don’t want someone else to reap the glory of our hard work. 5th Army doesn’t appreciate the logistical difficulties of introducing a new division into the mountains. I visited CEF and had fine talk with Juin. After capture of M. Cairo he says his corps will be through—nothing left but some patrols! We are all in the same boat. Rain and snow. M. Cairo covered with snow over two-thirds way down. Boche counterattack on 168th Infantry Regiment caused postponement of attack on Monastery hill. Complete review of situation. 5th Army decided to put 4th Indian Division in on our right to go through or take over if we fail. Our plan and estimates were the ones finally adopted by 5th Army and Spadger. Flooded with visitors! 2 Dutch Generals; 4 NZ and 2 American Generals. The Spadgers advocate the pulverization of the monastery. I refuse on grounds no evidence of fortifications and because time involved and shortage of ammunition. Remarkable sunrise. Snowclad M. Cairo a beautiful pink. Full moon just over the monastery. Everything set. Conference with Spadger. Took him some butter, catsup, and Nescafe. Flew across the Rapido— pilot dove—said we were receiving fire! Flew back of the monastery. Drove to Caserta for try on of my new bridge. Rain has really come! Stopped at 5th Army. Things grave at Anzio. Clark phoned to say that II Corps had done everything that could be expected of it and

84  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

more. If we fail tomorrow it will be understood. We have given entire satisfaction. 11 Rained all night—a miserable prelude to our final effort. Artillery preparation 1000–1100 terrific. Rain stopped and sun peeked out. Troops tried valiantly but were too tired and too few. Clark phoned about 1800 to say attack was not to be renewed unless of course the enemy starts to pull out. NZ to come in tomorrow night. Spadger still wants to flatten the monastery. I insist there is no evidence that it is holding up our attack and refuse to accede. 12 Boche opened up a terrific artillery program 0400–0700 which covered forward and rear areas. Conference at my CP with Spadger and staff on turning over. They will not come in until tomorrow night and it looks as if we shall have to hold on for another week. The continuing effort of Spadger is estimated to take place in 4–5 days hence CEF won’t attack so it is again a piecemeal affair! 141st Infantry Regiment reports one battalion reduced to 56 effectives, another 78 and 2 companies combined muster 25 riflemen out of 200 T/O [Table of Organization]. 34th Division also is very low. In late afternoon Spadger agreed to take over Hill 593 tonight and said orders had been so issued! After supper Gruenther phoned to say that Spadger refused to attack unless the monastery was demolished and wanted it done with 1000 lb. bombs. I again protested, backed up by opinions of Ryder, Butler, Boatner and my G-2 (Walter) that not a single hostile shot had been received from the monastery and that to start its destruction would release the Germans from any restrictions and they would undoubtedly fortify it. Furthermore a partially destroyed edifice is much better for defensive purposes than an untouched one. I also pointed out that if the decision to bomb was made I would have to withdraw my troops as they are too close for safety (500– 1000 yards). Furthermore they could withdraw only under cover of darkness. No notification was received. 13 Mass and communion. At 0800 conference I was informed the monastery was to be bombed about 1200 and that the bomb safety line prescribed by Spadger was identical to our front line!!! Ryder phoned to say Spadger failed to effect the relief on Hill 593 as promised and agreed and that the conditions of the 168th and 135th Infantry Regiments was desperate due to battle losses and severe weather and that these units must be relieved tonight. I phoned General Clark and urged relief of these units due to continued delay of Spadger’s attack. Clark seemed to blame us for not admitting sooner that we couldn’t

Crossing the Rapido  85

take Cassino!! Phoned General Spadger and he would only agree to relief on Hill 593 tonight and the 168th “as soon as possible.” Later the details were arranged to relieve the troops on Hill 593 and some of the 168th Regiment. Ryder and Boatner were satisfied. Spent the midday with Ryder and Walker. Stopped in at the 71st AAA Brigade CP (General Hendrix98). Walker phoned that Germans requested truce to bury their dead in front of Castellone. Agreed for 0800– 1100 tomorrow. BBC announced that failure to capture Cassino was due to German occupation and fortification of the monastery and that we had refrained from firing on it because of plea from the Pope! The first part is entirely untrue! This is just a build up to justify the destruction resulting from Spadger’s ultimatum. We are selling out to the British again. The bombing today was cancelled but the destruction by artillery was authorized. Unfortunately the American artillery alone is capable of effecting this outrage and of course at the proper time this will be emphasized to our great disadvantage and embarrassment. 14 Clear and cold with snow covering the mountain tops. Spadger took over Hill 593 and we got the 135th Regiment and 1st Battalion 168th Regiment back across the valley. 141st Regiment back to Castellone area. Gruenther says Spadgers attack now postponed 28 hours! My forecast of a week ago that they would sit it out for another Catania or Cedro looks better and better. Flew around the monastery and Castellone again this morning—so signs of activity except shelling of east and south slopes of hill. We drew no fire again. Roads and areas cluttered up with Spadgers. If Boche had the air they could reap a harvest!!! Same applies to artillery. Decision made to destroy monastery and leaflets were fired today warning civilians to vacate. I still think it an unnecessary outrage. Editor’s Note: By February 14, II Corps had breached the Gustav Line to reach the German defensive positions at Cassino and was only a mile distant from Highway 6. The attacks by the 34th Division had threatened both the town of Cassino and the Monastery Hill heights, but the First Battle of Cassino was lost by the failure to reinforce the division.99 The German defensive fortifications at Cassino and Monastery Hill were some of the strongest German positions yet encountered by the Allies. The combat efficiency of the 34th Division was at a critical level, and the 36th Division losses resulted in its being understrength by more than three thousand infantrymen. “The performance of the 34th Division at

86  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

Cassino must rank with the finest feats of arms carried out by any soldiers during the war. When at last they were relieved by the 4th Indian Division fifty of those few who had held on to the last were too numbed with cold and exhaustion to move. They could still man their positions but they could not move out of them unaided. They were carried out on stretchers.”100 The German losses also had to be heavy, but their ability to reinforce their positions proved decisive in halting the II Corps advance.101

4

On to Rome February 1944–June 1944

Editor’s Note: The New Zealand Corps, commanded by Lieutenant General Sir Bernard C. Freyberg, was composed of the 2nd New Zealand Division, commanded by General G. B. Parkinson; the 4th Indian Division, commanded by General F. I. S. Tuker; and the British 78th Infantry Division, commanded by General C. F. Keightley. The 15th Army Group transferred these units from the Eighth Army sector to relieve II Corps for the second major attack on Cassino. Once again, the Fifth Army plan called for a piecemeal attack by the 4th Indian Division replacing the 34th Division at Hill 593 northwest of the Abbey and attempting to capture the Abbey and the 2nd New Zealand Division relieving the 36th Division and attacking Cassino.1 In preparation for the attack, the Abbey of Montecassino was to be destroyed. “Hostile to any bombing was General Geoffrey Keyes of U.S. II Corps, who flew over the monastery several times, each time reporting that he had seen ‘no evidence of any Germans in the grounds’; furthermore, when informed of those who claimed to have seen Germans there, he stated, ‘they’ve been looking so long they are seeing things.’”2 Based on General Tuker’s assessment, General Freyberg required that the abbey be destroyed prior to the attack. In the end, 576 tons of bombs were dropped, resulting the abbey’s controversial destruction. There were no German casualties; however, 230 Italian civilians, who had sought refuge in the monastery, died in the attack.3 The Second Battle of Cassino was inaugurated by the destruction of the monastery, which had not been coordinated with the 4th Indian Division, the attacking force. Therefore, the attack on Hill 593 (the key to an attack on the monastery) on the night of February 15–16 was carried out by a single company of the 1st Battalion, Royal Sussex, to take pressure off the Anzio beachhead. Their boldly executed attack failed. The following night, the Royal Sussex again attacked, this time in battalion force. 87

88  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

They were again driven off by the German paratroopers defending the position.4 On February 18, the 11th Infantry Brigade secured part of the hill, but attacks on the monastery made scant progress. While these attacks were occurring, the 2nd New Zealand Division attempted to capture the Cassino railroad station without success. Thus, the first attack on Cassino by the New Zealand Corps, which had been marked by the destruction of the abbey, ended with little or no gains. “The commitment of two fresh divisions in the Cassino area had not increased the prospect of a junction between the main force of Fifth Army and the Anzio beachhead.” Meanwhile, the Germans launched an all-out effort to break the Allies’ lines at Anzio.5 Following the Second Battle of Cassino, a lull in the fighting occurred, allowing both the Allies and the Germans to regroup. By the end of February, only one US battalion remained in the line. II Corps was in reserve and VI Corps was at Anzio. The Fifth Army front along the Gustav Line was composed of the FEC in the north, the New Zealand Corps in the center, and 10 Corps in the south. They were opposed by the German 1st Parachute Division holding the town of Cassino and Monastery and Castle Hills as well as the slope of Monte Cairo. During the lull in combat, the New Zealand Corps developed plans that required the capture of the town of Cassino prior to attacking Monastery Hill. The 4th Indian Division was to attack Castle Hill and Hill 445, and, after their capture, attack Monastery Hill, while the 2nd New Zealand Division was to capture Cassino and attack Monastery Hill after cutting Highway 6.6 The Third Battle of Cassino was inaugurated by a massive bombing campaign and artillery barrage that reduced the town to piles of rubble. Nearly half of the German defenders were killed, while the remainder survived in deep tunnels and steel-reinforced bunkers. The 2nd New Zealand Division infantrymen, expecting to simply walk through the destroyed town and unaccompanied by tanks, met a fierce defense by the German paratroopers. “Although the Germans were few in number, the shattered town gave them an excellent defensive position.” A week of fierce fighting ensued in the town and surrounding hills, and by March 23 the attack was called off “six days after it was clear that it was going nowhere.” Thus stalemates ensued at Cassino and Anzio that favored the Germans, not the Allies.7 February 1944 15 Bombing and destruction of the monastery began at 0930 and continued all day. Some reports of Germans and civilians driven out. Still unverified. II Corps has never had a supporting air mission compa-

On to Rome  89

rable. Strange how British get what they ask for! A few shells fell on our CP area. Robert W. Porter, Jr., Ralph J. Butchers, James W. Holsinger, Walker, Harry P. Storke, and Zitaman promoted to Colonel. Lowman returned from hospital. Looks rather peeked. 16 Bombing of monastery to continue. Pink Crane spent afternoon and night with me. Visited 34th Division and artillery CPs. Visited Juin. He is all for our suggested plan. Agrees it is time for 5th Army to concentrate means; provoked at Spadger’s postponement. 17 Went to 5th Army to witness artillery display. Submitted plans re 88th Infantry Division. Lunch with Clark and Devers. Flew to Caserta to see dentist. Pink Crane left—sure enjoyed his visit. Boche shelled our area last night and this afternoon. 18 Attack by 4th Indian Division on Hill 569 and the monastery failed to gain anything. General Hamm Haislip8 and several of his staff came for a visit. Understand General Willis D. [“Critt”] Crittenberger is in Algiers—available to Devers! Needless to say he has Lodge with him. Big artillery night. Editor’s Note: Major Henry Cabot Lodge Jr. resigned his US Senate seat in early February 1944 in order to serve on active duty during the Italian campaign, having previously taken a leave of absence from the US Senate in 1941–1942 to serve in North Africa. Following the end of World War II, he left active duty as a lieutenant colonel and regained his Senate seat in 1946. He retired from the US Army Reserve with the rank of major general.9 Editor’s Note: Lieutenant General Jacob Devers, commanding general of the US Army North African Theater of Operations, was seeking a commander for the US IV Corps for the Italian campaign. General Devers quickly claimed Major General Willis D. Crittenberger, who had been replaced as XIX Corps commander in Great Britain, for the position. General Crittenberger’s IV Corps was in combat during the Italian campaign for 401 days. Generals Keyes and Crittenberger were classmates at the US Military Academy.10 19 Day of visitors. Generals Devers, Henry Maitland Wilson (Jumbo) and Clarke his administrator who looks like something out of the zoo. Wilson and party stayed for lunch. Called to 5th Army for conference with Clark. He favors our recommendation for continued operations of II Corps with 88th Division. He showed me 15th Army

90  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

Group’s proposal which puts everybody except CEF and Spadger in rest areas and would result in a complete bogging down on this front. He was opposed to it. On way back stopped in to see General Freyberg (Spadger). He is very pessimistic over Cassino and Monastery Hill. Says he has been in only two tougher spots—Crete and Tobruk! 20 Mass and Communion. Presentation of Silver Stars to MPs, Engineers, and Field Artillery. Took Haislip to 36th Division. Lunch with Walker. About 2 p.m., Clark phoned that II Corps goes to pasture and so all our plans of yesterday are off! How can an Army shift from day to day with plans good only for 24 hours at a time! Why Corps HQ should be withdrawn is beyond me. Of course ACMF (Allied Central Mediterranean Forces) and above are somewhat to blame. 21 Clark came out with the dope—II Corps (3 Divisions [34th and 36th Infantry and 1st Armored]) to regroup. French hold in place; Spadgers carry the ball. Again piecemeal! Lucas burned out. Truscott gets VI Corps. Clark says he intended at one time to send me to bridgehead as Lucas’ relief but decided should be someone familiar with the situation. Lucas to become Clark’s Deputy Commander. Critt at Dever’s disposal. Of course Lodge is with him. Leila’s birthday. Got a Valentine from her. 22 Spadgers attack now set for 24th. The British General who was to relieve the 133rd Infantry Regiment (34th Division) last night said he didn’t know if he could! Ryder told him he had orders that he (British General) was to do it and that the 133rd was going out. So the British General then effected the relief. 34th Division now all out and on way to training area Alife [Piedmont d’Alife Training Area]. Ryder said only thing he asks is that he remain in II Corps. Both he and Walker gave us a good rating with Haislip. [Generals Garrison H.] Gar Davidson11 and Halley G. Maddox12 came in for lunch and to see me. Both loyal 7th Army “boys.” Gar disappointed at Devers attempt to hold him from joining General Patton. Haislip, Porter and I went to CEF for lunch with General Juin. Such a contrast to the British. We have a complete and friendly understanding. 23 Ash Wednesday. Haislip and staff left [XV Corps]. I went to Cairo to advance CP 36th Division. Saw General Julius E. Slack13 and Slocum. Drove home in rain after lunch to Caserta to get bridge cemented in (Lieutenant Colonel Heron?) Understand Spadgers attack for tomorrow postponed. Brann seems weakening on the operation. Lee returned from hospital.

On to Rome  91

24 Willems relieved from mountain spree with a broken foot! Went to 5th Army. Complete change of plans. Regrouping to get Americans together thank goodness. Am about to be rooked again and lose the 34th Division! Had lunch with 88th Division—now part of II Corps. Lucas phoned. Back from VI Corps and is to be Clark’s deputy. 5th Army said Critt was arriving with his COS and of course Lodge. I offered to take them in. 25 Spadger attack postponed because of weather. Still wrangling whether French or NZ relieve 141st Regiment [36th Division]. I finally asked 5th Army to let me arrange it with French and use some of 88th Division. Lowman wants to go to HQ Company 7th Army. Cold rain most of day. Talked to Lucas on phone. Seems anxious to talk to me. Will have lunch with him tomorrow if Spadger doesn’t attack. 26 Moving CP from S. Vittore to Reviscanina in training area. Rain as usual. Turning over to French and NZ. Parting call on General Spadger (Freyburg) and General Juin. 27 Mass and Communion. Have been to mass each morning for Lent. More rain. John Lucas came for visit and lunch. He is very discouraged over his relief and feels General Alexander is the cause of it. Difference in interpretation of orders. British continually failed to obey orders etc. etc. He was to have succeeded Clark in command of 5th Army while Clark took over the Anvil job. Now he feels he is on the way out. I suppose we must all face it sooner or later. It’s the last relief after all the work is done that continues on to reap the reward. 5th Army off again—breaking up 88th Division and now considering worse with 34th. General Thoburn K. [TK] Brown14 came to II Corps en route to 88th Division. 29 Ed Hull from OPD spent day with us. Took him & TK Brown on a sightseeing trip. Told Ryder he is to go to VI Corps [Anzio]. He was sunk—said that meant he would be washed out! He really wants to stay with II Corps. Hull gave me some dope on present and coming events. He agrees with me on present conditions. Critt and party are to arrive tomorrow. March 1944 1 Critt, Ladue,15 Lodge, Collinge and Case arrived for visit—duration unknown. Haislip and Ott16 came for lunch and to say goodbye. Sloan came by en route to 10 Corps sector. Am to lose several of my staff. Had long talk with Gruenther and explained what the outlook of

92  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

II Corps is. He hadn’t thought of it! They haven’t a thought beyond the next 24 hours! 2 Visited 5th Army—Plans all in the air—in last 10 days my divisions have been changed 4 times. Training Program from 5th Army changed within 24 hours of receipt. Operation plans still changing—Prospects of II Corps very low. Critt gave me his story. Feels Bradley ran out on him. His relief from XIX Corps and transfer to this theater due (1) British pressure to get Lodge out of UK (2) Desire to have Corps Commanders with battle experience. I laid cards on the table with Gruenther ref. favoritism shown 3rd Division and VI Corps. Took Critt to visit 34th Division Forward. Walker there. After supper Lodge told us some of the escapades of the Senatorial party that [. . .] of the theaters. Senator Albert (Happy) Chandler deathly afraid of air travel. 36 years ago today entered West Point! Editor’s Note: Senator Albert B. “Happy” Chandler of Kentucky served as a member of the Senate Military Affairs Committee and was one of the committee members who circled the globe in 1943 inspecting American bases, troops, and operations. His fear of flying was confirmed by his grandson Ben Chandler.17 3 Had a long talk with Walker. His morale is near zero. Feels Clark & Devers have lost confidence in him and wishes they would say so and relieve him. Presentation ceremony at our CP. Engineers, Artillery and AAA. Took ride in my new Stinson L-5. Hank Allen18 came in to see me and TK Brown. I phoned Doc Ryder and with Critt we had a party. One of Spadger’s Division commanders stepped on a mine and lost a leg and both feet (General Kippenberger19). 5 Took Critt and party over the battlefield. Editor’s Note: For the Fifth Army to take the offensive, a major regrouping of combat units was required. “10 Corps was in a stalemate west of the Garigliano; the FEC could not move until the Cassino bastion fell; and neither II Corps nor the New Zealand Corps had yet been able to break into the Liri Valley.”20 Allied Armies, Italy (AAI), the renamed 15th Army Group, determined that additional forces would be required to break the Gustav Line and so ordered the British 5 Corps to hold the eastern sector of the line under the direct control of AAI. The British Eighth Army would move west of the Apennines to attack through the Liri Valley on the right of the previous Fifth Army zone, relieving it of

On to Rome  93

responsibility for the Atina, Cassino, and Rapido zones. The Fifth Army zone would consist of a thirteen-mile section of the front, from the Ligurian Sea to the Liri River. The Fifth Army would continue to be responsible for the Anzio beachhead, with the 56th Infantry Division replaced by the 5th and the 34th Infantry Divisions. These realignments of combat units created a major logistical effort due to the large amount of vehicular traffic across the front. The Fifth Army’s axis of advance was now along Highway 6, while the Eighth Army was positioned at Highway 7. Because of the effort required and heavy rains, the realignment of the two armies was not completed until the new inter-army boundaries were in place on March 26. By March 29, II Corps and the FEC would relieve 10 Corps in the Garigliano sector. Following 10 Corps’ relief from the Fifth Army on March 31, General Clark now commanded seven American, three French, and two British divisions, five and a half of which were under VI Corps at Anzio.21 The Fifth Army faced XIV Panzer Corps, composed of the 94th and 71st Panzer Grenadier Divisions, the latter reinforced by elements from three other divisions. “In all Marshal Kesselring had in Italy on 1 April 22 divisions, the same number as AAI; the bulk of his units, however, was greatly understrength in men and material.”22 AAI’s proposed concentration of forces represented a major departure from previous efforts to break through the Gustav Line and capture Rome. The Fifth Army, composed of II Corps and the FEC, was assigned a sector only thirteen miles wide between the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Liri River.23 II Corps was on the left of the FEC and situated from the coast inland. It was composed of the 85th and 88th Infantry Divisions, while the FEC commanded four divisions. With the narrow front, the Fifth Army’s combat power was finally sufficient to mount an attack that would break through the Gustav Line with a rapid movement north to capture Rome.24 6 Flew to 5th Army then to 88th Division. Lunch with Sloan and conference with General McCreery 10 Corps (British). General Thoburn Kaye Brown25 went to 88th Division for duty. Weather still unfavorable. 7 General Juin, Colonel Zeller and General Ryder came to lunch. Our ideas on coming operation the same. There must be a careful timing prescribed. 8 No rain but weather still unsettled. Flew over new zone in new plane Stinson L-5 Sentinel! [Editor’s Note: The Stinson L-5 Sentinel was a liaison aircraft used by all branches of the US military during World

94  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

9

10

11

12

War II and was designed specifically for their use.26] Lucas came for lunch. Seemed more cheerful. Took Critt on a cub tour of the battlefield and to the 36th Division for lunch. Visited the regimental COs of 36th Division. Walker now has 3 outstanding Regimental COs. Spadgers attack scheduled for tomorrow called off at dark. Took Critt to call on General McCreery who looks more and more like sad sack every time I see him. We had lunch with Sloan and then went over his Minturno-Tufo sector. 5th Army plans still unannounced. No replacements which I insist must be the secret weapon we are holding out. The regrouping is assuming greater proportions and will consume lots of time. Bridgehead seems stabilized and it looks like June before we join up. A beautiful day. The first in several weeks. Unfortunately the Spadger attack was again postponed. Changing CP to S. Agata NE of Maddaloni. 36th Division presentation ceremony. Clark made a spectacular landing—almost crashed. Sergeant Kelly 163rd Infantry Regiment received the Medal of Honor. Looks like a nice quiet good looking boy who might be a good student rather than a tough individual. Critt and Lucas express regret that I didn’t get the 7th Army job instead of General Sandy Patch.27 Appreciate the compliment but have never given it a thought as I had neither those aspirations nor any feeling that I should be considered for the job. Doc Ryder came in for supper. Sunday. What a day. Rain rain rain! Smith is to go to OPD [Operations Division] and I am trying to get Colonel Beverly E. Powell as replacement [II Corps G-1]. Devers phoned Critt he will be out this afternoon. Lucas phoned he will be here for lunch. New CP a nice site adjacent to a typical Italian town built on a canyon the sides of which are terraced. Chaplain loaned me “Action this Day” by Bishop Spellman. He mentions his stay with me at Rabat. Lucas arrived— has been ordered home in grade and thinks he is to get another corps there.28 Devers spent a couple of hours with us. As usual no one has done anything except himself—no one thought of anything except him! It is the Armored Force travesty over again! He told Critt he is giving him the IV Corps (the one Patch is relinquishing). Am delighted for Critt’s sake. Clark phoned about noon and said he had a job for Critt! Obviously it is the same one and both are claiming credit. Devers views on coming operations are astounding. He thinks it will bring the main force and 1944 Gallipoli (Anzio) together in 25 days from now; i.e., by April 10!!! He bases it on (1) the Boche will pull

On to Rome  95

out (2) The Boche is tired! (3) Spadger is fresh and “raring” to go! In the first place the Boche can withdraw 3–5 divisions and still delay us for several months; next he is no more tired than we are; and finally we plan no general offensive for several weeks. So if Devers is right and we liquidate the affair in 25 days, I am certainly off the beam. Smith leaves tomorrow for OPD. Will miss him, he has done a fine job. Upon saying goodbye to me he said “General when this war is over I sure hope to find you again.” I said “Well I hope so too” and he said “Oh I didn’t mean it that way”! 13 A clear windy day. 34th Division Ceremony at 3 p.m. Sherman has joined the 34th. Critt & I drove through S. Agata and visited the church which has suffered very little damage. We then drove into the mountains—a beautiful sight with snow on the tops and they valleys thoroughly cultivated. After lunch we drove to Benevento to attend the 34th Division Decoration Ceremony. Not as good as the 36th’s. Clark told Critt, Ryder and me his “present” plan—namely to be prepared to make main effort through bridgehead—organize there another corps with a British Commander, to move a small HQ there to command, himself appoint a deputy commander on this front, “that will probably be you” he said addressing me! And you (Critt) will go in on this front!!! Lieutenant Colonel Glenn Rodgers arrived for duty—assigned to 756th Tank Battalion. This has been a beautiful day and still no Spadger attack. Gruenther told me at 6 p.m. that the attack will not take place tomorrow. 14 Critt, Lodge and I drove to Venafro for lunch with General Juin. He told me he had told Clark last night that I was his good neighbor and got along fine. Gruenther phoned that the Cassino attack will take place tomorrow. Just one month after Spadger was supposed to attack and Clark told me on February 8 that if I didn’t attack before the 10th I’d miss the boat as he would put Spadger in to finish the job quickly!!! II Corps Officers Club opened. 15 Critt, Lodge & myself and the 2 aides, Risden29 and Case, drove to hill above Cervaro to witness fight on Cassino. A fine clear day. Air put on over 2500 sorties. Practically demolished what was left of the town but when they assaulted it required nearly 24 hours to overcome the Boches still in the town! As usual the air bombed outside the target dropping bombs on Cervaro (about 2 minutes after we passed through) and on Venafro the CP of the CEF (3 times), killing 15 and wounding 30. This is inexcusable yet nothing will be done about it. All the rank were at Cervaro to watch the attack. Generals

96  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

Alexander, Clark, Devers, Gruenther, Freyberg, etc. We went off by ourselves at Critt’s request. 16 Rain and snow again. Critt and party left with Devers for Algiers. 17 Spent day with 88th Division. Visited Minturno and Tufo. Division doing well. Sloan has leg in cast—pulled ligament. Visited the 339th Regiment (85th Division) which is going into the line tonight. Looks good. Sloan has 2 overage Colonels and says the one with the 339th is the same. 18 Flew to 5th Army. Nothing definite as to plans or troops! Spadgers attack on Cassino not progressing well. II Corps continues to be the ugly Duckling. We get only what Truscott and VI Corps chooses to let us have! Having changed their minds 3 times they now want to keep Baehr30 and 5th Army gives in. 5th Army now planning to take 88th Division away from me and send it to Bridgehead! I feel sure I am in the wrong league. Drove to 34th Division to say goodbye to Doc Ryder and award him his 2nd Silver Star. He has done a swell job and I hate to lose him and his division and I feel he feels the same way. Stopped at the 5th Army Scouting and Patrolling School to see Lieutenant Colonel Crawford. Editor’s Note: On March 28, 1944, the 34th Division relieved the 3rd Division in the Anzio beachhead. VI Corps now comprised five infantry divisions and one armored division less one combat command.31 19 Sunday. Flew to Foggia to see little Marge. The best 5th Army could do was a seat on a milk plane! I went in our own B-2 (L-5). Called Cannon who had a car meet me. Fine trip—45 minutes each way. Colonel William W. Dick (Panama) met me with car and invited Marge and me to lunch with General Cannon32 and several other air corps Colonels. Marge well and still enthusiastic and still pretty. Affair at Cassino not going too well. Germans are striking back. I believe it will require the 78th Division and a week’s time to liquidate this fight. 20 Visited 143rd Infantry Regiment with Walker. Awarded Bronze Stars to a number of II Corps Staff. Visited 91st RCN. Saw the doughnut team in action. [Editor’s Note: Donut Dollies, American Red Cross volunteers, served the US armed forces on virtually every front.33] What an overhead!!! Air Corps drop of supplies to troops on Hill 435 last Saturday was flop. Some supplies were dropped as far off as Maggiori, S. Angelo and of course in enemy territory. The Boches sent a radio message thanking us!! I doubt if the Air Corps has

On to Rome  97

practiced once since they tried so unsuccessfully last November. II Corps hop tonight. I begged off. 21 Flew to 5th Army. Long talk with Gruenther. Gave him my views on next operations. It looks as if they are going flivver [on the cheap34] again. I believe I’ll need 2 good divisions in the line to do the secondary role assigned to me and even so 5th Army will not have provided sufficient force for its main effort. There is a high powered conference this afternoon to settle (?) the Cassino operation which has flivvered. In discussion with Porter I proved the Boche has the initiative and has and can frustrate our mission unless we change radically our dispositions and maneuver. 22 Cold and Rainy. Lowman came in yesterday and says he wants to take the job offered in 7th Army. Will miss him. Decoration ceremony 19th Engineers in the rain. Package from Leila. Pajamas, candy, bouillon etc.—just like Xmas. Gruenther phoned to say Jay35 was to be made in V Meyers place and that Baehr was to remain in VI Corps. He asked if I had any further comment and I said no—that I preferred Baehr but in as much as General Clark had decided otherwise had nothing to say. This makes it almost 90% in VI Corps and Truscott’s favor—Butler, Strainbery—Derby—34th Division—88th Division, etc. etc. 23 Regular Texas norther with snow on nearby hills. Coulter36 arrived. His Division (85th) is on its way and for the moment will come to me. However the dope given him by Clark and 5th Army G-3 section don’t gee and haw or agree with what Gruenther told me 2 days ago. How in this world can an army operate on that basis! Editor’s Note: The second New Zealand Corps offensive in the Third Battle of Cassino failed to produce a breakthrough of the Gustav Line, and the corps went on the defensive on March 23. 24 Flew around Vesuvius. A phenomenal sight. 2 rivers of lava well down the sides. Dust covers everything like dust storms in the west in 1934– 5. Went to 5th Army—another change—88th Division now to stay with me!! Cassino offensive called off. We are now to assume an attitude of “very offensive defensive probing.” What in God’s name is that! Tonight German broadcast announced that the Cassino offensive had been officially called off yesterday due to excessive losses in the NZ Corps!!! Hendrix came to supper. Decoration ceremonies 202nd MP Company; 11th Field Hospital; 91st Reconnaissance Squadron. Bronze

98  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

Star to Chief Nurse Cook, 11th Field Hospital. First I have awarded to nurses; first head nurse I’ve seen who doesn’t look like a Latin teacher! 25 Moved forward CP to vicinity of Piedimonti on west slope of M. Massico. Best site we’ve yet had—fine view of our next battlefield. Flew to 5th Army but couldn’t land due to storm. Landed at 88th Division. Sloan told me of his conversations with Clark yesterday. Am afraid Sloan may be another Truscott in running to higher ups. I didn’t like some of the things discussed without my knowledge. Clark phoned me to come to lunch and discuss matters. A long talk with him. He shows the strain of the Cassino failure and is now bitterly at odds with the British. Says the NZ did not fight. Feels we are to get no help from 8th Army (what I have been saying for months). Is receptive to my recommendations for our next offensive and today plans to give me 2 divisions with the third backing me up. He is also burned up with Devers. I knew that combination would not work too well. Devers informed War Department that junction with Bridgehead (which GSP calls Bitchhead!!) would be effected by March 23rd!!! That is even worse than he told me—25 days from March 12 is April 10! Clark didn’t mention Critt and his IV Corps. 26 Sunday—Mass and communion. Clear, cold, windy. Fine view of battlefield for next 6–8 weeks. Colonel Jay reported as new Corps Artillery Officer. Will reserve judgement. Worked on plans. Called meeting for 1000 tomorrow. Coulter. Sloan. 27 Conference with Sloan & Coulter. Flew to S. Agata for conference with Walker and then drove to Airola for decoration ceremony— 1108th Engineer Group—one man from Glenn Falls, NY. General McCreery Commanding General or as they put it GOC [General Officer in Charge], 10 Corps came in to see me before he departed for the new sector on the right. His new corps will consist of the NZ Division, some RCN units and the Italian Motor Brigade. He was certainly outspoken in his criticism of Spadger’s Cassino affair. Said Spadger should have used the 78 Division over the top as I had planned with the 34th and 36th Divisions. Also that Spadger didn’t send enough into Cassino after the blitz!!! That is the criticism we have made of McCreery ever since last September! He also admits that on his count M. Majo is the key feature “as you have always stated” he added. Editor’s Note: Implementation of the planned realignment of the Allied forces was effected with the new interarmy boundary in place on March 26, followed by the relief of 10 Corps by II Corps on March 31.37

On to Rome  99

28 Another cold clear windy day. Drove to 5th Army’s new CP to present a plan for II Corps for next several weeks and stating need for 3 divisions. Generals Clark & Gruenther are at Sorrento returning today. Believe I am the only General in 5th Army that hasn’t been to the rest hole at Sorrento. Returned General McCreery’s call. II Corps takes over from 10 Corps at 0800 tomorrow. CEF moved into Sessa Aurunca today and takes over the right sector at 0800 tomorrow. 29 II Corps assumed command of southern sector at 0800. Walker and Gruenther visited CP. I flew to Capua for presentation ceremony 6th Armored Field Artillery Group then to Vesuvius and around the Isle of Capri. 30 Orientation conferences resumed. Visited 349th Infantry Regiment in the Damiano sector. 3rd Battalion on right opposite Castelforte. Lunch with CO (Lieutenant Colonel Crawford). General Clark came to II Corps CP for visit and discussion of next operation. He’s in favor of our plans. Hope I planted some good seed. Made a strong plea for Powell. 5th Army phoned last night I couldn’t have him. Also put in a bid for 202nd MPs and 19th Engineers to wear II Corps patch. Urged a band too. Clark again complemented II Corps area as regards discipline, appearance, CPs, etc. Can’t understand him—in spite of his complements we sure are the underdog. 31 Presentation ceremony and lunch at CEF. Three of the French officers awarded the Legion of Merit (US) by General Clark were old friends from Rabat. Generals Augustin-Leon Guillaume38 and MarieAntoine-Arthur-Olivier Poydenot39 and Lieutenant Colonel Piatte (chef de cabinet for Nogues). Drove to Cassigliano to award Bronze Stars to 776th Tank Destroyer Battalion. Stopped by to see CCB. Hank Allen showed me photos of our tanks (760th Tank Battalion) all around Mass Albaneta [destroyed Albaneta farm]. 10 out of 17 were abandoned because 4th Indian Division refused to accompany them or to protect the recovery crews! Gruenther phoned to say orders were being issued on Powell! April 1944 1 Drove to Naples area to visit 85th Division then flew to S. Agata for presentation of Legion of Merit to Lieutenant Gutterman, 36th Rcn Troop and platoon tests. Drove home after supper. 2 Palm Sunday—olive branches distributed at mass instead of palms. Climbed well up Monte Massico for fine view of the front. 85th Division attached to II Corps as of this morning. Submitted directives to

100  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

85th and 88th Divisions re sectors etc. Also to 88th for impending operations. Colonel Jay moved to his new CP at Fasani. Remainder of II Corps HQ moved up today. Got some cigarette boxes to send home. Understand Lowman’s orders to 7th Army are being issued. Will be sorry to lose him. 3 Went with Sloan to visit and inspect the 339th Infantry Regiment sector. Lieutenant Colonel Brady former Provost Marshal Western Task Force is CO. Saw Gina Mudgett’s brother, CO of a battalion. Visited several OPs. Stopped by 5th Army. Plans following Sunday’s meeting generally along our proposed ideas. They still can’t get off the fence ref. the bridgehead. Critt came in. As I listened to him tell all the upper level people he has been dealing with accumulating his staff and the carte blanche given him by Devers, I certainly felt lowly and insignificant. He got Lieutenant Colonel Davis whom I asked for at least a week or 10 days before he did! I certainly don’t seem to get even a reasonable cut in personnel. However, I’ll still match II Corps against the field. Critt and Pink Crane (his Artillery [commander]) came home with me but wouldn’t stay for dinner. Willems asked where Critt’s Deputy Chief of Staff for Politics (Lodge) was!! Spent the evening going over draft of orders. 5th Army now wavering on preliminary operations proposed and agreed by Clark! Coulter phoned he was established in CP just north of me. 4 General Juin came over for discussion of plans and friendly chat. His plan submitted to 5th Army fits with ours 100%. If 5th Army will only give us a directive that will permit us to put these plans into effect! Visited the 71st AAA CP—neat, orderly and business like. Reviewed operations plan. Gruenther brought British General Oliver William Hargreaves Leese40 CG 8th Army to see me. A big ungainly bruiser. TK Brown came over for a visit. 5 First day of Holy Week. Visited Artillery Fire Direction Center at Fasani. After lunch flew to S. Agata for 36th Division Field Artillery demonstration—then back to Capua for presentation ceremonies 760th Tank Battalion and 753rd Tank Battalion. Saw First Sergeant Arthur Mudge—first time since his father died. Boche dropped 5 170’s just below our CP area! First time he has reached this area. He seems worked up over something. Pink Crane stopped by for supper. Porter took our proposed plan to 5th Army. Gruenther and Wood favorably impressed and surprised how closely it fits with General Juin’s plan also submitted yesterday. Lieutenant Colonel Bev Powell reported for duty as G-1.

On to Rome  101

7 Gruenther still noncommittal about use of 36th Division. 5th Army cannot apparently see that that is the crux of the maneuver. Drove to Monte Trocchio to present some Silver Stars and an Air Medal to members of 995th Field Artillery Battalion (8” Howitzer). First visit to the old area since the NZ attack on Cassino. A few rounds came in—one landed at Purple Heart Corner between the time I passed there going up and coming back. Upon return I stopped at the nearby village of Piedimonte where our chaplain was holding Good Friday services. A real crowd of soldiers and civilians attended. Clark left word for me to call him. I did so and he said not to entertain any idea of the 36th Division going over the mountains that in examining the plans submitted, he “finds that his Corps Commanders are fighting a separate war”! I wonder if he told Juin that? I am willing to bet 3-1 that he didn’t! He said General Leese had been there today—don’t know what he meant by that. I told him I wasn’t contemplating doing anything until he authorized it but I would like to discuss the mission of the 36th Division with him. I’m afraid I’ll lose again and will have inadequate means and an unimportant assignment. The proper use of the 36th Division is the key to the whole maneuver. General Freyberg sent me a photo of himself and me at his CP one morning. 8 Called to 5th Army for conference with Clark—we discussed the plans for employment of II Corps and I urged use of 36th Division. All I could get was an OK on its training. Clark is leaving tomorrow for the US for 10 days. I am to be Deputy Commander (in addition to my other duties) during his absence. He was careful to make clear that I wasn’t expected to come to 5th Army HQ!! General Wilson has gone to England and Devers is in charge for several weeks. Wonder what gems of wisdom and genius he’ll put out! While at 5th Army, Juin returned from Algiers where a “crise” [crisis] is taking place over Giraud. He discussed his plans with Clark. Truscott also arrived for conference with Clark before latter takes off. Truscott has no illusions about a main effort out of the beachhead. About supper time Sloan phoned that one of his observers had spotted 21 enemy tanks near Bracchi! Much excitement in the 88th Division. Wanted me to alert a regiment of the 85th Division! I refused. 9 Easter Sunday. No signs of enemy threatened attack and no signs of 21 tanks! Visited the 349th Regiment in Damiano sector. They were holding an Easter service with loud speakers. Flew to Naples to visit Bill Chase and General Arthur William Pence41 in 300th General Hospital. Had to drive home because of rain. Had all the Generals of

102  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

85th & 88th Divisions in for dinner—the Bakery Company sent me a huge and delicious cake as an Easter present. TK Brown is in the 36th General Hospital at Caserta. Intended visiting him but didn’t have time. 10 Rain stopped. Boche quiet yesterday. According to press and radio the higher ups are having a hard time explaining the inactivity and apparent flop of the Italian Campaign. General Marshall says if we broke through the Germans would withdraw more divisions for use in France!!! That’s beyond me! The campaign has not been a brilliant success from any angle except occasional battles. The overall [outcome] is bad. Received GO [General Order] 57 HQ 5th Army 9 April 44 announcing me as Deputy Commander 5th Army in addition to my other duties—vice Johnny Lucas—transferred! Hope there’s no significance in that part!! 11 Inspected some corps artillery batteries. Boche dropped a couple about 100 yards from us. 85th Division got their first prisoners last night and are elated. Generals Juin and Carpentier42 his COS came to lunch. We are agreed on plans and views. Generals Gruenther and Harding (COS to General Alexander) came for a short visit. Arrangements made for my trip to Anzio tomorrow. Have got my planners really working on futures. Critt phoned to ask me to see This is the Army Thursday. Chaplain Chataignon came out to see me this afternoon. 12 Flew to Anzio in my B-II [L-5] with a fighter escort (British). Why it is British I don’t know. Presented LM and SS to several at the Beachhead including Rufe Ramsey, Carl Baehr and Frederick (1st SSF). Interesting visit—very calm and quiet there. Truscott does not feel he can break out unless conditions are ripe elsewhere. Also he doesn’t fear an enemy attack. All the more arguments in favor of my contention that the all-out effort should be made on this front. Stopped by 5th Army on way home. Gruenther, Brann and Kaiser and myself had long discussion on the pending operation. I believe they are seriously having to [use] my ideas about the mountain operation and use of the 36th Division. Someone higher up is again wavering and has changed plans for the 91st Division—disembarking it in Africa instead of here. Saw Livesay43 (CG of 91st) and Ray Williamson44 his assistant, and Colonel Donovan ? his COS. Butchers returned from his trip to Sardinia—he went on two bombing missions. 13 Decoration ceremony 6th Field Artillery Group. Dinner and This is the Army with Critt. Sandy Patch was at Critt’s and went to show

On to Rome  103

with us—same old Sandy—looks fine. Got lost driving home in the blackout. 14 Lunch at 5th Army with Gruenther. Clark still away. Put in some more licks on our part of next operation. 15 Spent all day at the CP writing letters to 5th Army to build up this force rather than weaken it for the benefit of the Beachhead. Our “Speedy Justice” courts have had great success in instilling discipline and compliance with orders in this Corps area. Vanderveer45 and Warnock46 from Fifth Division (Red Irwin47) UK here for 10 days visit. Brought bottle of Johnny Walker to me from Ham Haislip. 16 Mass and communion. Division Commanders and their COS for lunch. Sandy Patch new CG 7th Army arrived after lunch and spent the afternoon. Drove around the area. Doc White48 (COS) and Paul Daly with him. 17 Visited Battalion CPs of 33th Infantry Regiment. Lunch with 337th. Have got 5th Army scratching their heads finding reasons to refuse my request for SSF and to hold 77th Field Artillery Group. Dinner at 5th Army for Devers, Patch and Critt. Devers as usual flowed at the mouth. No one knows, does, or thinks except himself. Coming to visit our CP tomorrow and will stay for lunch. 18 Devers arrived 1½ hours late. Had Sloan, Coulter, Hendrix, Jay and Ewing for lunch. Drove to Castrese for decoration ceremony. Am like the President of France! Patch and White his COS came to supper. Sandy said he would like to have me command the corps in the Anvil show! I told him Truscott was already set up and felt he would find him satisfactory. 19 Spent morning at 5th Army. Believe Gruenther is at least 90% in favor of our views on coming operations. Still no decision on 77th Field Artillery Group or the SSF. Brann is again wavering on the 36th Division and our proposed direction of effort. He is not a brilliant G-3 by a long shot! Nor is Lewis big minded. Critt and Pink came out for supper. Critt overcome by “Speedy” accessories (Traffic signs—courts—relief map—place cards, etc.) Just heard conversation of some GIs putting screens on my chateau. One said if it took 6 months to get Cassino it’ll take us 2½ years to clean up Europe. Another said we’d [. . .] in 1945 and when the next war came he’d have more children than our orphan’s home. 20 Gruenther came out for lunch. We keep the 77th Field Artillery Group. Another victory for us. I hope the tide has turned. Am afraid we’ll lose on the SSF deal. [Editor’s Note: The 1st SSF was transferred

104  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

to the Anzio beachhead on or about February 1 and did not return to II Corps, being transferred to Seventh Army following the fall of Rome.49] Decoration ceremonies 54th Medical Battalion and 11th Field Hospital. Gala dinner in Naples by Art Wilson50 in honor Prince Umberto of Savoy. Too much dog [as in “putting on the dog”]—MPs with fixed bayonets at present arms every 6 paces—Orchestra—inevitable photographers, etc. Lots of rank. Devers, Eaker,51 Critt, Sandy Patch, Walker, Cannon, Edwards, Pink Crane, etc. etc. I was the only one in field uniform. Enjoyed the distinction. 21 San Jacinto Day! Visited 88th Division’s new CP. Very neat and orderly. Corps plans developing—conference with French yesterday very satisfactory. 22 Package of boodle [useful items] from Leila—socks from Ethel—mail from Leila—attended a most inspiring Decoration Ceremony by the French 3rd Algerian Division (3° DIA). General Monsabert my former instructor at the École de Guerre. It was held in the Roman Amphitheater at Pompeii. It was a gorgeous spectacle and stage managed as only the French can. General Juin “assumed command.” Gave all commands—read the citations and presented the medals. One regiment had been awarded the Legion of Honor prior to the war of 1870! This was followed by a “défilé (march past) in the amphitheater—the troops coming in one entrance and leaving by the opposite one. Then we went to a nearby restaurant and had a modified diffa [feast, Fr.] in a long arbor. The whole sheep including the head! The main effort of everyone was to not get the sheep or the gravy all over one’s self! Next we went back to the amphitheater for a “fete”—music etc. by French GIs. General Juin and I left about 2:30 and I flew back to make a presentation ceremony of our own (71st AAA). From that I rushed to change my clothes and drive to Caserta for General Dever’s dinner at the Palace. Much rank but relatively small party. Generals Maitland Wilson, Alexander, Juin, Crittenberger, Edwards, Capentier, Gruenther, Tuker52 and of course Devers. Speaking French I sat next to Juin which pleased me very much and he didn’t seem to object! Critt told me Lodge has to be operated on for stomach ulcers and will probably be sent home. That is really too bad. Gruenther and Devers indicated again I am to get the 36th Division! Still more wrangle over Juin for Anvil. At Art Wilson’s dinner Thursday night Sandy again said he was going to get me in on Anvil. At least I’ll have the satisfaction of having been asked for!

On to Rome  105

23 Sunday. After mass and breakfast drove over to the Damiano front to see the new unit going in (351st Infantry Regiment). Planning conference after lunch and then I inspected “Speedy Spa,” a bathing beach project II Corps has opened up for Enlisted men primarily—It is a fine example of the initiative and high ability of this Corps. Letters from Leila, Ethel and Les. 24 General Clark returned last night. I’ll return the command to him intact and give an account of my stewardship sometime today or tomorrow. Chaplain Kenny said mass for the families of all who attended the mass—he announced it yesterday and we had a big turnout. Cannon and Lemnitzer for lunch. 25 Decoration ceremonies—36th Division near Avellino—here at the CP and at the 776th Tank Destroyer Battalion. 36th Division coming back strong. Walker seems a new man full of enthusiasm and optimism. General Maitland Wilson and Lowell Rooks53 came for a short visit. Wilson wanted my views on coming operations which I gave frankly. General Clark coming for lunch tomorrow. 26 Heavy rain all day. Generals Clark, Walker, Sloan and Coulter for lunch. Before lunch Clark discussed with me II Corps plans and insists we take Damiano at H hour—that CEF is making the main effort and that Juin insists he can’t take or attack Castelforte unless we hold Damiano. I contended that we understood each other and that all that was required was that I take Damiano when he came down from the north on the Ceschito. Clark insisted he was right and that we would jump off at H hour. He discussed his trip to the US—interviews (personal and intimate) with FDR—Marshall— Congressmen, etc. Says everyone now understands what a magnificent job the 5th Army has and is doing! Also said he had told General Marshall that I was “tops”. Can’t remember the words he used but they floored me they were so flattering! I just can’t believe he is wholly sincere. Pink Crane drove over for supper—he is filling a temporary vacancy in the 88th Division Artillery. 27 Another decoration ceremony here at the CP. Prince Umberto di Savoia came to lunch and then visited the 85th & 88th Divisions. I went to the CEF (Sessa Aurunca) for a conference with Juin first and then with him and Clark. Juin and I settled all points before Clark, Gruenther and Brann arrived—much to the 5th Army contingent’s surprise. I was right in my contention but with Juin’s stepping up his time I can jump off at H hour. After 6 weeks of failure to get satisfactory photo from the Air Corps Photo service which is charged with

106  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

such missions, I sent my Signal Corps photographers to OPs and in a Cub and they returned with most perfect results I’ve ever seen. I took a set to General Juin and he and his staff raved about them as they provided a wonderfully detailed picture of their objectives. Brann and Gruenther also wonderstruck at the skill and ability of II Corps War Photo Service!! 28 Conference with staff and Division Commanders on the operation. We are well ahead of time as we have yet to get the 5th Army order!! Another orientation conference for junior officers and enlisted men. Critt stopped by en route to 5th Army. 29 Our modifications of the Cub for supply and evacuation is coming along fine. Decoration ceremony 175th Engineers! Attended 88th Division orientation conference. Pink Crane came to supper. General Staff Conference after supper. French want use of our roads at a bad time. 30 Spent a.m. in the Tremensuoli sector (338th Infantry Regiment). Some things not too good. Bridge hit again last night. Lunch with 338th. General Guillaume,54 Colonel LeBlanc came for lunch. Guillaume says General Juin expects Phases 1 & 2 to be completed in a.m. of D day and Phase 3 will be on the way by dark!!! That is 2 or 3 days ahead of our estimates and I am afraid 5th Army will be influenced by him and force us to go before we are ready. A number of officers from UK came in including Frank Tompkins. They brought me a bottle of Scotch from General William C. McMahon CG of 8th Division. May 1944 1 Engineer demonstration of tramway, smoke and primacord. All have real possibilities. II Corps is really putting out. Inspected 77th Field Artillery Group in the Lauro-Castrese area. 2 long letters from LHK. Lieutenant Colonel Charles A. Ellis, 91st Reconnaissance Squadron presented me a trophy—an Italian mortar captured in Sicily August 1943. Don’t know what I can do with it! 2 General Clark visited 85th Division. Division acquitted itself very well. Decoration ceremony at II Corps CP followed by Stars and Gripes. Called at 5th Army—had a talk with Gruenther at yesterday’s conference—on high level—Alexander has all but ordered the 36th Division to the bridgehead. That ends our hopes of accomplishing anything worthwhile. Clark told me had blocked the British effort to get control of 5th Army Artillery in the Liri Valley. He said he would do it only on a written order and that he would protest in

On to Rome  107

writing. I hope he sticks to his guns. The French now want to encroach on our zone—roads—bridges—areas. Also want us to disrupt our sequence. Boche is increasing his artillery in our gun area. Some sound awfully close to our CP but actually are some distance off. 3 Clark spending day with 88th Division. Showed him our modifications of the Cub. Lunch at 88th Division. Clark complained about wires along Highway 7 not realizing they are freshly laid for coming operation! Also stated he had asked Sloan “not undercutting you” he said!!! about use of tanks and that Sloan had intimated that he could use more tanks but I wouldn’t give them to him! And finally he practically ordered me to take Red Cross Doughnut Girls into my CP— said Mr. Stevenson had complained that I was not cooperating. I said I did not permit them to billet in my CP nor did I permit them in the forward areas as I did not want them killed. Clark said I don’t care if a few get killed—let ’em get killed. We’ve got ’em in the Bridgehead and a couple of them did get killed the other day. They (I am not sure whether he referred to the Doughnut Girls or the Red Cross in general) are the greatest single morale factor in the 5th Army! As a commander and leader I’d never make that admission. I hope one day to get out of this league. Critt, Pink and TK came to supper—a 1913 reunion. Semmes was also there—now G-1 for Critt. 4 Still burned up over Clark’s remarks yesterday. He treats his corps commanders as he would a company commander and of course with less consideration for us Americans. I can’t reconcile this with the tripe he told me he had told General Marshall about me—doing such a swell job—couldn’t think of a better commander—wanted no change etc, etc.—and on top of that won’t even let me decide whether Doughnut Girls should live in my CP! Coulter, Sloan and I rehearsed for tomorrow’s 5th Army conference. 5 5th Army conference. Clark opened it by an unnecessary remark about II Corps would not heckle him about the 36th Division. His own Field Order attached 36th Division to II Corps and the conference was on that order. When I explained our plan and the contemplated use of the 36th he announced that orders would be issued at once putting the 36th in 5th Army reserve. So again II Corps is sold short. He later tried to appease me by saying the 91st Division would be coming in about June 1st. I can’t imagine 5th Army planning levels being on such a low low. The French used 3 times their allotted time and seemed to all want air drop supply and use of II Corps zone and to make us go prematurely against Spigno. After I had explained

108  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

II Corps plan in English I gave a resume in French which made a hit. I ended up with “On s’efforcera a maintenir une cadence rapide dans la manoeuvre et j’espiere mon general, que je ne manquerai pas a notre rendezvous au Gran Café du Parc de Spigno enroute pour Rome et la victoire” (General Juin and I had made a date to have a drink at some place along the line). 6 II Corps conference. Although we only invited one Frenchman and no British, there were at least 8 of the former and 5 of the latter. The meeting therefore lasted 2½ hours. Curtis Nance 1911 [West Point class] Deputy Chief of Staff IV Corps dropped in this afternoon. Don’t believe I’ve seen him since he graduated. 7 Mass & Communion. Went up into 85th & 88th Divisions forward sectors. And to see our new advance CP. Found a Boche concentration had killed 15 mules of a pack train within 50 yards of the CP! Flew down to spend the afternoon with Critt. Larkin55 and George Stewart56 came in. Got more advance dope out of them than from 5th Army. Speedy beach very popular today. 8 The summer came in last night with a bang. Flew to the front to check on coming operations. Wiltamuth visited CP. Stayed for supper. TK Brown came over. General Guillaume, Commander of the Goums came in for conference. Plans shaping up in the details. 9 Coulter and Sloan came for a round up and lunch. The period of final waiting and anticipation is on. Everyone will be relieved when the show begins. Generals Alexander and Clark’s “Order of the Day” have come for distribution just prior to H hour. Both seem apologetic to me. They stress past disappointments etc. and too long. Hope to get out a short one myself. Alexander and Clark coming tomorrow for 10 minute visit. 10 All plans well buckled up. Generals Alexander and Clark arrived about 1 hour late. Stayed 30 minutes instead of 10 and everybody’s lunch delayed! Clark is furious at him [Alexander] for calling him a dumb so and so. As soon as I explained our plan modified in accordance with Clark’s directive and the Army’s delayed Field Order, Alexander went into a long dissertation against mountain fighting and says we must be ready to pile in over the French if they get stopped!! The French now have 5½ divisions and not enough room to employ 3. How we can add 2 more is beyond me. If Alexander is a military genius, I’m Greta Garbo. He is obsessed with the idea that the Germans are going to give up and run! He asked the G-2 of the 88th Division what he thought the attitude of the Boche was and he

On to Rome  109

replied that he thought the young ones would stand and fight hard but that the older ones were fed up and would “take a duck.” Alexander said yes I see what you mean about the young ones, but just what do you mean by “take a duck”? Editor’s Note: The plans for the Fourth Battle of Cassino and the breaking of the Gustav Line placed the Fifth Army to the west astride Highway 7 with two corps: II Corps, commanded by General Keyes, composed of the 85th and 88th Infantry Divisions (General Keyes had indeed lost the 34th Division and 1st Special Service Force to the Anzio beachhead, even though he had requested the assignment of three divisions), and the French CEF, commanded by General Juin, composed of four divisions. The 36th Infantry Division was held as the Fifth Army reserve, but later was committed to the Anzio beachhead. The British Eighth Army was to the east of the Fifth Army, astride Highway 6 and poised to advance up the Liri Valley after the breakthrough of the Gustav Line.57 During the interlude between the Third and Fourth Battles for Cassino, the troops had been rested, refitted, and strengthened by replacements. Equipment had been repaired and/or replaced, and tactical training and moralebuilding programs implemented. In short, a fit, well-trained army had been developed. II Corps was astride Highway 7, the only good road in the area, and poised to strike north toward Rome.58 The AAI plan called for a coordinated attack by the Fifth and Eighth Armies across a narrow front to break the Gustav Line and capture Rome. The Eighth Army was composed of four corps: 5 Corps on the east, commanded by General Knightley, holding the Adriatic Sea coast; 10 Corps, commanded by General McCreery, in the central Apennine Mountains; the Polish 2 Corps, commanded by General Anders, outflanking the Abbey of Montecassino and cutting Highway 6; and 13 Corps, commanded by General Kirkman, crossing the Rapido River with Canadian 1 Corps following, prepared to exploit the breakthrough at Cassino and advance up the Liri Valley toward Rome.59 The US II Corps was prepared to attack the well-entrenched Germans commanding the high ground they had held against the previous attacks of 10 Corps. Monte Majo was the key to breaking through into the Ausonia Valley. The Fifth Army faced the German Tenth Army, commanded by General Vietinghoff, with the XIV Panzer Corps composed of the 94th and 71st Panzer Grenadier Divisions, reinforced by portions of three other divisions. Both the Germans and the Allied armies in Italy had twenty-two divisions; however, the German units were greatly under strength in men and matériel.60

110  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

The US II Corps attack on May 11, 1944, was implemented with the 85th Infantry Division on the left and the 88th on the right, with the 36th in AAI reserve, but poised to pass through the 88th Division once it had taken Spigno. The intention was to break the Gustav Line with the main effort against the hills running north from Minturno toward Monte dei Bracchi to the north. A minor effort would be made on the left along the Tyrrhenian Sea.61 On the eve of the attack, General Keyes issued his Order of the Day. “To the II Corps: You have trained faithfully and are in top condition for a championship game. The playing time is relatively short but you will have all the rest of your lives to enjoy the victory or explain your defeat. Remember, according to the rules, the play is not completed until the forward movement of the ball is stopped. But above all remember that another inch may mean a touchdown. Good luck—Success—God bless you. Geoffrey Keyes, Major General, USA, Commanding.”62 From May 11 to May 13, the two divisions fought the enemy doggedly, taking significant casualties, with the battle resulting in limited success.63 11 Visited 350th Infantry Regiment at Damiano—there the new 8” gun which will be ready for tomorrow’s attack. Issued my short Order of the Day and a good luck message to Juin. Moved to Advance CP below Minturno. Visited Coulter and Sloan—wished them luck and left them each a short personal message containing the statement “You are going to have some anxious moments when things are not going right. Remember few indeed are the games in which the winner is never held for downs or is forced to kick at least a few times.” The attack started on time, 2300, a great display and frightful noise. Went to bed about 0230 and got up at 5 a.m. 12 88th Division took Damiano before daylight. Continued and later took Ventosa and Cericola. Little progress at S. Maria. 85th Division met stiffest resistance and got a good bite on the South ridge and Hill 69 of S. Martino but Hill 69 was counterattacked 5 times and we still held on! That’s a fine debut. Visited the CP of the 338th and 339th Infantry Regiments. Also advance CP 338th at Tremensuoli which had just taken a heavy shelling. Divisions have done fine. French failed in their horse race and took really only one objective—Monte Faito. Attack on Castelforte by 3rd DIA [3rd Algerian Infantry Division] 4 hours late. 13 Attack by 351st Infantry Regiment on S. Maria 9½ hours to get under way and then too late to get full use of tanks. Too slow. Went

mi

km

10

H

N

15

E

15

VI

7

Anzio

Truscott

xxx

A

Line

ar

es

14

Cisterna

25 May

Mackensen

xxxx

Valmontone

Ca

Map 6. Liberation of Rome, May 11–June 4, 1944.

5

10

R

N

0

R

23 May

A

5

Y

Albano

I

E

0

T

Tibe r

24 May

6

L.Albano 30-31 May

Aniene ne

Terracina

22 May

Anie

ri

10

xxxx

19 May

Itri

Sacco

Gaeta

urunc

fa

Liri

M el

Gu sta v i Mounta ins

6

PANZER A

XIV

xxx

22 May

Pico

25 May

Vietinghoff

Li Area of Detail

xxx POL

Keyes

II

xxx

Juin

FEC

xxx

I CAN

Kirkman xxx

13 BR

Anders xxx Cassino

Lin e

ROME

S

112  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

to main CP to get a bath. Critt came forward with me. Our CP in our gun area and gets a thorough shellacking each night. Have gotten used to the noise and sleep pretty well. Clark still dealing in battalions and calls up every hour or so. 14 Drove in at 6 a.m. to Mass. Returned to Advance CP and issued orders for advance and attack on Spigno. S. Maria taken after daylight. Drove to S. Maria Infante and got tanks and Infantry on way. Saw TK Brown near S. Maria. 88th Division orders to 335th Infantry Regiment went awry and Clark went crazy. Called me about 6 times—each time finding fault saying he was embarrassed and his face was red at the French and Goums doing so well and getting so many prisoners. Of course he doesn’t remember telling me that II Corps was making secondary effort and was only expected to cut the road and block the Formia corridor—nor does he remember that he refused to give me the SSF and took away the 36th Division. He acts like a 15 year old kid. The Boche laid it on us last night—a fragment tore a hole in the seat of my Jeep. I wasn’t in it. 15 We took Spigno about 8 a.m. and of course ahead of the Goums. Clark says nothing about that but is still after someone’s scalp for yesterday’s failure of the 350th Infantry Regiment. Issued orders for attack on Castellonorato and up the hill from Spigno. I drove to base of Monte La Civita (CP 349th Infantry Regiment) trying to get to Spigno so as to send Juin a message to report to Clark at 5th Army CP. Had lunch there—he was very conciliatory but I didn’t enthuse—He outlined new plans which emphasized the great importance of getting to Itri!!! But he wants me to save the 85th Division and be prepared to go to the Beachhead, turning over to Critt (IV Corps). We took Castellonorato and Monte Penitro and are to push on night and day. 88th Division had trouble again with communications but finally got 351st Infantry Regiment on Monte Sant’Angelo. A fine day’s work all round. Editor’s Note: By May 15, II Corps had broken the German resistance in the Ausonia Valley. “New orders from General Clark directed the 88th Division to push rapidly through the Petrella massif to Itri. The 85th Division would not be used west of Mt. Campese without Army approval, and it was contemplated that both this division and II Corps headquarters might move to the Anzio front by water in the near future.”64 16 Early start. Visited leading battalion 358th Infantry Regiment west of S. Croce then to Spigno to get 351st on its way to Ruazzo. 313th and

On to Rome  113

19th Engineer Battalions have opened up the Civita–Spigno road already. A fine job. Returned via 81st and 88th Division CPs. Gruenther phoned to say Clark on way—waited and waited all afternoon— he arrived about 5 p.m. and of course had to find fault with something. This time it was the 91st Rcn. Also he had changes in plans but I offered no comment. Later Gruenther called and insisted I give him my opinion. I told him I hadn’t been asked and I was not anxious to discuss it. However I finally told him what I thought about it. Sent General Juin a note reporting that the Grand Café du Parc de Spigno was destroyed and asked him to come have a highball at my main CP. He said he couldn’t come but would come tomorrow morning and have coffee with me. After supper we drew up and issued instructions of the next to the final action. 17 Some success and some setbacks during the night. Got things started. Had Commanders Conference at 88th Division at 0730. General Juin came out and spent over an hour at my CP. He was very complimentary of II Corps and especially grateful for the assistance rendered the CEF by the 88th Division. He is being invaded this afternoon by General De Gaulle and numerous others. We see alike on many things. The 337th Infantry Regiment (85th Division) took Maranola at 0900. We are on the way. 18 Flew over Monte Petrella—Monte Ruazzo and the Itri valley and found visibility not too good. Admiral Lyal Ament Davidson65 came out for lunch. Wants to help. Clark came out. Explained his plan for breaking out of the Bridgehead. Of course it is still dependent upon the success on this front. Finally gave me a free rein to open up the Itri road. I told him I’d have it by noon on the 20th. He says he will pull out the 85th Division from II Corps HQ and shoot them to the beachhead in a few days. As soon as he left I realigned the orders I’ve had already prepared and by dark we had already captured 1st objective. We also cleaned up Formia. 19 Took off at 0700 in the B-2 [Stinson] and flew the battlefield locating forward units. Landed and took off in a Piper [L-4]. Caught up with the leading elements entering Itri. They were driven back by two tanks or Self Propelled guns. Sloan & I got a couple of companies forward and had a grand time. After I left Sloan’s aide got wounded. Rain for the first time in weeks. We got practically every objective by noon—24 hours ahead of time promised. When I got back was informed that Clark’s plan of day before yesterday was changed and that II Corps would stay here but without the 85th Division.

114  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

Editor’s Note: By May 19, II Corps completed the mission assigned by the Fifth Army in eight days, having pushed through the Ausonia Defile and done so without use of the 36th Infantry Division (Fifth Army reserve). New orders from the Fifth Army required II Corps to drive west and north via Terracina and to continue the attack north up Highway 7 to open a land route to the Anzio beachhead, with the 88th Division released to II Corps.66 20 88th Division slow getting started. Ordered everyone forward to take Fondi and be prepared to go on. Flew over the front after conference and lunch with Clark. He has now changed and now wants II Corps to break through and join up—if we can’t then he will pull II Corps & HQ 85th Division out and send to bridgehead. Flew up by Terracina—huge dust and smoke clouds—looks like Boche are blowing up things. Bridgehead attacks postponed 24 hours. 5th Army has now taken away another tank Battalion—over my protest. We took Fondi and are set to move on. 21 (Sunday) Chaplain Chataignon came to forward CP to say mass. A full day—88th Division got an early start in hills and made good progress. 85th Division had a stiff fight to take S. Biagio and threaten Terracina. 91st Rcn had dismounted patrols in Terracina but were forced out. The Speedy Navy (30 DUKS—1 mounting a 105mm Howitzer) took off from Scauri—picked up a Battalion of 85th Division and rendezvoused at Sperlonga waiting signal to land and assault Terracina. Spent the day at the front. Held up by Boche Machine Pistol and later passed through a road interdiction. Just before dark made a Cub reconnaissance of the front—land and water. Clark visited the front accompanied by Press and Photographers! I missed him all around. Phoned him after supper. He is leaving for the Beachhead tomorrow to direct the breakout Tuesday. I hope we are all the way there by then! His final word was sorta sour. After all II Corps has done and is doing his remarks were a sort of urge for drive as if he wasn’t sure we’d do it without a prod from him. If he’d just get out of the way and let us alone we’d go much better. Met General Juin on the road at Itri. He was very complimentary of what we had done. 22 Boche air raid at 4 a.m. Think he was after the Garigliano bridges and our rear installations. We moved the CP to Fondi from Argenta (Scauri). Flew over area then landed and visited the 337th Infantry Regiment CP. Attack on Terracina slowed up. Went forward in a tank to watch bulldozer covered by tanks clear road. Later bulldozer was

On to Rome  115

damaged by shell fire and another took its place. Boche blew in cliff. General Guillaume sent me word that he thought the way open for a mass tank action north of Lenola and wanted me to furnish the tanks. I sent him word that the CEF already had 2 of my 3 battalions and that I needed one remaining. Boche shelled our CP about noon— no damage. Everything wrong with Cub arrangements—made a sundown flight but light was bad—we were shelling Terracina. Editor’s Note: On May 23, VI Corps initiated its breakout at Cisterna, the second phase of the Fifth Army attack on Rome.67 23 Took off in plane at 0730—visibility too poor so went to 5th Army. Beachhead attack went off at 0630. Some progress. Returned to CP where report was received that Terracina would be entered in ten minutes. Drove up that way but after getting a near head of tanks and returning to CP of Battalion/337th Regiment learned that an attack would be launched about 1530. Went back at that time and things were too slow—Terracina actually entered by tanks from both sides and infantry patrols about 2000. Critt came out for supper. 339th Infantry Regiment (85th Division) entered Sonnino before dark and 350th Infantry Regiment (88th Division) gained the high ground near Mt. Curio overlooking the Sezze–Priverno road! 24 We got a real air attack early this a.m. There was no doubt what the objective was! Our CP was in a conspicuously large school building and we got three duds through the roof or windows and a huge 1000 lb bomb just in front and a smaller one near the rear. Miraculously no one was hurt!! Another bomb hit near the CP of the 85th Division injuring one man and splattering the walls of the CG and his staff. The 88th Division CP got a near miss. I had one window and both sections of the windshield of my Chateau Roulant [Rolling Castle] broken. Fortunately I was in the building. A rather dirty dig from Clark about our delay in taking Terracina. We finally took it about 0930 this morning and Coulter and I entered about 1000. Later in the day I drove out Highway 7 to the forward unit of the 91st Rcn which was trying to effect a junction with the Beachhead. Gruenther called 3 times after supper about speeding up the 91st and various other annoying matters from 5th Army. Editor’s Note: On the morning of May 25, elements of II Corps joined forces with VI Corps breaking out of the Anzio beachhead in the town of

116  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

Terracina. In the days that followed, II Corps turned its attention to the capture of Rome.68 25 Flew over the Pontine Marshes and arrived just about the time the 91st Rcn did make contact with the Beachhead force. Returned and had conference with Division Commanders on next operation commencing tonight or tomorrow then drove out Highway 7 to within a few miles of Cisterna and met the Rcn Troop of 34th Division [34th Infantry Division breaking out of Anzio beachhead]. Sent Doc Ryder a message. En route the natives greeted us like on our entry into Palermo. At one place they yelled Tedeschi [“Germans” in Italian] and sure enough there was a German soldier approaching with his hands up. I stopped my car and told Risden to pick him up in the radio car. So I got my prisoner! Drove on up to Anzio and reported to Clark. He was very cordial and seemed highly pleased with what II Corps had done. Is planning to bring II Corps set up into Beachhead in next 2 or 3 days letting me turn over to Critt and IV Corps. Called Truscott to congratulate him—they are doing fine. Staff and myself toasted our freeing the Beachhead. V’s [V-Letters] from Leslie, Leila and Geoff. Les says she is going to marry Jimmy McKinley69 in September. Buster says he guesses he is next! 26 85th Division continues to advance. 88th slow starting. Flew the front then drove to CPs of both divisions. 88th at Sonnino high in the mountains. Visited the leading Battalion of the 338th Infantry Regiment advancing on Sezze. Flew to 5th Army and learned of the latest change in plans! One and sometimes two a day!! Now II Corps is to operate north from Cisterna. Arrangements made to turn over to Critt and IV Corps at 2400 tomorrow. Pilot ran off runway in landing at 5th Army—no damage but he did same thing on our return and this time we hit a ditch and broke the lower part of the plane. Moved CP from Monte S. Biagio to a huge terraced olive orchard overlooking Pontine Marshes. 27 Took Critt on an all day tour of the front. We visited both Division CPs–Sezze–Priverno–Sonnino and then into CEF lines to 4th DMM [4th Moroccan Mountain Division] CP (General Sevez70). Both 85th & 88th Divisions made good progress. Part of 85th being pulled out tonight. We turn over to Critt & IV Corps at 2400 tonight. At noon I bet Critt existing plan would be changed before night and sure enough about 6 p.m. Gruenther called saying Clark would return and they were discussing relieving the 88th Division as well as the

On to Rome  117

85th. Radio from Leila announcing arrival on May 23 of Charles Geoffrey Demitz. Wrote General Juin a note expressing hope we shall be fighting side by side again. Drafted Order of the Day. Editor’s Note: On May 28, IV Corps relieved the II Corps HQ. By May 29, II Corps assumed command of the portion of the VI Corps zone east of Frascati-Giulianello including the 3rd Infantry Division and its attached units, portions of the 85th Division, and the 760th Tank Battalion. Thus II Corps was shifted from the south, with VI Corps to its left (west) and the FEC to its right (east), and began its drive on Rome.71 The original Fifth Army plan had called for the 1st Armored Division to attack through the Velletri Gap and seize Valmontone, cutting off the retreating German Tenth Army. Instead, a significant portion of the 1st Armored Division was attached to the 3rd Infantry Division, thus dividing VI Corps, resulting in its failure to seize Highway 6 at Valmontone.72 28 Mass in a rabbit hutch! Turned sector over to Critt and IV Corps. Drove to Sabaudia CP 85th Division and then to CP IV Corps via Littoria. Lunch with Truscott. Drove to 5th Army saw Clark. Arrived at new CP near Cori. Roads here are as dusty as in Tennessee maneuvers. Clark says British are scheming to get into Rome the easiest way & the French are complaining that they have carried the ball for the British and are now being gypped. He proposes to give me a French Division and the mission of cutting Highway 6 and then shooting for Rome. He indicated I’d get the 85th Division, 3rd DIA [3rd Algerian Infantry Division], 91st and even the 88th Division. It looked good. With staff we worked half the night getting out plans and orders. 29 Flew to Sabaudia to talk to officers of 85th Division and present first Silver Stars. After lunch drove to CP 3rd Infantry Division to make first call on my new division. II Corps took over sector at 1400. While there Porter phoned Clark wanted to see me. Drove to Anzio with Porter and took in my plan based on yesterday’s conference. Truscott and Gruenther and Brann were also at conference. Plans changed again. I am not to get the 3rd DIA and was told the VI Corps is the main attack. Truscott as usual wanted the moon—while I was able to stave off some of his demands it is obvious II Corps is to get only the leftovers—I hope fortune gets me out of this cockeyed league soon. I can’t fight the enemy and the favoritism shown the VI Corps and 1st Armored Division. Upon return to CP we worked on revised plan.

118  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

Clark is so involved in fighting battalions that he doesn’t realize what a scramble he has given II Corps to clear up and attack in 72 hours. 30 Phone message that the only long range artillery I have is to be turned over to VI Corps immediately as they are in a battle and are making the main effort. I phoned Clark but couldn’t get him. I protested to his COS Saltzman. Later Baehr (Artillery VI Corps) said he had never asked for battalions but merely some fires. Either it is some more stupidity of 5th Army staff or grasping of Truscott. No mail for several days. We got our first ration of beer! The Beachhead and the base sections have been getting theirs for weeks. Conference of unit commanders on next battle. Plan seems good. Clark visited my CP. Satisfied with plans. Now directing 36th Division around right of Velletri as I suggested yesterday! Another change of boundaries—we had to give up 2 hours of valuable road time to facilitate 36th Division attack. Clark says he may pass 36th Division to II Corps. He won’t promise me any other division although I pointed out the weak spot of the operation he has directed me to carry out. I drove with him to visit 85th & 3rd Divisions. Met Devers on the road. They had a deep Powwow and for some time thereafter Clark had little to say. There’s little love lost between those two. Box from Leila—candy, nuts, tasters AND life savers. Next to spam that’s what we’ve got most! Boche air attacked us last night. Units coming up to join us all seem very glad—others up here want to get back with us. Editor’s Note: On May 31, the 85th Division, the 3rd Division, and the 1st SSF were on line on the II Corps front with the 88th Division moving up from Anzio and being attached.73 31 Clark called at 8:15 wanting to know how soon I could launch the attack in view of success of 36th Division. Of course they ask the impossible but II Corps came near doing it. The 85th Division took off at 1300! 14 hours ahead of schedule. That is a double feather— one for them and one for II Corps. They made progress throughout afternoon. 3rd Division will attack tomorrow. Flew to 5th Army to urge Clark to give me the 88th Division to put in between the 3rd & 85th. He agreed and within 20 minutes the whole were rolling. He is being harassed by AAI [Allied Armies, Italy] and the “PM.” The fall of Rome is not to be given publicity!!! Because 8th Army is unable to participate! Another Boche air attack last night. General Joe Cannon came by. He is the tops of the Air Corps as far as I am concerned. The

On to Rome  119

IV Corps has been milked dry and now has nothing. It is a shame. Clark said yesterday that he is to lose one Corps (Anvil) and that he has “nominated” Truscott and the VI Corps. He was uncertain as to which 3 divisions he would include. June 1944 Editor’s Note: As the battle for Rome continued, the Fifth Army’s plans called for the major attack on the city to occur via Highway 6. The Eighth Army would thus advance north of Highway 6 toward Tivoli and east of Rome. II Corps opened its offensive on June 1. The German effort to hold the Fifth Army at Valmontone resulted in the town’s capture by the 3rd Infantry Division on June 2. “By the night of June 2–3 the Germans had reached the limits of their ability to delay the Allied advance on Rome.”74 By June 3, there was no further advantage to the Germans in defending the approaches to Rome, and Field Marshal Kesselring declared Rome an “Open City,” leaving a minimal rearguard to cover the escape of Army Group C, which bypassed the city and moved north to garrison the Gothic Line.75 1

3rd division attacked Valmontone 0500. A real tough fight all day. Had a grandstand seat in the Division OP—8 hours. 85th Division made good progress and the 88th closed up. The 351st Infantry Regiment [88th Division] relieved the 338th of 85th Division. When Clark phoned about 2000 I told him things looked pretty good. He intimated if so the only bright spot as VI Corps was more or less blocked. Talked to Sloan, Coulter and O’Daniel76 and urged speed for tomorrow. 2 O’Daniel phoned about 0630 to say he had all objectives and would enter Valmontone as soon as the road was swept for mines. Directed him to push toward Palestrina and up Highway 6 and for Frederick (SSF) to start south on Highway 6 without delay. The 85th ran into a fight for Ceraso but was going to it. 88th Division was moving forward. Crawford 349th Infantry Regiment was slow as usual. Clark called about 0900 and had nothing but gripes because of the Ceraso delay and not a word of praise or even satisfaction for the victory at Valmontone. Visited CPs of 88th, 85th, and 3rd Divisions. Lunch with O’Daniel. Everyone working. Flew over the battlefield including Colleferro where the SS Force cleaned up and made contact with the French. Clark came to CP to discuss plans and boundaries. Seemed fairly satisfied. After supper word came in of capture of Monte Fiore (339th Infantry Regiment)—Monte Ceraso (337th Infantry Regiment) and cutting Highway 6 by 88th & 85th Divisions. Clark quite Jubilant!

120  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

3 Continued progress by 85th & 88th Divisions. Tank group slow but due to our orders! 1st SSF to join Tank Group before dark for night & day operations. French (3DIA) joined up at Valmontone at 0900. This relieves 3rd Division and gets French back in the race. Flew over battlefield twice. Tanks sticky. Critt came up for a couple of hours. Everything set to get to Rome tomorrow and II Corps is going to be the first in! Special task force with several smaller units launched behind or through the 85th Division. Lieutenant Colonel Charles A. Ellis of 91st Rcn in command. Also a selected group of 30 under Captain Radcliffe of 1st Special Service Force also launched. Both forces had “Speedy II Corps” signs to post. 4 What a night last night—Telephones from 12 to 0230. Little sleep— after mass report came in that patrol of 88th Division had entered Rome at 0800. Met Clark a few miles from city limits then drove to within a couple hundred yards where Frederick force [1st SSF] was having a fight trying to get in. After many photos we withdrew to eat a K ration and wait until Clark could enter Rome! I rejoined Frederick and got the attack going and sat on the corner and watched the battle between our tanks and 2 German SPs which knocked out 2 of our tanks. The attack moved on and when I couldn’t locate Risden [Keyes’s aide-de-camp] and someone said he had gone forward looking for me I drove several hundred yards beyond the Roma sign— found him and returned to get Clark. Took him to same spot so he was contented and left. After a bit I returned via 88th CP to our new one near Lariano. Gruenther phoned during the night that I was to meet Clark on “Capitol Hill” in Rome at 1000 tomorrow. Well it is another record for II Corps. Over 75 miles in 24 days—started behind and always with an assigned secondary mission and both times came out ahead. We were ahead of VI Corps, the French and the British who haven’t gotten to 1st base. Both French and British have over run my road and zone. Unfortunately our MPs would not let General Juin on our road! 5 Met Clark at the old Roman Capitol. Truscott and Juin and a few others were present. Millions of reporters and photographers. Everyone congratulated II Corps. Juin and his Chief of Staff were especially cordial. The party then adjourned to the Hotel Excelsior where we waded through crowd of cheering people. A couple of women nearly strangled Juin much to our amusement and his embarrassment. We had a fine lunch and then broke up. My CP moved to just west of Frascati but I’ll have to move again tomorrow to keep up—

On to Rome  121

our troops are well north of the Tiber River with some fighting going on. The 8th Army has forced the 5th Army off Highway 6. Clark said he had recommended Truscott and me for promotion—also that he would send some on leave. 6 Moved my CP into Rome—Parco Villa di Glori overlooking the Tiber. Visited the 88th CP and then to front. CP of 339th Infantry Regiment which got a few shells while I was there. Drove through other troop areas. Troops are weary but are still carrying on. II Corps is way out in front of either the VI Corps, the CEF or the British who are now taking their usual advantage of a cleared road to dash forward! What lame ducks they have been. The new plan contemplates pinching out II Corps and VI Corps and leaving in the CEF and introducing the IV Corps. What our next job is to be is still a secret. Announcement of the launching of the long expected invasion (Overlord). It’s a good thing we got Rome ahead of time or we would not have made the last page of the papers. Among other firsts to II Corps were the first AMG [Allied Military Government] officer in and our Chaplain (Chataignon) was the first to say mass in St. Peters!! Captain Radcliffe who commanded the 30 selected men to get into Rome and post II Corps signs gave us an account of his adventures which were more thrilling than a dime novel. He comes from New Mexico. 7 Drove to St. Peter’s with Chaplain Chataignon who said mass for me and II Corps! What a beautiful place. Several of the staff and a number of enlisted men attended. Our troops continue to push on and we are now beyond Lake Bracciano. Clark came by for a short visit— very cheerful and now promises a plane for about 15 of my staff & myself to go to Cairo and the Holy Land! I asked if there was any objection to my going to see the Pope. Said none at all and then half way offered to include me in his private audience tomorrow—saying it was much better than just the ordinary audience. I didn’t tell him that the Chaplain was arranging a private audience for me! General Juin came for lunch and brought me 2 bottles of Champagne! We had a fine time. Zeller77 and Landouzy both my Groupe [Group] at the École de Guerre were also here. Major Wray whom I asked to get some souvenirs for me has enlisted the services of Countess somebody and her daughter and brought them out for supper. She is deaf and speaks English with an impediment but was quite interesting. A letter and a V-Mail from Leila. What a stew she must be in with Bob [Robert Demitz, Keyes’s son-in-law] going overseas so soon. News of

122  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

the landing and invasion sounds good. The next few days will be the critical ones. A lone plane just flew over and dropped a bomb nearby. Can’t imagine what he was after. However the German situation maps we captured showed they had us located within 500 yards! 8 The 6th South African Division wants to move through our sector and use our road to Viterbo. This will pinch out one or both of our divisions. We refused pending instructions from 5th Army. Army at first refused but at 1215 Clark phoned to say go ahead even if whole II Corps is pinched out. General Kirkman and his COS Brigadier Lambert arrived at 0830 and remained until decision was reached. Later in the afternoon boundaries were changed pinching out 88th and giving II Corps Highway 2 to Viterbo. Big decoration ceremony at 5th Army—Juin and I received “Companion of the Order of the Bath”. 2 soldiers received the Medal of Honor. Several French Generals and most of 5th Army staff—the Legion of Merit. Supper with Critt and Pink at IV Corps CP just south of Rome. Boche made several one or two plane raids last night some quite close. Already one tonight 2200. He seems to be after the bridge just below our CP. Letter of congratulations from Devers. 9 3rd DIA began taking over from the 85th Division. The 88th is pinched out. The 1st Armored Division came into our sector and blocked the 3rd DIA! Flew over Rome and the front. The Boche has really pulled out. All arrangements are made for our audience with the Pope tomorrow. It seems that I am to have a private one and then my staff and others of Headquarters. Not a single call from 5th Army today! They must either be celebrating or sightseeing. Letter from Lieutenant General S.C. Kirkman CB, CBE, MC, CG 13 Corps thanking me for help and cooperation of II Corps troops in getting the South African Division forward. At the decoration ceremony yesterday I met Mr. and Mrs. Tillman (he is chargé or something at the Vatican—she was Eleanor Barclay of San Antonio). 10 Buster’s birthday. A big day for me and II Corps HQ and Staff— Chaplain Chataignon through Monsignor Carroll arranged for an audience for us with the Pope. About 80 officers and Enlisted Men were included. I first was granted a private audience of some 17 minutes which was considered very exceptional (Ambassadors get 10!) Then the Pope came out into a small room and shook hands with the 20 senior members of my staff and gave them a rosary and a picture and his blessing. Then we went into a still larger room where he spoke to the remaining 50 or 60 and gave them his blessing. He was

On to Rome  123

very relieved that we had at last arrived in Rome and spoke of the suffering of the people and the lack of food. He asked about my family and gave me a rosary for each one. In return I gave him a II Corps shoulder patch as a souvenir and he seemed genuinely pleased. He spoke of the piety and well behavior of our troops. He asked if we (Americans) were not afraid of Communism. I told him I thought now that we knew what it was and some of these other beliefs and ideologies we need not fear them but be on guard against them. He spoke English very well. Spoke of his visit to the US in 1936. He referred to a written memo in his first remarks but after that the conversation was most informal. I knelt and kissed his ring when I first came in and then sat in a chair at the side of his desk. After the conference, Monsignors Carroll and McKeough took the whole party through the Vatican—the Sistine Chapel—the museums, etc. which besides being a treat, was a special privilege. No need to describe the beautiful works of art we saw. We had several pictures taken including one with the Swiss Guards. Monsignor Carroll invited me and four members of the staff to lunch. Took the Chaplain, Colonels Willems, Porter, Kilroe.78 We met Monsignor Emmick Brennon (on the Rota [papal appeals Tribunal79]) and Father Hess, Superior General of a Benedictine Order as well as Carroll and McKeough. A very interesting gathering. After lunch I flew up to Tuscania to see General Monsabert of the 3rd DIA which came under II Corps for about 48 hours. II Corps relieved by CEF at 1600. We are now officially at rest and training.

5

The River Crossings June 1944–January 1945

Editor’s Note: Following the capture of Rome, the Fifth Army pursued the retreating Germans northward. With the invasion of France (Operation Overlord), the stage was set for the Allied landing in southern France (Operation Anvil, later Dragoon). Following the fall of Rome, General Alexander was directed to withdraw the VI Corps headquarters as well as the 3rd, 36th, and 45th Infantry Divisions and the 1st SSF from the line for use in Anvil. The FEC, including the only unit trained for mountain warfare (4th Moroccan Mountain Division), would be withdrawn later to join the Allied army in southern France.1 “Anvil is blamed for removing seven divisions and sea lift at a time when Diadem had finally given the Allies momentum in Italy. It is possible that keeping intact a Fifth Army, whose tandem of Sixth Corps and CEF had evolved into a formidable force, might have pierced the Gothic line, thus avoiding the winter stalemate in the Apennines.”2 The Germans were permitted to withdraw just as in Sicily, at the Gustav Line, and with the failure to halt them at Valmontone, south of Rome. Once again they would withdraw slowly, giving ample time to strengthen a deeper belt of fortifications to their rear. As the drive north commenced, the Fifth Army was situated along the west coast of Italy and driving on Pisa, while the Eighth Army was astride the Tiber River advancing on Florence. By June 20, the pursuit of the German army was over, as bridges and roads were destroyed by the retreating German forces.3 “The objective now was to keep up the pressure on the German forces in Italy and prevent their withdrawal from the Peninsula; also to drive north so as to threaten Germany from yet another direction.”4 The next phase line, the Arno River, was located approximately 150 miles north of Rome. The Fifth Army would cover the western zone, from the Tyrrhenian Sea to forty-five miles inland, while the Eighth Army would cover the remainder of the front. The Fifth Army faced two sizable rivers crossing the line of advance and prior to reaching 124

The River Crossings  125

the Arno River: the Ombrone and Cecina Rivers. There were two major north-south highways: Highway 1 along the coast from Rome to Pisa and Highway 2 inland from Rome to Florence, both of which were usable. The port of Civitavecchia was an early objective, as its facilities could be used to supply the Fifth Army units moving northward.5 In the meantime, II Corps, relieved by IV Corps, was retraining and resting prior to reinsertion in the line. The Fifth Army initially faced the German Fourteenth Army, which had been decimated in its flight north to Rome and beyond. Only the Hermann Goering Panzer Division remained as an effective fighting force. Four grenadier divisions had been rendered ineffective during the Allied attack on Rome; five other divisions had been hit hard in the fighting. Germany’s General Mackensen was relieved of command of the Fourteenth Army and replaced by General of the Armored Forces (Lieutenant General) Joachim Lemelsen. To save the Fourteenth Army, four new divisions were rushed into central Italy: the 20th GAF (German Air Force) Field Division, the 19th GAF Field Division, and two grenadier divisions, the 16th SS Panzer and 356th Grenadier. In addition to the Hermann Goering Panzer Division, the 90th and 29th Panzer Grenadier Divisions and the 26th Panzer Division were available.6 June 1944 Editor’s Note: On June 11, IV Corps, with the FEC on its right, pushed forward in an effort to cross the Ombrone River by June 15. By June 20, when the first withdrawal of French units for Operation Anvil began, both units had reached a point halfway between Rome and the Arno River. 11 High military mass at Chiesa S. Maria degli Angeli. Generals Clark, Gruenther, Juin, Dody, Coulter, Ryder, Poydenot, etc., etc., plus the diplomatic corps and thousands of GIs. Very impressive and beautiful music. I sat next to Juin. After mass, Juin and I went to 5th Army for conference with Clark. The point of view has certainly changed! At first Clark and 5th Army were included in Anvil and hence plans and personnel were pointed that way. Recently when Anvil was struggling for existence and Clark and 5th Army were divorced from it a great change in attitude became apparent. Next was the possibility of Clark and 5th Army joining Anvil later on so interest revived because the land campaign was not expected to go much north of Rome. Today the rapid progress and news has worked the higher ups into a dizzy spell when they want to go on and sabotage Anvil—

126  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

12

13

14 15 16

17

hence hold out on divisions and other troops! Clark again mentioned the plane for the Cairo trip but says we must include 2 Red Cross girls and 2 nurses! Got five gray scarfs (?) to send home. $4.75 ea. Gruenther says the official record announced II Corps troops first to enter Rome. Ginger’s birthday and 31st anniversary of my graduation! Flew over Civitavecchia then drove out to present 5th Army plaque to 3256th Service Company (Colored). Luncheon at the Countess Cavalle’s (?) Very nice but once is enough. Sent Scarfs home. No indications of our future employment. News of the invasion seems good. Flew over the Lake Albano and Rome area—sightseeing. Saw Castel Gandolfo on the edge of Lake Albano. Brigadier General Webster7 and Colonel Doyle visited CP. They are from Sardinia. Webster flew me from Washington to Jamestown in 1939. Doyle commanded the field at Fort Benning in old 2nd Armored days! Monsignors McKeough (pronounced McKyó), Brennon and Hemmick came out for supper. Monsignor Carroll sick. Porter visited 5th Army and came back with hints on next operations. We may relieve CEF! Flew to Montalto di Castro and spent the day with Critt and the IV Corps. They are doing fine. Business rather dull—visited the 99th Division at Albano. Moved CP to a villa area about 3 mi. NW of Rome. Very noisy due to proximity to airport. Visited 85th Division and all 3 regiments. Visited 5th Army and put in a few words as to our future employment. They never seem to have a plan for more than the next 24 hours or if they do they never adhere to it. The grand offer of a plane for myself and staff to go to Cairo ended up being a plane for II Corps hence we retained only one space. Army kept 4 four for Red Cross girls and nurses. Present plans indicate we will not go in for about 10 days. Brown ordered back to Algiers. Made a call for General Clark at the “Monastery of the Sisters of the Precious Blood,” a cloistered order of American, Canadian and French nuns. Chaplain Chataignon accompanied me. We first visited with 4 nuns talking through a grille—then they showed us through the building which was light, airy and immaculate. They sheltered about 100 during the German occupation. Two of the nuns couldn’t have been over 4 feet tall! They served us tea and a tremendous piece of cake with real whipped cream. The building and furnishings were the results of American donations primarily. Later we went to a KT party at Monsignor Hemmick’s who lives in an apartment in some

The River Crossings  127

palace. Very attractive. Some very nice people there. Spanish Ambassador to Vatican and his wife. Some Americans. Orders for 88th Division to move to Civitavecchia—24 hours after Clark said they would not be moved!! How an Army can be run on such a daily changing I can’t see! 18 Gruenther phoned at midnight concerning arrangements for General Marshall’s visit in the event of continued rain. 20 Visited 88th Division all 3 regiments. Lunch with Sloan. Presented awards to members of various corps troops. Flew to 3rd Division for ceremony but found it was postponed. Editor’s Note: By June 21, IV Corps was continuing its advance northward, and by July 3 the FEC had captured Siena and IV Corps was approaching the port of Leghorn.8 21 Flew to 3rd Division. Present streamers to 2nd Battalion 3oth Infantry, the one that made the amphibious landings in Sicily in the Messina operation. After lunch flew to 5th Army and had long talks with Gruenther and Clark. The future plans are still vague. All depends on Eisenhower—what he wants to aid his show. The British proposal is independent of the invasion. Of course it gives the 8th Army the easiest going—the most roads—the biggest town to be captured and the honor of the main effort. We of course would be expected to carry them along. 22 Flew to Grosseto to spend the day with Critt and IV Corps. Clark arrived so I went around with Pink Crane. First day of the current 1st Armored Division attack. Sticky as normal. Am sure it will get underway tomorrow. Attended symphony concert at the Teatro Adriano Roma (conductor Franco Ferrara) a very fine performance. The president of the society (Santa Cecilia) said he had attended some 2600 performances. We had one of his boxes. 23 Ben Sawbridge9 came to see me. Said Devers had sent him ref. new ruling on Bronze Star. Was very reasonable and seemed to agree to my views. Coulter [85th Division] came for lunch then we visited the 5th Army Rest Center located in the Mussolini Forum. It is a beautiful set up. Risden returned from his vacation and brought me 3 pieces of marble dating to 300 BC. 24 Flew to Tarquinia to visit 88th Division. Mr. and Mrs. Guus E. Ostwalt and her mother Mrs. MacNeal came to supper. Met them last week at Monsignor Hemmicks. They have been very nice to various

128  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

members of the staff. Brought me wooden and glass necklaces to send home. Seemed genuinely pleased to get out of Rome on a sort of outing. Porter visited 5th Army but got no dope. 5th Army now disturbed over the scandalous behavior of officers at the 5th Army Hotel (Excelsior). They have no one but themselves to blame. We have to furnish guide for General Francis B. Wilby, Superintendent USMA. Have selected Porter. 25 Went to a second mass at St. Peters (Father Chataignon). After another tour of inspection drove to 85th Division for lunch with Coulter and then out to a Battalion demonstration which was generally good. The conductor and the pianist of the Thursday concert came out for supper and gave us a marvelous hour’s concert. Gruenther phoned that he is leaving for the US tomorrow and expects to visit West Point and will look up the family. He expects to return in 2 weeks. Wonder where the famous trip home is that Clark promised Truscott and me!! 5th Army’s tentative plan again gives II Corps the secondary effort!! How they figure that with II Corps having the only fresh troops available in 5th Army! 26 Lunch at the Mr. and Mrs. Guus E. Ostwalt’s 49 Via del Mare Rome followed by sightseeing. Palaestra–Palace of Tiberius–Pantheon– Castel San Angelo. Several churches including St. Ignatius and Santa Maria sopra Minerva which is one of the prettiest. Long letter from Leila. The Ostwalt’s gave us souvenirs “acquired” from the Palestra and date from 300 BC. Progress on our front is picking up. No word from 5th Army. Our CP moves to Orbetello tomorrow. 27 Moved CP to Orbetello, place where Italo Balbo took off from on his flight to US. Flew to 88th Division observed training. Division in good shape. 28 Flew to 71st AAA Brigade area for a review and lunch. On return trip stopped at 5th Army and found General G. V. Henry10 there and all arrangements made for him to spend several days with me! It seems that all embarrassing guests at 5th Army are farmed out. Fortunately so far my quota have been more than welcome to me. Call from 5th Army to be at CEF tomorrow to be decorated. 29 What a day! Flew to the CEF ceremony and then to IV Corps and because of errors or changes in landing strips, we landed 8 times before we finally arrived home at 9 p.m. General De Gaulle presented the awards. Clark—Grand Officer Legion of Honor; Sloan and myself Officers of the Legion of Honor and Croix de Guerre with palm which automatically goes with it in time of war. Clark left but rest of us

The River Crossings  129

remained for a fine lunch (including Champagne—Moet et Chandon). Sat next to De Gaulle and had a long talk with him afterwards. He said he was obliged to take part in the political angle but his heart and soul were in the military & that he had to bring all factions together and believed he was finally succeeding & just that he had had to get rid of Giraud who was too old and whose ideas were too old! He was very complimentary to me saying he had heard a great deal about me and my work. At IV Corps I had a very intimate talk with Critt and Devers—the latter as usual doing the talking. However I must say he seems to have taken up my side. Said he had wired General Marshall about fine work of 85th & 88th Divisions under II Corps “sparked” by “drive and superior leadership of Keyes”! Also that on his own he had recommended me for promotion (also Sandy, Critt and Truscott). Clark of course has never mentioned the subject again. Guess it is like his offer of a plane trip home which he gave to all his staff and classmates. Devers said he believed Marshall had had some reservations about me but that he was sure now they were dispelled! If they give me a job and a somewhere near even break, I won’t worry about reservations. A year ago closed out at Mostaganem [Algeria]. 30 From dope I gathered yesterday it looks as if II Corps is in for a long period of inactivity. Flew to 85th Division for ceremony. Clark officiated. Afterwards he said he might put the 88th Division in under IV Corps. That burns me up. With the 91st Division to be broken in and the 517th Parachute Regiment. And the 44st Hawaiian all available why break up II Corps? First staff conference on an Apennine crossing. Am sure 5th Army is still waiting and will short change us again on time! July 1944 1 Spent most of the day on efficiency reports and citations. General Henry left. First review of draft of Apennine operation. Am sure we are weeks ahead of 5th Army. Our Arno plan has been in for days and 5th Army’s directive has not yet materialized! Am to attend functions in honor of Secretary of War Stimson July 4th. This is the 2nd Anniversary of the arrival of II Corps on foreign soil. Celebration for enlisted men. 2 After mass & communion, flew to Massa and spent day with Critt. Visited 34th Division CP. Hank Allen to G-2 NATOUSA—some implications there. Devers must be getting ideas! Affairs on right flank not too good—CCA and 361st (91st Division) thrown back out

130  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

3

4

5

6

of Casole d’Elsa. 5th Army is withdrawing 361st and now wants to make effort on left through 34th Division. Critt is asking for another Division! I suppose I’ll lose the 88th Division. However I think I sold him on idea conforming to my memo to 5th Army. Talked to Brann on phone—said no plans under consideration for splitting II Corps. Wanted Butcher to come for conference. Upon return Butchers said 5th Army planned to put II Corps in relieving CEF and also IV Corps about July 15. I directed staff to draw up outline of plan. Reviewed and OK’d plan and sent same to 5th Army. After decoration ceremony at my CP, flew to Rome for ceremony in connection with visit of Secretary of War (Stimson). Very select party. Clark did not stay for dinner. I sat on Secretary’s right. General Norman T. Kirk (Surgeon General), Surles,11 and Mr. Harvey Hollister Bundy,12 accompanied the secretary. Bundy a close friend of George L. Harrison [brother-in-law] and brought me a note from him. He also knows GSP very intimately. Devers gave me some hot dope but I can’t enthuse over it as it looks as if the means are not available. Shared a grand suite in the Grand Hotel with Kirk. Drove to 85th division area for a visit with Coulter then back to Rome. Had Commander and Mrs. Enrico Franza (she was Zoe Schotten of St. Louis and a great friend of Ross’) and the Ostwalts for lunch at the Grand—a very nice party and all on the house! Hope the Secretary comes again. Yesterday in an aside Clark said he was putting in the 88th Division and when I got back to my CP I learned the orders had been issued and movement starts tomorrow! A complete reversal in 24 hours! Coulter told me he was alerted to move on or after the 9th. My HQ had received no notice of either move until after units had received their orders. Some Army! Coulter also showed me a 5th Army order awarding me a bronze cluster for Silver Star for some supposed action including flying 40 feet over Boche lines. Things like that are absurd and ridiculous. Wish I knew who initiated that. Started work on new plan. Submitted new plan to 5th Army. Flew to Tarquinia for another ceremony for the Secretary of War. Clark is now planning to put in the entire 91st Division and go just to the Arno River! I certainly am in the wrong league! A note from Porter from Algiers says II Corps was asked for Anvil but turned down topside. Chaplain brought me a parchment blessing signed by the Pope. He says he thinks it is the only one given out.

The River Crossings  131

7 Flew up to take a look at Siena. 8 Flew up coast to look at Leghorn and Pisa. Also along the front to include Volterra which sits on a high hill and dominates entire surrounding country. 9 After mass flew to Pomarance and spent day with Critt and Pink. 88th Division captured Volterra in a fine maneuver a la II Corps! Critt told me Sloan told him Clark when he ordered the 88th up to IV Corps told Sloan not to tell me!! Critt said that didn’t apply to him so he phoned me! Who is working for who! Returning was forced down by rain and darkness at Grosseto. Reached CP by jeep at 11:15 p.m. 10 Moved CP to vicinity of Massa. Flew around the island of Elba—a very pretty trip—saw some of the French troops which had recently landed and captured the place. General Alexander expected to return tomorrow and final decision will be rendered—I hope. A year ago today we landed in Sicily. 11 5th Army now after my signal officer. 85th Division closing up in this area. Coulter in for lunch. No word from 5th Army. 13 Zitsman assigned to 5th Army. Walter ordered to War Department. Ginn (surgeon) to 4th Army. Flew to Radi for lunch with General Juin. Madam Juin was there. Juin had no news from 5th Army except the relief of CEF. He goes to Algiers and then probably to UK. Porter returned. General Wilby will stay with us. 5th Army sidestepping. Gruenther returned from US. Phoned to say he had seen both Leilas and full of compliments for both. Editor’s Note: In order to allow regrouping, rest, and retraining, AAI’s initial plan for breaching the Gothic Line called for the Fifth Army to stand on the defensive until the Eighth Army captured Florence and cleared the Arno Rive west of the city. At that point the two armies would attack the Gothic Line on a thirty-mile-wide front between Pistoia and Dicomano, respectively northwest and northeast of Florence. II Corps was to make the main effort for the Fifth Army near Montelupo on the Fifth Army right flank and twelve miles west of Florence.13 14 Bastille Day. A spectacular “Prise d’Armees” [military parade] at the Hotel de Ville in Siena. All the face cards were present—Alexander, Clark, Leese etc. etc. Juin made a very fine speech which was in fact his swan song. We all regret his leaving. Carpentier and Zeller are to go to De Lantid (?) staff and Clark doesn’t like the idea much. In

132  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

accordance with ancient custom, the town of Siena turns out about 50 men dressed in gay medieval costumes with flags representing the different guilds, etc. After the reception they did a sort of flag drill in the square. Flew over there with Wilby. Tate14 (G-4) told me he could only support 2 Divisions in combat! There are already 3+ in the line. 15 Wilby left. I flew over to visit Coulter and discuss his training problems. After lunch I flew to Naples to spend the night with Sandy Patch. We had a fine visit together. He said he had made several efforts to get me instead of Truscott but apparently General Marshall had selected Truscott. Sandy said he had already had trouble with Truscott—same old habit of running to the top and bypassing his immediate boss. Saw a lot of old 7th Army friends. All seemed glad to see me and wished I were going with them (so do I). Usual trouble getting a plane from Air Corps! Ended up by flying down in a Fairchild (L-61) 16 After mass went to 17th General Hospital to see Jimmy Totten who is recovering from jaundice. After lunch Sandy [Patch] and I (and aides) flew to Rome in his B-25 to see the finals of the Track & Field meet. Saw Jerry Persons15 from War Department who said he has lunch daily with George [L. Harrison]. Returned home about 7 p.m. and at about 9 p.m. Coulter phoned to say 5th Army has taken 100 trucks from him so it looked obvious that his Division would sit tight and not into the line. At 11 p.m. Porter woke me up to say 5th Army had just alerted the 85th Division to move up in reserve and to be on the move by daylight!!! That is certainly advance planning on the part of 5th Army. Brann (G-3) didn’t even know the G-4 had stripped the 85th!! However we met the requirements as usual but will get no credit therefore. 17 The scare about the right flank as usual proved to be groundless but the 85th Division continues to displace forward. Clark phoned Critt that 85th Division was not under or available to IV Corps but was 5th Army reserve under II Corps. That of course is a sop to me and a worthless solution. I’ll bet at least one RCT is in the line within 48 hours. The HQ crew that Lowman joined at 7th Army are in the dog house. One tried by GCM [general court-martial]—one reprimanded. Lowman says he escaped as he joined after the trouble occurred. Jasha Haefetz gave us a concert. Everyone pleased. Zitsman left last night for 5th Army. Lieutenant Colonel Charles L. Olin [signal officer] has reported as replacement. Son of Colonel Olin of

The River Crossings  133

Panama days. Lieutenant Colonel Brendan McKay Greeley [G-2] replacement for Walter has reported. 18 Decoration Ceremony—primarily for staff and headquarters personnel. 85th Division (less 1 RCT) ordered to left front and attached to IV Corps. 1 RCT in Army reserve! Nothing left of II Corps but HQ and 1 Battalion AAA! This is a real low. 19 IV Corps captures Leghorn and reaches the Arno River. A fine job. Critt asked me up to go to Leghorn. Can’t make it but will have supper with him. I suppose now 5th Army will put us in to hold the bag. Clark giving luncheon for French today. Wonder if I’ll get any dope? Later got some dope but put little stock in it until I see it in print! Clark now plans to put II Corps in and continue. The British must have won and again the US (5th Army) is the goat whether they see it or not. Clark said Critt had done well. Called Critt’s Division commanders & staff a bunch of prima donnas who thought they knew it all!! He told me not to tell Critt that IV Corps is to be pulled out! Why this secret attitude among members of the same team I can never understand. Juin apparently going to be De Gaulle’s Chief of Staff and not too pleased. Juin says he is coming by before leaving. I went on up to IV Corps for supper. Critt is full of Clark’s petty nagging. I get a kick out of someone else experiencing what I’ve been through. Clark phoned Critt to tell Ryder to get Leghorn in 48 hours or he would relieve him—that he (Clark) was tired of “being made a fool of”!! That matches his famous statement to me that his face was red because of the poor showing of the US troops at S. Martino and S. Maria!! Everything is strictly personal with him. Heard Paul Newgarden16 had been killed in airplane accident. Had written him less than a week ago. Understand Harmon and Ryder are going home—being relieved by Prichard17 and Bolte18 respectively. My turn will probably come one of these days. 20 Flew to 66th Topographical Company to present 5th Army plaque. Company seemed genuinely pleased to get back to II Corps. All were wearing II Corps patch. Spent rest of day on plans. 21 To 5th army with recommendations for next operation which Clark accepted over opposition of Brann. Stayed for lunch. Doc Ryder there—leaving for home tomorrow. Flew to IV Corps for talk with Critt on relief. He doesn’t want to stay in at risk of being given a job without means. I’ve had that so often I expect little else. Saw Coulter— says he’s glad to get back with us—news of attempt to assassinate Hitler—that will affect German morale!

134  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

22 A year ago today we captured Palermo! Willems put up cocktails and I furnished a bottle of Spermante that Critt gave me weeks ago. Hope we can end this next operation as successfully. More planning. Editor’s Note: By July 25, the Fifth Army was situated on the south bank of the Arno River on a line extending thirty-five miles, starting from the Tyrrhenian Sea, to twenty miles west of Florence. The FEC had been relieved. II Corps was composed of the 85th, 88th, and 91st Infantry Divisions. By July 25, the 88th Division had moved into the Fifth Army line on the extreme right, with the remaining divisions held back awaiting the next attack. IV Corps was composed of the 1st Armored and 34th Infantry Divisions and covered the major part of the Fifth Army’s front, approximately thirty miles across. Initially, while standing on the defensive, Task Force 45, composed of the 45th AAA Brigade and attached troops, was situated on the left of the corps’ front, while the 1st Armored Division was placed on the right. By August 20, the 91st Division replaced the 88th in the II Corps line.19 Facing the AAI at the Gothic Line were twenty-seven German divisions and elements of six newly forming Italian divisions. Many of the German divisions were significantly below strength and in total were approximately the equivalent of fifteen divisions at full strength.20 23 Sloan, Coulter, Livesay came for conference and lunch. Seemed like old times. All seemed glad to be working together again and were pleased with our outline of the operation. A conference at 5th Army that I asked for yesterday was held this p.m. and of course resulted in several changes in troop lists and dates. IV Corps had troops in Pisa today. 24 Move CP to vicinity of Peccioli—right in a fine peach orchard. Visited 5th Army and IV Corps. I asked Gruenther to see our side of it and not have Army try to run our (Critt’s and my) business. 25 II Corps took over right sector at 1200. We are back in the game again! Submitted outline plan to 5th Army. Regrouping under way. 5th Army now trying to take away 202nd MP Company and make us form a new company out of an infantry company! What kind of a war is this? Visited Sloan to renew acquaintance with 88th Division. Bet him 5th Army would take 91st Division from me and give it to IV Corps before D+5. Clark called at noon to acknowledge our entry into the line again. Said he was going to the beach for 2 days. Invited me to lunch on Friday. The King is coming to his CP. Archbishop Spellman is going to say mass at 85th Division tomorrow.

The River Crossings  135

26 Flew to Rosignano for the 85th Division field mass. About 3000 volunteer Catholics of the 85th Division attended. Archbishop Spellman said mass. Practically everyone tried to go to communion but the hosts gave out. General Coulter and I led off. We had lunch at 85th Division. I loaned the Archbishop a shirt and undershirt—he had sweated through his own. We had a lot of amusement getting him dressed again. Later he went to HQ IV Corps where Critt had a small reception for him. I drove over for it. He is coming here for lunch tomorrow. We continue our planning but it is hard to tell which way the cat will jump. My “pen girl” send me a box of candy. 27 Archbishop Spellman came for lunch. We had a double feature— three kinds of salads including chicken and then in came hot steaks, potatoes & peas. Apple pie for dessert!! He seemed to enjoy his visit and as he was behind schedule I sent him to Leghorn via cub plane. We are planning steadily and hope to keep ahead of the game. Brann assured Porter we’d get the 91st Artillery regardless of when 1st Armored Division Artillery is ready. 28 King George VI visited 5th Army. A fine show of troops. After or in course of the reception at 5th Army CP he presented both medals to Generals Clark, Gruenther and myself. At the No. 1 table there were the King, Generals Clark, Alexander, Crittenberger, Gruenther and myself and Archbishop Spellman. The King and General Alexander tried to impress on the archbishop that he should carry home with him the message that we needed here at least 3 more American divisions!!! Alexander said Great Britain couldn’t after this year maintain all the divisions she now has! It is obvious who is to carry the war. Flew home via Livorno and Pisa. Then went to 19th Engineers to present about 31 decorations. They are glad to be back in II Corps. 29 Visited the 88th Division and had lunch with Colonel J. C. Fry at CP of 350th Infantry. More planning. 5th Army reversed Brann on 91st Artillery! Another crisis is brewing over the leaning tower of Pisa. Someone is claiming Boches are using it as an OP. Trying to make another monastery of Monte Cassino out of it. Clark phoned full of goodwill! Claims he is very busy but will come out Monday. Things run smoother when he doesn’t come! Said General William McMahon21 who commanded the 8th Division in Normandy had been busted and was at his HQ as a sort of Deputy COS. 30 Visited CP of 362nd Infantry Regiment [91st Division]. Good impression of CO and troops. Flew to CP 13 Corps (British) for lunch with General Kirkman. Their plans not too close to ours on our immediate

136  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

flank. More planning. Our scheme of planning on 48 hours in advance working out slowly! General Clark and Critt are coming for lunch. 31 General Clark came for lunch. After 3 messages that he would arrive by car at 1230 he arrived at 1210 by the airport and no transportation. His HQ mistake—not mine. Seemed in good humor and satisfied. While he concurs in our plans and estimates I fear there will be many changes judging from past experience. Work continues on our plans. Our new procedure for staff conferences is working out very well. 91st Division took over from 88th at 1200. 85th Division about closed in. 88th will be tomorrow. August 1944 1 II Corps organization day. 4th anniversary of its reactivation. Program and messages including one to Clark as a former commander (more ways than one to fry fish!) Critt came for lunch, 5th Army phoned that target date postponed 3 days. 2 More planning—intentions of 13 Corps (Br) on our right is concerning us. News from Normandy is great. Hope General Patton is leading it. German radio says he is. Visited 361st Infantry Regiment and had lunch at CP 91st Division. Saw Ray Williamson. Hurt my back again somehow—think it was sitting in chair on uneven ground at our staff conferences. 3 Have deluged 5th Army with letters on the operation showing them matters that must be decided. Can’t trust to informal talks to their staff. Coulter came over for lunch. Late in afternoon Clark phoned to say D day is postponed another 3 days!! Winter will be on us before we get started. Ammo situation much better but delay means we lose all the big guns. Clark thanked me for the message, etc. on organization day. Willems wonders if all this stalling doesn’t add up to this being a cover plan for Anvil? 13 Corps reports considerable advance. Hope it is true. 4 General Kirkman commanding 13 Corps (Br) came over to discuss relief of 8th Indian Division by 2nd NZ Division and his future plans which would affect us. He informed me of the “new plan” that had been decided upon yesterday. It was to put bulk of 8th Army on the Adriatic and enter the Po valley from lower end which has been obviously the smartest way of doing the job as long as so much time was wasted on this western front. If this plan is adopted the role of 5th Army is reduced to practically nothing. Clark phoned to know what

The River Crossings  137

Kirkman had come to discuss and then asked me to come in and discuss matter with him. My information was first he had heard of new plan and there was considerable agitation about something going on without his being let in on it. Gruenther called Harding COS to General Alexander who was disturbed that plan had leaked out but claimed it was not definite—had only been discussed as a possibility. That was not Kirkman’s apparent understanding. On the whole, 5th Army attitude is very odd. There is apparently no resistance or resentment at the apparent inactive future and inferior role it is destined to follow. I believe Devers has jockeyed Clark out of the Anvil show. Decoration ceremony at 19th Engineers. My back a little better but still quite painful. 5 First rain in weeks. Drove to 88th Division to talk to Sloan. He has sulfur poisoning. Skin all infected. Bee stung me on the finger. Later flew the front lines. More plans—am sure we are ahead of 5th Army. 362nd lost an entire patrol of 10 men. Must have been carelessness somewhere. Letter from Jackie—Demmy sick. 6 Visited 91st Division and 362nd. Porter returned from 5th Army with word that AAI had accepted 8th Army’s plan of making main effort on the right. This reduces our effort to a very minor role and postpones everything about an additional week. Perhaps under these circumstances we may be fortunate enough to get the call for a follow up of Anvil. 7 Flew up and down the Arno River and over the southern part of Florence. The Ponte Vecchio is the only bridge standing and it is blocked at either end. More and more planning. Another postponement. Clark coming out again tomorrow. General Stair (NATOUSA surgeon) came out for a chat—gave me some dope on the set up for Anvil. Bolte came by. Had been told by Brann that his division (34th) would probably come under II Corps. Decoration ceremony—gave Bronze Star to my driver Sergeant Chewning. General Freyburg and his COS Thornburg came in yesterday to renew acquaintance and to see what he could do to help—his division 2nd New Zealand is taking over from the 8th Indian Division on our right. 8 General Clark and Colonel Saranol (RCA [Royal Canadian Artillery]) visited II Corps CP. Clark explained current plan—it coincided 98% with our proposed solution and Clark approved the remaining 2%. Went to 91st Division for visit. More planning. Clark bringing Secretary of Navy Forrestal to visit II Corps. As we are moving the CP we will take party direct to 91st Division for lunch.

138  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

9 General Clark and Secretary of Navy Forrestal arrived and we went first to an 8” Howitzer battery where he watched it fire a mission— he pulled the lanyard on the last shot. Then to the 91st Division for fine lunch. They turned down our offer of observing a TOT [time on target] from a cub so after they left I went up and observed. Went to Critt’s CP for a chat before my date at the 235th Engineers. Critt had a lot of ideas on our future but no authentic dope. The dinner and show (“By Pass to Berlin”) was an outstanding affair. The show was relatively better than “This is the Army.” All local talent. Due to missing roads in the blackout I spent the night with the 1108th Engineer Group. CP moved to Gambassi. 10 Rain last night and all of today. Visited CP of 1st Armored Division re next operation. Prichard laid up with toothache. Drove to our new CP which is in the grounds of a villa near Gambassi. It is a real park high on a hill overlooking the Arno River and the valley reminds me of the Catskills although the surrounding country is more like the badlands. Clark phoned at 1745 that as a result of a meeting (himself—Leese—Alexander) the old plan is out the window and a new one is being drafted! What a life. We were all set to start moving tomorrow and now everything is off. This new plan must entail more delay and that is something I can’t understand. The good weather is drawing to an end and we can’t fight through the Apennines in the snow. It looks like another sellout. 11 Sun’s out. This is really a beautiful spot. Got a tip off on new plan. The idea is all right but at least two weeks too late. My back is worse today. Called to 5th Army in afternoon and Clark gave Critt and me the new plan. We take over the British job while they slide to lower ground. 13 Corps comes to 5th Army. Critt holds about a 50 mile front with odds and ends. The delay is the worst feature. Put my staff to work on plans. 12 Dictated memo to 5th Army outlining my plan to strike with everything available and then put the penetration in depth. 5th Army would not accept the best part of the plan and did accept the orthodox solution, so I directed a new plan be drawn up trying to introduce something really decisive. Observed demonstration of rocket launcher on tanks. Visited S. Gimignano (town of towers). 13 Submitted new plan which seems to be acceptable. Flew to Leghorn to visit Sloan who is still in 64th General Hospital. Will be there another week. Flew over Florence. 85th Division ordered to relieve 2nd NZ Division.

The River Crossings  139

14 Churchill is in Rome conferring with Tito. We are the pawns in those deals. The British are so opposed to Anvil [Allied invasion of southern France—later Dragoon] and want to go for the Balkans. Of course they can’t go without our help. General Kirkman is proposing a plan limiting both his and my effort to one division each in the next operation. That would be a total flop. They propose anything that will delay matters. General Clark arrived with Under Secretary of War Robert P. Patterson, Bill Summerwell, Tom Harkins and Connor from OPD. We visited 91st Division and had lunch there. Critt, Coulter and Prichard joined us there. 85th Division has started relief of Spadgers. More planning. Understand General McNair was slated for a command job—Group of Armies and General Dewitt will now take over. Also General Patton is in command of the big drive in France. 15 More planning. 5th Army still hasn’t put out their OI (Operations Instructions). Flew the front and crossed the Arno River and flew over the north part of Florence. Terrain of our next operation is somewhat tough but I’m sure we’ll make a go of it. Clark and Gruenther called—will be here for lunch tomorrow. Anvil announced 7th Army landed successfully. The news broke at 1200. 16 Radio announced GSP is commanding 3rd Army which has made the spectacular gains in Normandy and Brittany. Also that his permanent Major General was confirmed by the Senate. Clark & Gruenther came. Discussed plans—generally satisfactory and in accord with our proposals. 5th Army still playing penny ante. 17 A year ago today we entered Massina and ended the Sicilian campaign. Flew over for conference with General Kirkman. 13 British Corps. As usual he thinks my tasks simple and his very difficult. He doesn’t like the 5th Army plan and is crabbing about roads ad areas. This time I’m determined he shall have no grounds for complaint nor excuse for not doing something. More planning but we now have finished our plan (haven’t yet gotten the 5th Army OI). Hail storm. 18 Conference with Division Commanders—very satisfactory. Gave them our plans and now they can get down to real work. 19 Flew to 34th Division for lunch in honor of the Prime Minister (Churchill). Critt & I met the party at lunch and then were left there. OK by me but it was another slight to Critt as the party continued on his area. The conference held at my CP with 13 Corps representatives lasted 4 hours and was not very satisfactory. It looks as if they are trying to sabotage the operation [II Corps]. They not only want our

140  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

area and roads but want to change the boundary so that we attack to cover their flank. We are planning a defense and counter-proposals. Presentation ceremony. Prime Minister looks pretty old and tired. Editor’s Note: Since II Corps was to make the main attack, from August 20, it was necessary for IV Corps to be responsible for virtually the entire Fifth Army front in order for the II Corps concentration to be effected. The fifty-five-mile length of IV Corps’ responsibility made it necessary to provide additional troops to hold the line, and 13 Corps was shifted from the Eighth Army to the Fifth Army and the 6th South African Armored Division relieved the 85th Division. In preparing for the attack, II Corps was composed of the 34th, 85th, and 91st Divisions, with the major part of the 88th Division in reserve.22 The revised AAI plan called for the main attack on the Gothic Line to be carried out by the Eighth Army on the right along the Adriatic coast. Once the German reserves were committed, the Fifth Army would attack northward from Florence in a twophase attack. II Corps would first attack through the left half of the 13 Corps zone to the north of the city, capturing the hills approximately eight miles north of Florence. The second phase called for II Corps to push across the Sieve Valley and advance along Highway 65 toward Bologna. IV Corps on the left would be prepared to follow up any German withdrawal. The Fifth Army attack was contingent on the success of the Eighth Army. Thus, the timing of the Fifth Army attack could not be determined until the last minute. The Eighth Army attack was launched on the night of August 25–26, with the result that the German reserves were committed to defending the Gothic Line on the east. 20 Worked all day on plans to offset 13 Corps proposals. They are not going to be any help so we must plan to do the whole job. Critt came over for supper—he is pretty disgusted with his treatment by 5th Army. Says Devers wrote him that he is uppermost in his mind. Wish someone was interested in getting me out of this league. General Kirkman phoned to make a date for tomorrow afternoon. Called Gruenther and made a date for 0930 so I shall have amenities for talk with Kirkman. The King’s and the PM’s visits here have had some significance other than just visiting the front!! Bolte and Sloan still in hospital and it looks like 3 weeks more. 21 Flew to 5th Army for conference before my conference with General Kirkman. Clark worked up over British. Devers due—maybe that had something to do with upset! Took another flight along the front.

The River Crossings  141

AAI has taken a complete reverse view on deception from 5th Army and latter has had to get out new cover plan!! Why doesn’t somebody think more than 3 days ahead? General Kirkman arrived about 1430 and Gruenther a few minutes later. Kirkman had entirely different attitude. Obviously he has been prodded and now he is for doing something but yields on several points so as to gain the important one for him; i.e., to make just a small attack. However that is much better than nothing. Looks like Sloan is definitely out. For several reasons I recommend Kendall23 for the job over Kurtz.24 I did that before and 5th Army preferred to settle it on seniority basis—now they are embarrassed. 22 Planned to visit 442nd Infantry Regiment (Japanese American) but Clark phoned for me to meet him at his landing strip. He was pleased with our arrangements at yesterday’s conference. Is inclined to let me take over early. Says Sloan is out and he is still thinking of putting in Brann. Says he is outstanding!!! I couldn’t agree with him. Editor’s Note: The 442nd Infantry Regiment was composed of secondgeneration (Nisei) Japanese Americans primarily from Hawaii. For its size, it was the most highly decorated American unit in World War II.25 23 Visited the 442nd (Japanese American). Good impression. Still working hard on plans and orders. 24 Clark phoned that he had decided to put Kendall in temporary command of 88th Division and give Sloan a few more weeks to get back. I flew to 5th Army and after lunch went to CP 88th Division to discuss the change with Kurtz & Kendall. Kurtz badly disappointed. Has also just been notified his son (air corps) has been missing in action in France since August 3. Flew over to have supper with Critt. Not much dope but he still is burned up over treatment by Clark. 25 13 Corps finally got off the bench and advanced front 1 to 6 km north of the Arno River. Boche had pulled out. That changes the complexion of our operation and I took to 5th Army recommendation for speeding up. Brann apparently approved. Gruenther phoned later that 5th Army appreciated my interest but didn’t believe situation warranted speed up as yet! 8th Army jumped off on Adriatic at 2300. 26 Final Commanders conference on Bologna Plan. Everything seems well in hand. Brann still advocates waiting. 30 minutes after he left Gruenther phoned that he was recommending to General Clark that

142  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

he OK the very moves I submitted yesterday! The 8th Army made some progress. 13 Corps made some on the right but got kicked back on the left (our sector!). Decoration ceremony followed by Murder Board [critical review] on the Duchess Plan. Clark phoned about 1700 to say he almost gave the green light but had finally decided to wait. Also that Kirkman had urged modification of current plan to push us west and let him go ahead. Clark rejected the idea thank goodness. 27 Mass & communion as usual. A much larger congregation in this area. At a.m. staff conference we made plans to shorten the time to jump off. Flew to 5th Army to get permission to move CP and work on the river. Move OK’d but Engineers no. Inclination is to continue to wait for a more favorable moment but I doubt if on a 4 day basis they can do that without losing valuable time unless they take some risk. Progress of 8th Army not very exciting. Flew to Livorno to see Sloan. His face and hands are improved but his arms and legs look very bad. He is cheerful enough under the circumstances. The skin specialist looked at the scales on my face said they were “Surface” and due to sun. Said he could and would remove them but that others would appear. The treatment consisted of a local anesthetic—then scraping—then firing with a red hot rod! Said it was common among Irish and Scotch people and Louisiana fishermen—and was sometimes called “Sailor’s Skin”! Am I humiliated! The general war news is mighty encouraging. Hope we are not left here on the bench. With the Balkans closing up the way into Germany the Boche in Italy run serious risk of not getting out so I look for their general withdrawal. 28 Moved CP from Gambassi to [original missing]. Visited 34th & 91st Divisions. No green light from 5th army. Boche planes over last night—strafed and dropped antipersonnel bombs in the neighborhood. Our plans are getting more and more in shape. 29 Boche planes came in again last night. Caused some damage and casualties near Certaldo. 8th Army still behind schedule so we may sit here indefinitely. Finally agreements with 13 Corps (British) about completed. Visited the 442nd Infantry Regiment (Japanese) and their battalions—not too good. Had Kendall along as well as the Colonel and let them see I was not pleased. Fine letter from Sandy Patch—says he still has hopes of getting II Corps with him. What a boon that would be. This show looks dead to me at the moment. Gruenther dropped in—says Clark doesn’t like our traffic signs because he thinks they irritate the men!!! At the same time Clark admits that I have the best dis-

The River Crossings  143

cipline and traffic control in my area. Furthermore he spoke highly of the signs when I first put them up. So tonight I ordered them taken down. What a happy day it will be for me to get out his army! 30 Jay came in—says he has written Pa Watson26 about his promotion. Brigadier General John McGruder and a Colonel [name missing] stopped by. They are connected with the OSS (Donovan) [Office of Strategic Services]. Greely [II Corps G-2] called me near midnight to report that Howard (G-2 5th Army) had phoned him to say the Boche were making a general withdrawal about 10 km along whole 5th Army front. At noon Gruenther had told me there was no change in view and that it might be a week or 10 days before we jump off and that would be on a 96 hour alert. 31 Brann called for Porter to come in for conference. Critt phoned to ask if I had any dope—that Clark had phoned him to be ready to cross the Arno River. Gruenther phoned me that our effort would be intensive patrolling only. Flew to Castelfiorentino to confer with Critt, Prichard and General Poole27 (6th SA). Critt got word he was to send task force of reinforced battalion to secure Monte Pisano tonight! And a Company to reconnoiter Monte Albano! He was sunk. Later the order was changed to a strong recon tonight and the rest tomorrow night. Brann insists there is nothing north of the river—therefore I feel sure there will be a stiff fight. Gruenther says Clark doesn’t like our Speedy Courts and is mad because our MP’s picked up his driver for no trip tickets and the court fined him. Clark ordered the fine remitted. That is certainly backing up a driver on that very thing which he himself ordered. I asked Gruenther if we were to except any particular unit or class. So now I’ve ordered our courts abolished and am now forced to merely report the man to his CO. That has been done before and without results. Clark is due in a few minutes. Later Clark arrived, discussed developments and then brought up subject of courts. I offered no comments and no apologies. He referred several times to his driver being picked up and insisted he wasn’t influenced by that fact! The fact that he repeatedly referred to it seems proof that he was influenced by it. Of course he didn’t order other offenders’ fines remitted. He suggested a modification in the present plan. It will suit us but not the British. September 1944 1 5 years ago today Germany invaded Poland and started the war. Visited 442nd Regiment front then flew over the area north of the Arno

144  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

River. Repeated the flight in the afternoon taking in Fiesole and Sesto. British have made substantial gains but there is no opposition. IV Corps is across the Arno River but running into mines. We must move forward to maintain our favorable position. Les’ wedding a week from today. 2 Sent Porter to 5th Army with proposals due to changed situation. Clark phoned to say he couldn’t agree to some but would OK others. That’s his privilege as is OK by me. I feel however that the decision will be too late and we shall be the ones to suffer. Clark said IV Corps wasn’t doing too well or words to that effect. He just can’t realize that the blame is his and his staff for trying to change plans on a moment’s notice and try to execute them with makeshift units! Just talked to Ladue—said they were “being pushed from a certain direction which I guess you know.” Porter phoned that 5th Army is taking away one of our 6 pack trains to give to the South Africans for 5 days. What an Army! Can’t remain on the beam 24 hours at a time!! We are the main effort and they have taken away 3 RCTs and the pack train already! 3 A real wind and rain storm last night. Little damage to us but lots more at 5th Army. Reports say tents and Top Secrets were scattered over entire area. Gruenther phoned to say General Alexander would pay us a visit also that it looked as if nothing would happen for several days. 2 hours later Clark phoned to say time was ripening and for me to start the artillery forward!! Division commanders came for a conference and lunch. Alexander arrived after lunch and I took him through the forward area. He drove the jeep. When I returned trouble was in the air! General Loewen28 British 1st Division objected to our movement into his Army area. 5th Army aroused and Gruenther seemed to think we were to blame. We did everything expected in trying to co-ordinate. Artillery move cancelled. 4 Labor Day. Conference east of Florence at CP of 1st British Division. General Kirkman, Loewen, Brann and several staff officers present— straightened out all difficulties. Kirkman says yesterday’s trouble was due to 5th Army not informing him. I think that is right and then Loewen’s stubbornness. Drove around Florence—visited the cathedral. Passed through later en route to 91st Rcn. At evening staff conference was told some of our movements tonight couldn’t be made in darkness. We must meet our commitments. Nice letter from Leila last night and one from Les tonight. Sent Les a radiogram—hope it reaches her on Friday. General Mascarenhas29 and 2 other Brazilians came for lunch.

The River Crossings  145

Editor’s Note: On September 4, the attack on the Gothic Line in the Fifth Army sector was revised. “Now II Corps was to make its main effort along the axis Florence-Firenzuola while 13 Corps was to concentrate its attack along the axis Borgo San Forenzo-Faenza, initially assisting II Corps by putting the emphasis on the left flank of the corps zone.” II corps was expected to penetrate the Gothic Line at Il Giogo Pass, seven miles southeast of Futa Pass, thus bypassing the strong Futa Pass defenses. After penetrating the Gothic Line defenses, the Fifth Army was expected to enter the Po River valley in an effort in conjunction with the Eighth Army to trap German forces south of the river. II Corps would use the 34th and 91st Divisions in its initial attack, with the 85th Division on the right, to make the main effort attacking the Il Giogo Pass. The 88th Division would be in corps reserve. With the expected German withdrawal from the Futa Pass, it was anticipated that the three divisions would be able to quickly attack the Radicosa Pass on Highway 65 north of the Futa Pass, with the 88th Division passing through the 91st or 85th Divisions to continue the attack.30 II Corps would be opposed by the German 4th Parachute Division and portions of the 334th Grenadier Division.31 With four divisions, General Keyes would finally obtain sufficient combat power to break through German defenses. 5 Last night’s movements quite satisfactory. Clark visited CP—seemed very pleased with our plans and prospects. I visited 91st Division in afternoon. Plans and orders on the Futa operation completed. Indications tonight Boche pulling back. 6 Moved CP to SW edge of Florence. Rain. Making provisions to keep ready for a quick attack. Concentration completed in 2 nights. That is a real accomplishment and I doubt if there is another Corps staff that could have done it. We are 24 hours ahead of 5th Army requirements. 5th Army now thinks there may be another postponement because of non-progress of 8th Army. Visited 34th Division and both assault regiments (133rd, 168th). Drove through Fiesole. Bought more leather bags & vanities at Pattinia near the Ponte Vecchio. Our CP is in a beautiful estate with a lot of statuary including some sort of pedestal marked Dante 1265 and a monument of Petrarch. 7 Rained all night. Situation on 8th Army front still sticky and unsatisfactory. Gruenther phoned to say it looks as if we have a 2 day postponement. One hour later Clark phoned and says he is tempted to go ahead without any delay!! Commanders’ conference on the Futa plan—everything in shape. 2V’s—one from each Leila—Leila jr says

146  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

she is disappointed in love! Minister from San Marino called to complain that some of our Artillery had taken positions in the legation grounds and that that was neutral territory. San Marino about the size of a college campus is still at war with Germany from World War I! Gruenther phoned—British are to attack tomorrow and capture Morello. Our moves for the night cancelled. 8 British found Morello unoccupied! Now they are to attack Monte Senario. Clark wrought up over them. Flew over the front part of the sector and upon return Clark said British were on Senario and he had decided to attack. Invited me and my division commanders to conference and dinner at the 5th Army Rest Center (Hotel Anglo-American) Florence. Flew to Pontedera to see Critt. He has had his troubles this past week but has done extremely well with hodge podge forces. Conference and dinner a huge success. We’ve got the green light and Kirkman agrees to “go all out.” 8th Army according to Clark have definitely been stopped and require 3–4 days for regrouping. Same old gag. I am to attack when I am ready on the 10th and keep on going. I only hope there is no interference. Clark says he wants to give me my Silver Star!! The order on it came out about June 15th 3 months ago!! Les’ wedding day. Went to mass & communion for her and Jimmy. Chaplain said he had offered the mass for my intentions (Feast of the Nativity). Bought $18 worth of gloves. 9 Salerno Day. Decoration ceremony at 153rd Signal Battalion, 54th Medical Battalion, 202nd MPs and then a large one at our HQ. Presented Powell with his colonel’s eagles as a surprise. Drove to Sesto and Prato to visit the 91st Rcn. Had an impromptu KT party at the mess in honor of Les—couldn’t have it last night. Everything set for the advance tomorrow. Editor’s Note: The Fifth Army’s main attack occurred on September 10. 10 Everybody off on time and the overall advance was about 10 km. Sticky in some spots but practically no opposition. Visited both divisions [34th and 91st] and flew the lines. Thanks to our good planning we had everything set for the continuation into the new phase. 11 Off again at daylight and good progress made by nightfall although I had to work on one regiment of the 34th Division. Yesterday it was one of the 91st. Already we have Wednesday’s (13th) line of departure. 5th Army wouldn’t believe me yesterday when I said I’d be ready for the main attack on the 13th. 5th Army finally took all

The River Crossings  147

strings off the 34th so I now am free. Visited both Divisions and drove north of the Sieve River. Roads terribly dusty. 85th Division moves up tonight. Moved our CP to beautiful park near Pratolino right in our Corps Artillery area. Clark coming up tomorrow to present me with Oak Leaf Cluster to the Silver Star. It was awarded about June 10th but it apparently escaped their notice. 12 Both divisions made progress but obviously we are now in contact with the outpost line of the Gothic Line. 85th Division closes in tonight and everybody attacks at 0600 tomorrow. I think it will take 3 days to crack it. A busy day. Clark arrived about 0900. OK’ed my plans then spoke to and complimented my staff—passed out a few bouquets for me and pinned on my Oak Leaf cluster for the Silver Star. Then we visited the 85th & 91st Divisions. After he left I flew the lines and when I got back to the CP found quite a crowd of guests for lunch—Brigadier General Carl Hardigg,32 Critt, Monsignor Carroll, General Sullivan33 and several others. After lunch flew to Leghorn to see Sloan and present him with a Silver Star. He looks better but still has 3 weeks more in the hospital. Visited Bolte in his new CP at Cavallina and drove home via road north of the Sieve River—got back after 7 p.m. Final checks with Livesay and Coulter—all is set— although I don’t expect much tomorrow. Editor’s Note: On September 15, the Fifth Army arrived at a critical point in its offensive to cross the Po River. II Corps had now reached the main Gothic Line defenses. The German defense was hampered by the boundary between the Fourteenth and Tenth Armies, leaving them with a divided command in the II Corps sector. II Corps had three divisions on the line, with a fourth in reserve. General Keyes’s heavily reinforced divisions were concentrated on the Il Giogo Pass, where approximately 50 percent of his infantry strength was situated. Facing II Corps was the thinly spread German 4th Parachute Division, thus giving II Corps a 3-to-1 combat superiority.34 13 Off on time—I was right—a number of mishaps and disappointments. Units reporting themselves on objectives when they were not. A few units kicked off of hills, etc. etc. However by night they had gotten set for tomorrow. Clark visited CP en route to and from 13 Corps and 34th Division. I did not see him although talked to him a couple of times. He is much more reasonable. I visited all three divisions and all four regiments in the 85th and 88th Division zones.

148  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

Tomorrow and next day will be tough but I’m sure we will crack the defense in that time although it may take one more day. 14 Some progress. 361st Regiment [91st Division] found a hole and almost got through. 34th Division made good gains in p.m. but that is still the outpost position. Visited 5 Regiments (2 of them twice) and all 3 divisions. Met Clark at 85th Division CP. He is impatient to win but more reasonable than usual. He brought word of Jay’s promotion and pinned his star on. Told me he had protested Jay’s promotion ahead of Willems. Also told me Truscott had been promoted and that he protested that also stating he had recommended me at the same time. Then said he would recommend me for permanent brigadier general after this operation. 15 Not much progress last night and early morning except on 34th Division front where it doesn’t count so much at present. Flew the front and visited 85th, 34th & 91st Divisions and 3 Regimental CPs. Met Clark at 85th and then went to 1st Division (British) for conference with Kirkman, Loewen re putting 337th Regiment [85th Division] in behind 1st British Division in drive on Monte Pratone. British claim road is open and they will have it tonight. 16 Since yesterday afternoon the British gained about 200 yards in their drive on Monte Pratone. They ran into resistance and never were as far forward as claimed. 337th Regiment passed through—a slow job and by night had made only a little progress. Clark phoned early. Disappointed in 85th and 91st Divisions—same line. Urges speed. I visited 85th then 363rd—338th—361st—362nd Regiments, 91st & 34th Divisions. Saw Clark at 91st. He was more reasonable. We are up against a position resembling World War I. It takes time and that is what is making 5th Army impatient. 8th Army hasn’t yet attacked although it was to do so the 13th and not later than the 14th. General Alexander visited the area but I didn’t see him. Gruenther phoned and gave him my views on this affair. Hope he can get them over to Clark. Got a fine note from General Patton. Boche is reinforcing his lines in front of the 91st and 85th Divisions. 17 Our operation has been going a week and our attack against the Gothic Line 4 days. Today we have made real progress and are in sight of a breach. The 85th Division took Monte Verrucca and Monte Pratone and are definitely established on Monte Altuzzo. After a really severe fight the 91st Division finally gained the top of Monte Monticelli. 3 companies lost all officers and another company had only one officer and he was wounded. Submitted recommendations

The River Crossings  149

to 5th Army for use of 88th Division. Clark agreed with my estimate but would not release the reserve regiment of the 34th Division although 3 days ago he said he was going to find himself with a lot of unused reserves! If the break comes on the 85th Division front as it seems almost certain, I wonder if he will still consider that this was a map study solution! He even admitted this morning that we would have to slug it out. Guess my talk with Gruenther last night bore fruit. Visited all the divisions today. Critt phoned to congratulate us. 18 We have definitely breached the Gothic Line on a several mile front and have gotten in a mile or two. We are pushing on and should make a serious penetration by tomorrow night. Colonel William F. Shildroth Sr35—commander of 133rd Infantry Regiment killed last night by a mine. Clark up here all morning seemed pleased we had broken the line but not too complimentary. He must realize by now what the 91st & 85th Divisions have been up against and he should be ashamed of his remarks of day before yesterday about his great disappointment in those divisions. It reminds me of his classic remark about his face being red because French were making more progress than American troops. Visited all 4 Divisions and then flew over front, crossed the ridge of the Apennines. Orders assigning me to II Corps came a year ago today! A lot has happened since that day. 19 Advance over entire Corps front continues. Even Clark seemed pleased tonight! 85th Division took Frena and Monte Acuto; 91st Division took Monte Guerrino and part of Monte Ombrellino; 34th Division took Monte Spicchio. Our prisoner of war bag since the operations began is now over 700. The staff came up to congratulate me on the anniversary of assuming command. It was a surprise and touched me. Visited all the divisions. Met Clark and representatives of the CIO and AFL at CP 85th Division and then accompanied them to Monte Altuzzo. Unbelievable destruction by air and artillery. Many dead Germans. Flew the combat area twice. 20 85th Division continues to advance. 88th Division closed last night north of the ridge and will take off tomorrow. Clark released the 168th Regiment [34th Division] and it takes off tomorrow. Boche moved in elements of the 362nd Division last night and it has slowed our advance to Monte Coloreta slightly. Clark and Alexander visited the II Corps area and seemed pleased at our progress. Alexander particularly cordial and complementary. Moved CP to NE of San Piero a Sieve. More or less rainy. Hope it doesn’t last long. 91st Division finally got Monte Alto and most of the ridge. Toward the Futa Pass.

150  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

Division has done fine in its first important offensive. John Leonard (son of General John W. Leonard 9th Armored Division) came for dinner and to spend the night. 21 88th Division jumped off and made good progress considering it was first day. Same for 168th Regiment in 34th Division. 85th Division went strong—captured Firenzuola and Monte Coloreta. 91st Division cleaned off the ridge and captured Futa Pass. Clark seemed positively cheerful! I visited 91st, 34th, 88th in the Monte Altuzzo Pass. Critt came over for lunch and I took him to the Altuzzo position. General Kirkman came to ask if there was further need for him to hold Monte Altello as we are already 5 km beyond it. I said no! We are really making progress. Rimini fell to the 8th Army today 27 days after the start of the operation. We were not to attack until Rimini had been captured!!! We’ve been at it 12 days and during that time the 8th Army has done very little. Decoration ceremony 33rd Field Hospital Captain (Nurse) Paddock Legion of Merit. First woman to receive the LOM. Editor’s Note: By September 21, the 91st and 85th Divisions had captured the Giogo Pass and outflanked the Futa Pass, which fell to the 34th Division on September 22.36 With the capture of the Futa Pass, the Gothic Line was breached and the Fifth Army drive on the Po Valley was undertaken. II Corps and 13 Corps had penetrated the Gothic Line across a thirty-mile-wide front, and IV Corps was through the line at several points. “The success had been due in large part to the skillful execution of the overall Allied plan of attack and in turn to the careful timing, coordination of effort, and concentration of power in the Fifth Army attack, which afforded the enemy no opportunity to recover his equilibrium.”37 At this point II Corps was able to introduce the fresh 88th Division, and the drive on the Po Valley was underway. 22 Some progress and some stiff resistance. 88th Division finally got under way although they had a whole Battalion Command Group captured last night. 5th Army is changing its objective but won’t frankly admit it. Hence it leaves me working under the old written directive but forced to turn in another direction. Clark suddenly had an inspiration (a la Hitler?) and the whole day and the whole Corps was in a turmoil changing boundaries and missions. However by night order was established and things on the way. Visited the 85th & 88th Divisions over the divide and the 91st Division near Futa

The River Crossings  151

Pass—one round came in while there. 34th Division made good progress. Spent most of the morning with Clark. Said he will again urge my promotion when we debauch at Imola! Flew over the Pass and over Coloreto where there was heavy fighting today. Very rugged hills. Editor’s Note: The original Fifth Army plan called for II Corps to advance along Highway 65 to Bologna, the capture of which would provide the Fifth Army with an excellent supply route north to the Po Valley. The Fifth Army’s success depended on the Eighth Army’s advance on the Adriatic coast to the east of the Apennine Mountains. Even with the capture of Rimini on September 21, the Eighth Army drive was reduced to only a few hundred yards a day. Consequently, the Fifth Army directed II Corps to move a portion of its forces down Highway 6528 toward Imola to assist the Eighth Army. At the same time II Corps would continue toward the Radicosa Pass on Highway 65.38 23 Pink Crane dropped in and I took him over the battlefield. We went to the CP of the 88th Division and got caught in a traffic jam due to repairs to the trail and it took 3½ hours to get there. Spent the night with me. 85th & 88th Divisions took Monte La Fine by 4 p.m. which was a real feat. 34th Division took Montepiana. Moved CP to north of Scarperia. Clark seemed pleased at progress. 24 The 8″ gun in our CP fired all night and blew everyone out of bed! Rained last night and most of the day. 34th Division captured Monte Coroncina and made good progress with 135th Regiment. The 91st Division hit a gap and sailed through until late afternoon. 85th Division held up by artillery but made some progress and will continue tonight to get Monte Canda. After his remarks the other day about not caring a damn about Canda Clark told me today it was of vital importance!!! Visited 34th & 91st Divisions and 362nd Regiment at Traversa on the other side of Futa Pass. Marge Harrison phoned from Rome—leaving tomorrow—hopes to get to France in a few weeks. OPD trying to get Porter. Clark promises to block it. Editor’s Note: During the period September 21–23, the 1st Armored Division was transferred from IV Corps to II Corps.39 25 88th Division report that 350th Regiment was north of Acuto was incorrect—the regiment is at least a km from it. Clark incensed at the

152  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

error—says the regiment and Division HQ was sitting down and doing nothing. Same old story. Am sure when facts are known, Fry40 will have done a fine job. Another Battalion Commander in 88th Division captured or killed. One company reported captured or wiped out. Not much progress except in 85th Division. 338th Regiment captured Monte Zanobi which is important in the attack on Canda. Storm last night—another forecast for tonight. Saw Clark at 85th & 88th Divisions. A little more reasonable about 88th Division error. Started 88th on a new line which should bring some results. About 6 p.m. Coulter phoned that his battalion on Zanobi had been kicked off! Clark furious and as usual accused all concerned of negligence and stupidity. He later cooled off when I pointed out overall gains. 26 Now it is a row over discrepancies in reports and as he insists on blow by blow reports and raises Cain if these early reports have to be revised. He has everyone jittery. Have spent entire day telephoning and checking coordinates. How can an Army Commander make his decisions on flash news of a battalion or company? 85th Division has been attacking all day to retake Monte Zanobi. Hopes to get it tonight. Enemy is definitely trying to stop us and not merely delay us. 85th Division had good success late this afternoon. Some progress on all fronts. Flew the lines and as visibility was perfect, I saw Bologna, Imola, and S. Pietro. Prichard came for lunch. 27 Brazilian Minister of War General Eurico Gaspar Dutra visited II Corps front and had lunch with us. General Clark took him part way then turned him and party over to us. Generals Wooten,41 Kroner42 and Mascarenhas in the party. 88th Division did themselves proud captured Castel del Rio, Monte Carnevale and Battaglia; 85th Division retook Zanobi. 34th & 91st Divisions made some gains. Spent afternoon with Porter and Butchers planning for future. Rained all afternoon. 28 Pouring rain all day and last night. Bitter cold and windy. Roads damaged. But in spite of all, each division made substantial gains. 34th Monte Bastione; 91st Monte Oggioli; 85th Canda; 88th a hill 2 km north of Castel del Rio. Clark called reference change in his plan. It is in effect a return to our basic plan. 29 A terrible night—wind and bitter cold rain. 34th & 91st Divisions made appreciable gains today. Boche has apparently pulled back to a new position. 85th Division quiet. 88th Division still having trouble on Monte Cappello and Battaglia. Boche has counterattacked at least

The River Crossings  153

4 times. Submitted my plan which 5th Army accepted without a murmur. Went with Clark to see Kirkman who agrees to closing in on my flank. Clark seemed anxious to get me to back him in his change of direction of main effort. Visited 91st & 34th Divisions. It was a cold wet drive. No mail from Leila for several days. 30 After 3 days of severe fighting, the 88th Division took Monte Cappello. The enemy still counterattacks to retake Battaglia but the 350th Regiment holds tight. Visited all four divisions. It took 7 hours to make the circuit. Everything set for the renewed attack tomorrow. Editor’s Note: By the end of September, II Corps was twenty-five miles from Bologna and within sight of the Po River, but the German position was improving due to mounting Allied casualties and battle weariness sapping Allied offensive strength. By September 30, II Corps was facing four German divisions (334th Grenadier, 4th Parachute, 362nd Grenadier, and 44th Grenadier), with others on their way. Likewise the weather was working against the Allied drive, especially as winter approached. Success would depend on II Corps reaching the Po Valley before both winter weather and additional German forces arrived to reverse the Fifth Army’s temporary advantage.43 October 1944 Editor’s Note: By October 1, the Fifth Army was prepared to shift its attack back to the axis of Highway 65. For the attack toward Bologna, General Keyes planned for all four of the II Corps infantry divisions to attack simultaneously. The 91st and 85th Divisions would spearhead the attack along the Highway 65 axis toward Bologna. II Corps had moved ahead of IV Corps (on its left) and 13 Corps (on its right), creating a bulge in the Allied line. A portion of the distance to Bologna consisted of Highway 65 crossing extremely mountainous terrain, and there was no evidence of a German withdrawal. The II Corps reserve consisted of one regiment from each division that could be rotated into the line to relieve the engaged units. On October 1, II Corps attacked along a sixteen-mile front.44 1 Sunday. A beautiful day. Clark & Alexander visited the area. Some progress made on all fronts but the real test should come in the new few days. The fresh regiments are in. Corps Artillery is dis­ placing  as this is first day roads will permit. Visited 91st & 88th Divisions.

154  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

2 Rained all day. Roads bad. Took 4 hours to get to 34th Division and back—little progress except in 85th Division which did a fine job. Clark peeved as usual when everyone doesn’t make substantial gains. At dark 91st Division had finally taken Monghidoro and Monte Piano so Clark was mollified. Moved CP yesterday to vicinity of Selva—north of Futa Pass. 3 Cleared up—everyone stepped out and we made from 2 to 4 km along entire front—visited 91st & 88th Divisions. Flew the front for nearly 2 hours. Someone bombed Castel del Rio at daylight. Boche bombed vicinity our CP about 8:25 p.m. First bombing for a couple of months. We must be hurting him. From vicinity of Monghidoro I could see into Po Valley and the Alps beyond. Guess we have sure enough made progress. There is a very attractive little chapel in this CP and the Chaplain says mass there daily. Have gone to mass and communion every day since the drive began September 10th. Got Leila’s account of the wedding a fine letter. Our 8″ guns fired first rounds into Po Valley at 1729. 4 34th Division captures Monte Venere; 85th made good progress and 88th took Sassoleone; but 91st got stuck. Visited all divisions except 88th. Boche bombed entire area last night first time for week. We must be hurting him. Clark seemed quite cheerful today. General Almond45 92nd Division spent night with me. 5 Rain rain rain. A miserable day but in spite of it we made substantial gains. Monzuno—Loiano—Monte Bastia and Monte Bibele. Visited 85th—88th—34th Divisions. Took 8½ hours of driving in mud and rain. Still planning for the final drive on Bologna. Got radio from Leila announcing arrival of Jackie’s baby daughter on October 2nd. Glad all is well. 6 A year ago today, Butchers, Porter, Walter, Lee and myself landed in Italy. Another rainy day. Clark came to our CP and approved our proposed plans. We made progress on the 91st and 34th Division front. Had a KT at the mess in honor of the new granddaughter. 7 Moved CP to vicinity of Monghidoro. 88th Division captured Falchetto Hill. Little gains elsewhere. Enemy brought in 65th Division. We now have an estimated 40 Battalions opposing us. Visited 34th, 85th & 91st Divisions. Our CP is adjacent to a rather large German cemetery. He apparently expected to hold out here as the cemetery is laid out to hold several hundred. An intercepted message to the German troops said Hitler ordered them to hold the Apennines at all cost. Phoned Critt—he is having his troubles with his front.

The River Crossings  155

8 Sunday. What miserable day! It has just poured and then the fog came down like a blanket. However the troops continued and are making progress. Have plans ready for the next push. Pinned Silver Stars on the small group of the 363rd Regiment that were the first to reach and stay on Montecielo. 9 Rained all morning then cleared and cold. Visited 88th Division took nearly 4½ hours of driving. Progress satisfactory. 85th Division unable to make much progress till night. 91st Division took the lead and captured Livergnano and got a battalion on the rim rock behind the escarpment—a fine feat. 34th Division stuck. Still planning for the future and to forestall moves by 5th Army. Clark generally receptive to our suggestions. British making some progress on our flanks but not much. General Colbern46 and Colonel Barbor 92nd Division visited us. 10 Rain and cloudy again. Our new attack under way on time and some progress being made. General Hume sent me an Apostolic Benediction he got through the archbishop of Rome I think. Drove to 34th Division—4 hours. Road from Monzuno in full view of the enemy. Visited the 91st Division on way back. After supper word came that Colonel Barbor had been seriously wounded on the Monzuno road. General Wood47 friend of Eddie Dwan and Assistant Commander 92nd Division spent the night with us. 11 Clear for a change. Colonel Barbor died before reaching the Evacuation Hospital. Sent Powell & Risden to the funeral. Flew the front lines first time for about a week. News good and bad. We had to withdraw to south side of Via Delle Tombe and were driven out of Livergnano. However 85th Division took Monte delle Formiche and made progress toward Monterenzio. Submitted plan for use of 34th Division. Clark in fine humor in spite of our reverses. 12 88th Division took Gesso. Rest of Corps got set for tomorrow. 85th Division still can’t get Hill 578. Met Clark and took him to some OP’s where he could see and appreciate the kind of hills we are still fighting for. In the afternoon he brought General Peterson48 the IG up. At first questioning our proposed plan for committing the 34th Division he phoned about 6 p.m. OK’ing it and giving us the green light. We had over 100 bombers over today. Hope we get some return for them. 13 Good and bad news today. 85th Division took Hill 578 and at the end of the day 91st Division had made a little progress but had inflicted punishment on enemy. No progress in 34th or 88th Divisions. Clark

156  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

jittery about 91st and because we haven’t made miles, he now says the maneuver was faulty. I don’t agree and neither does my staff. Flew the front lines for 1½ hours and am convinced our plan was very sound. 14 Worked all day on plans. Conference at 5th Army. Clark read the score of II Corps and 13 Corps (Br). Unnecessarily humiliating to Kirkman, who agreed to Clark’s plan to again shift 13 Corps to cover our flank. We made some progress today especially the 91st Division where Clark said our maneuver was wrong! Still no mail. 15 Satisfactory gains by 91st, 85th, & 88th Divisions but again 34th (135th Regiment) has shown little progress on Monterumici. The advance of 91st Division continues to justify our scheme of maneuver. Visited 34th—85th—88th Divisions. Coulter thanked me for congratulatory messages on Monte della Formiche and Monterenzio and remarked that he had received no similar message from 5th Army! Editor’s Note: II Corps faced several difficulties in its drive to the Po River plain: the German buildup of forces, worsening weather, and a critical level of ammunition. Early in the battle, casualties, lack of adequate replacements, and a reduction in artillery allotments played an important role. By October 16, II Corps had added two regiments of the 34th Division to the troop concentration east of Highway 65 to add weight to its attack aimed at breaking through to the Po River plain, now only ten miles distant.49 16 The attack went off and at end of day we had made some progress especially in the 85th & 91st Divisions. 34th didn’t do too well but maybe tomorrow will bring better results. Bolte seemed discouraged so I did my best to cheer him up. The enemy build up against us continues and 8th Army does nothing to relieve the pressure. Finally got a V-Mail from Leila dated October 3. 17 Rain again. We captured Monte Belmonte and made some other gains of lesser importance. Boche have brought in 2 more divisions against us. Clark had another “frank” talk with Alexander who said the 8th Army attack couldn’t go off because it was raining!!! What has it been doing over here! Visited 88th—85th—34th Divisions. 8 hours. Letter from Jackie (10/6) says “Dorsey” isn’t as homely as the family claims.

The River Crossings  157

Editor’s Note: II Corps units from left to right: 1st Armored—91st— 34th—85th—88th Divisions. 18 Cannon, Lemnitzer, and Chidlaw50 came by and stayed for lunch. Clark came by to discuss plans. He is worried about our situation but his views and plans coincide 100% with ours so I think he cheered up no one. 85th & 91st Divisions continued to progress—others not. 34th Division has no one on Belmonte although they claimed it yesterday. Visited 1st Armored Division. 19 Sent in proposed plan of operations and OI [Operations Instructions] both of which were approved. Ammunition situation very critical. Can’t understand how 5th Army let it get so low. Clark said Devers suggested he rest his troops as he Devers was dong in France! Or at least rest a regiment per division. Here we’ve been slugging day and night for 40 days and have the mission of capturing Bologna and 4/5 of German forces against us and he talks of resting! 34th Division made no progress and still haven’t Belmonte. 85th Division made some gains. 88th Division attacking tonight following air blitz on Monte Grande. Visited 85th and 88th Divisions took 7 hours. V-Mail from Leila. 20 88th division took Monte Grande and Monte Cerere—a fine feat. 85th Division made progress—Lines stabilized elsewhere with 34th Division stopped cold. A fine clear day. Spent nearly 2 hours in the air watching the bombing and looking over the front. 21 Worked all day on plans. Clark and staff have changed 3 times in 3 days. First we were to take Monte Grande and stop or not take Grande and stop. Now that we have Grande Clark said we would just improve our positions. Brann came this morning and said Clark wanted to get the hill line close to the Po Valley. I told Gruenther we should take limited objectives and then if conditions favored go a little farther. He said fine—Tonight Clark says he is going into the Valley! Unless the enemy pulls away I can’t see how we’ll have the strength or the ammunition. Clark visited the 88th Division and raised Cain because there were no AT [antitank] defenses on the hills except bazookas. The only trails up there so far are mule and possible jeep! So instead of the division being pepped up over their accomplishment they are now humiliated and down hearted. He certainly has no idea of leadership in that respect. 22 Pouring rain and fog all day. Visited 91st & 88th Divisions including 349th & 351st Regiments. Sent Porter to 5th Army with draft of

158  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

estimate. 88th Division took Monte Frassineto and 85th took Monte Castellaro—532nd and 459th Regiments. 34th finally got Monte Ceresa and Monte Poggio but were apparently kicked off of Poggio. They have made some progress toward Monte Belmonte. Clark said we are to get no more divisions and that 5th Army is stuck on this job. That is bad news. 2 years ago today said goodbye to Leila and left Washington for Newport News. 23 Mail flowing again—2 V-Mails from Leila—10/12–13. Still cloudy but no rain. Roads in bad shape. Some fine progress. 88th Division took Hill 568 (Monte Calderaro); 34th finally got Belmonte. Both 85th & 34th got kicked off hills last night. Visited 34th, 85th & 91st Divisions. We are trying to present a sane plan to 5th Army that will not expose ourselves beyond our means. 24 2 years ago today we sailed from Newport News. The 85th & 88th Divisions got set back today. The 88th lost practically a whole company at Vedriano but are going after it tonight. Worked all day on plans and estimates. Clark phoned and said he was working on same. He came out about 4 p.m. and we agreed almost to the last detail. He said we had done a fine job and everything possible. 25 Another rainy day. 85th Division took Mezzano but 88th didn’t get Vedriano and were definitely kicked off of Hills 339 and 309. Visited 85th & 88th Divisions. Got back at 7:20 p.m. Roads bad and congested. 26 Generals Clark and McNarney51 the new head of METOUSA arrived in a cold driving rain. Clark said a new plan was in the making and we will hold what we’ve got till 8th Army joins up for a combined punch. A miserable rainy day. 27 Still raining. Several of our roads and bridges are out. Situation on the front generally quiet. Visited 5th Army for a conference and to get new plan. Expressed my views and while I lost on time required to refresh troops, I did gain on the maneuver. Back on mail schedule. A V-Mail from Leila. The girls are going to J’town instead of Antwerp, NY—am glad. Editor’s Note: J’town (Jamestown, Rhode Island). The home of Ross Harrison, Leila Harrison Keyes’s bother, was located on the southern tip of Jamestown Island and served as the family gathering place.52 28 More rain and wind. Visited 91st & 85th Divisions. Took 2½ hours to get to 85th usually 40 minutes. Livesay gone to Rest Center for

The River Crossings  159

4 days to cure cold. Clark phoned at 8 a.m. about a plan. Gruenther phoned at 2 p.m. to say it was off! Editor’s Note: “When II Corps issued written instructions on the 28th calling for all divisions under corps command to develop defensive positions, the attack of Fifth army was virtually ended.”53 The offensive balance now leaned toward the Germans, who had increased their combat strength from seven divisions facing the Fifth Army in September to sixteen by the end of October. By the last week in October, II Corps implemented heavy restrictions on the use of artillery, and in addition both heavy-caliber (240 mm Howitzer) field artillery battalions had been withdrawn for service in France.54 The Fifth Army directed regrouping all along the 130-mile front, with preparation to begin for a new attack about December 1. From November 2 to 9, 13 Corps relieved units on the right flank on Monte Grande and Monte Cerere.55 29 Still rain and fog. Drove to 88th Division—2½ hours each way. Clark phoned—another plan in the making. Conference tomorrow. Am afraid we are to start off again on a shoestring. 30 56 years old. Still in good health. Third successive birthday from home. Hope the next one will be with the family. Still raining. Conference at 5th Army. New plans. Clark congratulated me in open conference on my birthday and said some very flattering things about the job I’ve done! Also sent me a birthday letter and a bottle of scotch. Seemed like a college wish! The staff and the mess personnel gave me a surprise party at supper. They invited Father Chataignon which pleased me. 31 Boche attacked on the 88th Division front last night but were well taken care of. Took a flight over the front but it was so bumpy I almost got sick. No rain today—what a relief! Editor’s Note: The II Corps staff functions and procedures for use in combat were developed over the three campaigns conducted by it from November 1942 to the end of the Italian campaign. As noted by General Keyes, he considered the II Corps staff to be the finest in the US Army. Throughout its deployment, the II Corps staff utilized effectively the standard, established procedures found in the standard staff manual. However, the II Corps staff and its commander determined that flexibility and “early and thorough consideration of all elements of the situation” were “a key to successful application of tactical doctrine and staff

160  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

principles.” A Corps Traffic Control Center under the G-4 was established to provide “an effective, centralized agency for the planning, coordination, and execution of all movements and traffic control with the Corps.” A “War Room” was maintained separately from the G-2 and G-3 sections, allowing liaison officers and accredited visitors requiring information concerning current operations to obtain it, while allowing the G-2 and G-3 sections to focus attention on operation planning.56 Colonel James W. Holsinger, II Corps G-4, stated: “Keyes had a little trick which impressed me; at staff meetings he would ask the intelligence and the operations sections their estimate of the way the situation would develop in forty-eight hours. It was amazing how quickly the G-2 and the G-3 began reaching a high percentage of accuracy in their forecasts. Keyes did this on the theory that it would take the troops forty-eight hours to react to a decision made at corps level, so, therefore, staff officers ought to have a proficiency in anticipating the effects of their decisions. It worked too.”57 While in combat, each infantry division was allotted 750 men and 42 company-grade officers to serve as replacements for casualties in an expeditious manner, thus maintaining the divisions at full strength. November 1944 1 All Souls Day. Rained all night. Clark visited CP. Says he has told AAI [Allied Armies, Italy, formerly the 15th Army Group] that unless 8th Army does its part 5th Army won’t budge. T. K. Brown58 came for lunch then went to IV Corps—brought a bottle of Scotch. I visited 34th & 91st Divisions. Rain and fog. 2 Rain and fog. Roads in bad shape. Visited 85th & 88th Divisions— took 8 hours! 1st British Division delayed in relief of 88th due to washouts. No activity along front except shelling. 3 More rain. Visited 1st Armored Division. Worked on estimates and plans. Relief of units continues. 4 Clear for a few hours. Visited 34th & 91st Divisions. Decoration ceremonies. 53rd Signal Battalion and 19th Engineers. 5 A beautiful day. Porter took our estimate to 5th Army. It will give them food for thought. Took a 2 hour flight over the front and then over Pistoia–Lucca–Montecatini. 6 Another fine day. Drove to 88th Division. Roads in bad shape. 2¾ hours over and 2¼ hours back. Air Mail letter from Leila—dated September 24th. 1 month 12 Days! Have started sending the staff back for rest. Porter left for Rome today. Troops are getting relieved.

The River Crossings  161

Maybe I’ll go to Florence for 24 hours. If so it will be the 3rd 24 hour “pass” I’ve had since landing in Africa November 8, 1942! 7 Move CP to vicinity Pietramala, the winter sports area! A nice site but hard to get to. Visited 5th Army, the 85th Division and the dentist. Election news not unexpected and not much interest shown here. Lunch with Gruenther. 8 Two years ago today we landed in North Africa. Got 2 V-Mails from Leila and one from Ginge. Jackie and Dorsey have been back in hospital. Girls now going to Antwerp, NY for winter. We are still planning for the next operation. Visited the dentist to get my bridge reset. 9 Foggy all day ending with severe hail storm about 7 p.m. Visited 34th & 91st Divisions. Clark phoned for me to come to his villa near Florence for a couple of days. I tried to beg off without success. He said “some of your Red Cross people will be there for dinner”!! Had been planning a quiet day and night at Florence to do some shopping. This upsets everything. Listened to Churchill’s speech at the Lord Mayor’s banquet. He had hopes for the war (Europe) to end in 1945. Also paid tribute to General Alexander’s army in Italy! Talked to Critt on the phone. 10 Finished with dentist. Flew to Florence and spent the night at General Clark’s villa which is a beautiful and interesting. 11th–13th Century affair. A fine dinner. Prichard and I stayed over. Clark had some Red Cross doughnut girls as guests for dinner. 11 Clark left Prichard and me and asked Critt and Pink to come in for the night and to listen to the Army-Notre Dame game. I brought Butchers, Powell and Holsinger in also. A fine time (no doughnut girls) and a great game [Army won 49-0]. Went shopping and spent about $90.00. 12 Critt and I drove around and then after lunch we returned to our CP’s. It was a fine break. Went to mass in the cathedral—cold and bare. Visited Greeley in the 24th General Hospital. Will be out in a few days. Porter left on a trip to the States and Holsinger59 leaves tomorrow. Both overseas over 30 months. 13 Visited 91st, 34th, and 85th Divisions and got caught in snow storm on way home. Still planning but our means get slimmer. Sent home most of the presents I bought Saturday. 2 V-Mails from Leila. She is worried about Buster being serious over his Eskimo girl. 14 Stayed in CP all day. Cold miserable day turning into rain. 15 Another sleet-snow-rain day. Drove to Gagliano to inspect the 337th Regiment [85th Division].

162  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

16 Drove to Montecatini for a decoration ceremony at which Clark presided. Had lunch with Clark who said he had again sent in recommendation for my promotion. Drove part of the way with Critt. Flew home. Boche plane flew over CP about dark and strafed the Monghidoro area. 17 Nice clear day. Decoration ceremony at II Corps CP. 18 Flew to Florence for decoration ceremony at Corciano—84th Chemical Battalion. Shopped and had lunch at 5th Army Rest Center (Anglo-American Hotel)—Powell—Malitch—Stone—Risden and myself. Stopped at 5th Army on way home. Clark says we are to attack and he set the usual objective although he admitted our means might not warrant it. I gave Gruenther our views in detail. V-Mail from Leila. Can’t tell whether she is going or did go to Notre Dame game. Going over to visit Critt tomorrow. A year ago we took over the Mignano sector. Editor’s Note: The 15th Army Group’s initial plan called for the Eighth Army to attack on or about December 1 and to reach Santerno by December 7, at which point the Fifth Army would join the attack if the weather permitted and the Eighth Army offensive was succeeding.60 19 Drove to IV Corps CP on Highway 64 north of Pistoia—3 hours. Fine visit with Critt and Pink. Visited General Mascarenhas (Brazilian Division). 20 Returned to our CP. Stopped en route to inspect 362nd Infantry Regiment (91st Division) at Pistoia. Weather still vile. Letter from Jackie. 21 Visited 81st Division. Saw Livesay and Prichard. Decoration ceremonies 91st Rcn Squadron and 53rd Signal Battalion. 22 Loafed. 23 Thanksgiving day. Colonel Duff (10th Division) here for lunch. I visited 34th & 88th Divisions. Had long talk with Bolte about 34th. 34th has relieved 91st, 88th has relieved the 85th. Fine dinner at the mess. Editor’s Note: The II Corps line was held by the 88th, 34th, and 1st Armored Divisions, while the 85th and 91st Divisions carried out intensive training in preparation for the major effort in the expected attack.61 24 Finally caught a cold! Conference all day on future plans.

The River Crossings  163

25 Rain and fog. Cold worse. Prichard to 24th General Hospital—possibly pneumonia. 26 Another vile day and my cold is worse. Decoration ceremony here. Brigadier General John Greely called. He is on an InterAmerican Committee and is over here to visit the Brazilians. Last I heard of he was fighting reclassification after losing the 2nd Division and the job in Persia. Talked to Critt. Their attack partially successful. Talked to Clark—he seemed too optimistic. Greely (my G-2) returned from the hospital. 27 Willems called me at midnight last night to say it had been announced that General Wilson (Jumbo) is to go to Washington to succeed Dill; Alexander to succeed Wilson; and Clark to succeed Alexander. I told him to send congratulations to Clark and Alexander. Coughed much of the night so didn’t go to mass—first time I’ve missed since September 10th except 2 days the Chaplain was sick and the one day visit I made to IV Corps. Critt phoned to say he has his money on me to succeed Clark and told him he was my favorite candidate. I certainly can’t get worked up over my prospects and I am sure some favorite son will get the call. Naturally I’d like to get it but will be more than satisfied to see it go to Critt. Weather still vile. Bolte and Brann dropped in. Clark phoned to say his meeting Sunday was satisfactory and when I congratulated him on his new job he said it would not take effect until present operation is completed. 28 Cold better. Most of staff have colds. Clark and McNarney visited me and not a word about Clark’s successor and that plus McNarney’s remark to the effect that the change should help the situation as a whole seems proof that neither he nor I are to succeed Clark. Critt says he thinks J. L. Collins62 is a good bet. Don’t know whether I could take that! My van has been getting a work out today—the motor was torn down—the heater taken out—and the water tank removed for alteration. Of course it would be on the coldest day we’ve had for weeks! 29 The Boche kicked the British off of Monte Castellaro and the IV Corps off of Monte Belvedere. Dave McCouch63 came by to see me. Went to 5th Army for conference. Clark called me in and told me Truscott is to succeed him—also that Gerow is to get the 15th Army—the one Truscott was slated to get. He showed me a letter from Prime Minister Churchill congratulating him on his succession to Alexander’s job and in which Churchill said he had taken Truscott’s assignment direct to Eisenhower who approved it on the spot or words to that effect. Also

164  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

that he had of course first gotten Alexander’s approval! So it appears that the British have a great deal to do with American appointments and certain American commanders are influenced by British rank! Clark gave me his word that this letter was the first he had heard of the deal; that it was not his recommendation or his desire; that he had called Alexander and told him that I was his choice and that Alexander had said I would have been just as acceptable to him but that he thought Clark wanted Truscott. Clark asked him if he couldn’t do something and he said he didn’t want to get mixed up in it. Clark then called McNarney and told him that he had recommended both Truscott and me last summer for promotion and that if he had both of us to choose from he would select me. McNarney said he had not been asked and that he had received word that the matter was settled and there was nothing that could be done. According to Clark, Devers never recommended me for promotion but did recommend Critt. I think that is a mistake since Devers told me he had recommended Critt, Truscott and myself. Well that’s that and my last chance. From now on all my seniority in combat command will be whittled down by all the recent arrivals in France and not being in favor with either Marshall or Eisenhower I will get neither promotion in grade or job. 30 Weather still vile. Bolte and Livesay came for conference on next operation and stayed for lunch. Livesay expressed hope I’d succeed Clark. Visited 88th Division after lunch a cold wet trip there and back. V-Mail from Leila. Editor’s Note: As December 1944 opened, although plans were made and preparations carried out, continuous postponements resulted in the Fifth Army not being engaged in another winter campaign. From a strategic point of view, the main Allied front was now in northwestern Europe, not Italy. The attack by II Corps was not renewed for the same reasons that it had been halted: insufficient supplies of ammunition.64 This issue was noted in the final report of the II Corps artillery commander: “Our activity was severely handicapped by the stringent restrictions on ammunition allocations, necessitating a very careful evaluation of each target to be engaged and practically eliminating harassing fires at night.”65 December 1944 1 Our 30th wedding anniversary. Haven’t spent one together since 1940 in Fort Benning. 5th Army’s OI received. Our FO [Field Order] completed. Visited Corps Artillery HQ before noon. Coulter says he

The River Crossings  165

2

3 4

5

6

7 8

9

doesn’t see how they can help giving me the job. Awarded Coulter the Silver Star. Gruenther phoned to ask me to join Clark in Rome Sunday. Declined on grounds of conference with Division Commanders. I suspect Clark is trying to help me forget the blow of day before yesterday. Bright day. Visited 5th Army re plans and personnel. Neither Clark nor Gruenther mentioned the Truscott deal so obviously I didn’t either. Flew over the front and the IV Corps area. We sat around the mess shack after dinner and listened to the Navy game—what a thrill! [Army won 23-7] Hope Archie Arnold66 was listening to young Arch’s feats. Rain and fog. Drove to Pistoia for lunch with Critt and Pink Crane. Usual conference of Division Commanders prior to each new offensive. Went off very well and much accomplished. It is now apparent that all of the air support I have shown to be essential and Clark et al have admitted may dwindle to one day’s effort and that on the IV Corps’ front! Powell returns from 5 days in Rome—claims he had no part in the riots! As part of cover plan I am supposed to be in Rome. Got a lot of letters off my chest. Several visitors, principally officers going home. Had about an hour or two of clear weather. Officers Mess cocktail bar opened. Still miserable weather. Visited 34th, 88th & 91st Divisions. Things shaping up. Submitted letter to 5th Army urging postponement of attack until assured full air support. Gruenther phoned about it after supper and he doesn’t know what Clark will say about it. I feel sure that Clark will insist on going ahead without the air if the weather turns bad. Willems finally went to Florence for a couple of days. I had a long talk with Sherman about the 34th Division. He says they never did really attack either Belmonte or Hill 367 and he doesn’t think they have another punch in them. 29th anniversary of Mama’s death. Truscott’s assignment to command 5th Army announced. A terrific wind and rain storm. 2–4 inches of rain. Drove to Livergnano—it is certainly a shambles. Had our mess shack winterized and painted. Truscott arrived at 5th Army. Snow—sleet—hail—rain and thunder. Visited 5th Army. Saw Truscott and made him a speech of welcome and invited him to lunch. Talked to Clark who now has come around to my views on the importance of air support and hence the timing based on weather. He has never mentioned the Truscott appointment except that once. The

166  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

Stars and Stripe quotes him as being “tremendously pleased at the choice!” Visited 88th Division—a wet long drive but not as bad as when they were near Sassoleone. Prichard back from hospital and Livesay sick again for estimated 4–5 days. 10 A clear day. Truscott came for lunch and spent the afternoon. I had in all my division commanders and introduced them and my staff to our new Army Commander. We had KTs and then a fine lunch. He never once mentioned even when we were alone either in the van or on a trip to the front my eligibility for the job he was given. Coulter again expressed regret I had not gotten it and says the division felt that way too. Took Truscott up front. A few rounds came in and on the way back the Boche air came in and strafed the road behind us. To Florence to confer with Alexander. 11 Rain—snow and wind. Bitter cold. We are now on a 7 day alert and the attack is now 4 weeks overdue! Tried to write General Patton. Saw a War Department news reel. 1½ hours long and 5th Army got a total of 3 minutes of which 1½ were the Brazilians and the rest was a flash of troops going in to Loiano and the issue of winter clothing. 12 Jackie’s birthday! Visited 88th, 91st & 34th Divisions. Kendall now seems dissatisfied with Sherman [assistant division commander]. Am afraid he is too hard to please. Saw Russell from OPD at the 34th Division. Another bird who has won the war by himself. Understand Porter and Niblo67 detained by bad weather. Clark phoned re visit to Divisions. 13 Spent day accompanying Clark on his farewell visit to 88th, 91st, 34th, 1st Armored & II Corps. At II Corps we had a guard of honor— a few presentations and then a KT party all of which Clark seemed to enjoy. He awarded me a Bronze Star after making a very faltering speech. We had a talk afterwards and he really seems sincere in his praise and confidence in me. Said he had written a letter in my behalf. Also that Devers had written in behalf of Critt but had not done so for me. Clark called Truscott a fair weather soldier. He assumes command Friday or Saturday at AAI which is now to be called 15th Army Group. Says Alexander’s HQ numbers 5300 persons!!! A flock of Congressmen arrive Sunday. Weather variable ending in heavy snow tonight. Risden returned from leave. Editor’s Note: The 15th Army Group was redesignated Allied Armies, Italy, on March 9, 1944, and then redesignated 15th Army Group on December 11, 1944, following the appointment of General Clark as its commander.

The River Crossings  167

14 Spent the day in 88th Division area—350th Regiment (Colonel J. C. Fry); 349th Regiment (Colonel Percy Le Stourgeon); and 365th Regiment (Colored from 92nd Division) Colonel John D. Armstrong. Oil line on my jeep broke so I rode home with a couple of men from the 804th Tank Destroyer Battalion. One of them had just won $500 for an essay on “What victory Means to Me.” Asked him what it meant and said “$500.” Letter from General Patton—said P. Wood68 had gone home on 60 day leave—nervousness and he General Patton thought he should stay home. Said P. had done a fine job fighting. 15 Visited 91st and 34th Divisions. Selected OP for Congressional party. Gruenther came for lunch. Said target date postponed. Lieutenant Colonel Richard A. Risden reported for duty—assigning him to G-1. Finally cleared up this afternoon and tonight we have the huge Xmas tree at Raticosa Pass lighted up. Editor’s Note: In northwestern Europe, the Battle of the Bulge began on December 16, 1944, and ended January 25, 1945. 16 Sent General Patton a 12 page letter telling him the full story of my “Life in Italy and the 5th Army”.69 [Editor’s Note: Keyes sent a twelve-page handwritten letter to Patton detailing his severe frustration at not having been assigned to command the Fifth Army. See Appendix B.] Spent most of day getting program lined up for visiting Congressmen. Loiano has become too hot so now we’ll feed them at Monghidoro. 17 Met the Congressional party at 5th Army. Clark certainly didn’t relinquish command until they had left the area! He introduced Truscott, Cannon, Chidlaw, and myself at the orientation meeting. Said a better selection for his successor couldn’t have been found!! Said I commanded the Corps that came up to the beachhead and had come through the Gothic line—a very mild description compared with what he said a few days ago. At the church service at Monghidoro the chaplain from the 91st Division chose the 91st Psalm in honor of the division and then put in an additional plug for 5th Army and the congressmen. Most amazing religious ceremony I’ve ever attended. A woman photographer from LIFE exploded a flash bulb in the middle of the ceremony and the congressman in front of me nearly jumped out of the room! Mrs. Clare Boothe Luce drew most of the attention. [Editor’s Note: Representative Clare Boothe Luce, spouse of Henry Luce (publisher of Time and Life magazines), served on the Military

168  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

Affairs Committee of the US House of Representatives from 1943 to 1947, making several visits to the European war zones, including Italy, where she advocated for the American forces in a forgotten area.70] Believe I was the only one present who didn’t have his picture taken with her! At the conference she asked Clark why if the 8th Army had so many divisions, it hadn’t gone faster!!! Clark was on a spot but said the terrain over there was very difficult!!! He also paid glowing tribute to our air and said they never bomb our own troops!!! It is less than 3 weeks I think since they did it and they have done it repeatedly. General Kirkman phoned to say he would be over tomorrow. Don’t know what he wants. Truscott wants me to come down and discuss plans tomorrow. 18 General Kirkman came over. He wants to postpone the attack on Castellaro until we take off for Hill 459. I agreed. He admits several recent reverses and I believe is not too optimistic. Went to 5th Army and had a long talk with Truscott who I believe is in accord with our views. He said he realized the situation as regarding my feelings and appreciated the fine way I had taken his getting the job. Said the 15th Army job was more or less a paper deal until spring. I feel much more at ease in talking with him than to Clark and believe he will listen more than Clark. Petros [General Keyes’s orderly] down with malaria. Went to bed yesterday. 19 Nothing special. 20 Visited 1st Armored Division. Prichard certainly has a defeated complex. Visited 34th Division. Bolte very optimistic. 21 Porter returned from 7 days US. I had lunch at 85th Division. 22 Visited 88th Division then on to 351st Infantry Regiment on Monte delle Formiche. A fine view. Some shells came in while at OP and again on the road back. 151st Field Artillery Battalion mess one of the best. Pink Crane came by for a nice visit. Last night 5th Army called up and took away 5 Tank Companies and alerted 1 RCT/85th Division for IV Corps & 92nd Division. They seem afraid the breakthrough in France may reach here!! By night 2 RCT/85th Division were ordered to IV Corps & 92nd Division. Critt must have talked successfully to Truscott during his visit today. Editor’s Note: The 92nd Division and IV Corps were reinforced on the Fifth Army left with two brigades of the 8th Indian Division, two RCTs of the 85th Division, two tank battalions, five artillery battalions, and a chemical battalion from II Corps. The 338th RCT (85th Division) was in reserve

The River Crossings  169

to support the 1st Armored and 91st Divisions when II Corps initiated its winter offensive scheduled on or about the night of December 25.71 23 Truscott came to my CP after I phoned to discuss the implications of splitting up the 85th Division. I not only explained that this was risking the success of the 5th Army main effort but was apt to play right into the hands of the Boche. We then visited the 91st & 34th Divisions. Truscott promised to get all units back to me as soon as possible. 24 Sent Division Commanders and General Staff a bottle of whiskey as a Christmas present. The Speedy Choristers serenaded me after supper—almost too much for me. Midnight mass in the Enlisted Men’s mess. Situation on IV Corps front causing nervousness. 25 Visited several units up front. A fine turkey dinner. 85th Division ordered to IV Corps. Opened my presents—useful as well as ornamental. Les’ wedding pictures—a small folder of pictures of Leila and Buster. Lots of boodle. 26 More troops ordered to IV Corps. I asked Truscott if I was to go on the defensive and said yes for the time being. The Boche attacked the 92nd Division with not to exceed one regiment and the 92nd “melted.” After whole day of supposed fighting, they had had only 19 pass through the clearing station. Critt phoned and he didn’t think it was anything more than a local affair. However 5th Army has detached from me 1 Infantry Division, 1 Armored Division, 4 Battalions of Corps Artillery and one Infantry RCT [Regimental Combat Team] plus odds and ends. Over 130 guns and 30,000 men to oppose a one Regiment attack (to date) on a front where there are already 25,000–30,000 troops!! Our plans are completely botched and the initiative has passed to the enemy. Short flight over front. 27 We continue to send troops to IV Corps. 92nd Division continues to fall back although there appears to be little need for it. I hope someone will be honest enough to tell the truth about colored troops. The news from France is certainly not good. Attended an amateur show put on by the enlisted men of II Corps HQ. It was extremely amusing. We have now had 2½ days of clear weather just what we prayed for our attack which is now all upset. Conference of Division Commanders held at 91st Division as Livesay is still laid up. Editor’s Note: Regardless of the German intentions on the Fifth Army’s western front, they contributed to the decision to postpone the II Corps

170  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

advance toward Bologna. On December 28, the Fifth Army postponed the offensive. IV Corps was directed to protect the Leghorn supply base, II Corps was to defend its positions, and 13 Corps was to support the Eighth Army, whose attack was stalled. “At the end of the year the 5th Army front lines were essentially the same as on October 26.”72 28 Visited 91st & 34th Divisions. Worked on plans to regain order out of chaos. Truscott phoned to say I was to defend this sector prepared to go back on the other mission in 9 days. Says things on IV Corps front under control but Boche capable of continuing with several divisions. I pointed out that it wasn’t reasonable for Boche to attack piecemeal. He is passing the buck to me on the regrouping question. He thinks 92nd Division is doing better. However he asked for another division on the coast. 5th Army disapproved. 29 More plans. Willems and I went to lunch at 5th Army. Truscott listened patiently to my views on pending operations and troop requirements. That is more than Clark ever did. It is becoming more and more apparent that the scare in IV Corps front was a mare’s nest. In view of 5th Army’s OI I made my decision to regroup for defense and issued the order. It has many advantages but I have little idea that we will be called upon to really defend. News from France better. GSP got Oak Leaf Cluster [second award] to Distinguished Service Cross. 30 Ethel’s birthday. Another snow storm on with a vengeance. Recommended to 5th Army 6th South African Division be attached to II Corps. We gain very little but it may help 5th Army. Went up to Anconella to visit 363rd Regiment [91st Division] and then to various OPs. 31 A really clear crisp day. Flew to Lucca and had lunch and fine visit with Critt. British Admiral Morris there re naval gun support to IV Corps. Same old story! Water too shallow and too many mines. It begins to look as if our long prepared plan for an offensive is to be scrapped. Maybe IV Corps will get the call.

6

The End of the War January 1945–May 1945

Editor’s Note: The German defenders utilized the period of winter inactivity, from January 1 to April 1, to develop three separate defensive lines: the Genghis Khan Line, protecting Bologna; the Po Line, following the Po River from Ferrara west to its junction with the Ticino River; and the Adige Line, based on the river and the foothills of the Alps.1 January 1945 1 Went to 5th Army to pay my New Year’s call but everyone was in Florence. Had small New Year’s reception for heads of staff. After lunch attend New Year’s reception at 88th Division. Visited 88th Clearing Station and talked to a number of wounded. Gala dinner for all field officers of II Corps HQ. Am preparing a new plan to submit to 5th Army. 2 Completed draft of new plan. Another snow storm last night but clear today. Willems says there are persistent rumors that I am to leave II Corps! He gets some dope from Malitch (who is wrong at least 90% of the time). 3 Clear and cold. We have now had the kind of weather we were hoping for the attack and the preliminary air effort and nothing has been done. The air is reduced because of maintenance or something. In bad weather they can’t fly—in good weather they overhaul their planes and rest their crews! It looks more and more as if all our plans are now sabotaged and everything will be thrown to IV Corps and a divergent secondary effort. Since November 18, 1942 to December 29, 1944 the losses have been KIA 5963; WIA 29,090; MIA 7,825. Total Battle Casualties 42,878; Non Battle Casualties 74,918; Total 117,796. Lots of mail last night including cards and notes from Leila, Lucy, Ben, Hughes, Bradley & Harkins. 171

172  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

4 A clear cold day. Phoned Critt to come over but he was expecting McNarney. No word from Truscott but rumors came in that we are to continue sitting! Took an hour’s flight over the front. Nearly froze my feet off. We continue planning but without any directive from 5th Army. Box of cigars from Ed Goodwillie. V-Mail from Leila written Xmas night. Affairs in France look brighter. 5 Lunch and conference at 5th Army. We are definitely on a do nothing program with a distant target date. Told to make all sorts of plans which we have already thought of. This is certainly a far cry from the rarin to go attitude of a few weeks ago and the nervous period of ten days ago! All the rush to the IV Corps front was for absolutely zero! 6 Snowed all day. We continue to make plans. Conference on current situation. After supper 5th Army phoned that 85th Division is to return to II Corps at once and we are to relieve the British on Monte Grande. We have already gotten the 135th RCT back in exchange for the 365th RCT (Colored). 7 We really are snowed in! Coulter, Bolte, Livesay & Kendall coming in for conference. Fine mail last night. Letters from Leila, Les, and Mrs. Patton. Les says Buster is like his old self and not serious over the Eskimo. 8 Cute letter from Jackie—supposedly from Dorsey. Went to 5th Army to put in a plug for Willems promotion and for a trip home for him and Butchers. Also got in a lick on the next operation. 9 Heavy snow last night but clear today. Visited 88th & 91st Divisions. 5th Army’s OI somewhat in conflict with what we understood from Truscott & Harrell (G-3). 10 Porter went to 5th Army and got some things straightened out. Got letters from Sandy Patch & GSP [dated December 23, 1944—see Appendix B], who said he had expected me to get the 5th Army and had recommended me to Marshall, Eisenhower and Bradley as the outstanding candidate for an army command! 11 Spent most of morning drafting letter to 5th Army on next operation based on requirements and experience in last operation. Colonel Conway—5th Army G-3 section came out for dinner—didn’t want to take off his coat at first but finally he got so hot he had to and then the reason came out—he had a pistol strapped under his arm! I haven’t worn a pistol in 6 months. Walked through the snow to 34th Division CP. Good exercise. 12 Visited 91st Division in a.m. Attended Decoration ceremony near Campeggio. 34th Division Medal of Honor and War Department

The End of the War  173

citation for Battalion of 68th Infantry Regiment. Clark officiated. Truscott also present. They and Bolte came back to my CP for a drink to thaw out afterwards. Ceremony held in field covered with snow. Generals Clarkson, IG METOUSA and Niblo, 5th Army Ordnance here for lunch. Clarkson spent the night. 13 Kendall [88th Division] came for lunch en route for Montecatini. 88th Division out of line for a well-earned rest. Coulter stopped by for dinner returning from visit to Monte Grande sector. Said some very complementary things about my staff. Livesay came in for a short visit. Snowed all day. Decoration ceremony held indoors. 14 After mass, Chaplain Chataignon told me he had attended a regular audience with the Pope during his leave in Rome and the Pope said “Oh you are the Chaplain of the II Corps. Well how is the general?” Glad he hasn’t forgotten me!! Heavy snow. 15 Clear beautiful day. Took 1½ hour flight over the front. Especially on the left as the 6th South African (Armored) Division was attached to II Corps as of noon today. General WHE Poole2 is the Division Commander. Drove to Florence and met Critt and we spent the night at the 5th Army rest hotel so as to be on hand for the Decoration Ceremony tomorrow. Had a fine dinner in our suite and a fine visit afterwards. Critt had gotten recent letters from both Willis Jr. and Townsend. 16 Went to 15th Army Group HQ in the Park and with Clark, Truscott, Critt, Gruenther and the Division Commanders was decorated by the Crown Prince of Italy with the Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus (Grand Officer). The order originally two has been in the House of Savoie nearly 600 years. St. Maurice was a military order and St. Lazarus a religious order. The Prince thanked me for courtesies extended to him last year when he visited me north of Capua. Then we went to the Serristori Palace for lunch. It is occupied by Countess somebody who is lady in waiting to Princess Umberto if that is her title. The place was cold as a barn—fuel is awfully scarce for civilians. We had cocktails in the room Joseph Bonaparte died in. Our hostess said believe it or not, he didn’t freeze to death! Drove back to our CP and of course as soon as we got to Futa Pass we got back into the snow and ice. 17 Left at 7:30 a.m. to drive to Montecatini near Pistoia for a Decoration ceremony of the 88th Division. Everything went off fine. Clark and Truscott there. Clark did the presentation. One Medal of Honor, 3 DSC’s and 2 Battalion citations. Nice lunch and then a 3 hour drive

174  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

back. Clark said British would not accept decorations from Italians! Everything is arranged for Willems and Butchers to go home for a visit. 18 General WHE Poole, GOC 6th South African Division came for conference and lunch. Very young and attractive. Of course his main idea is to get his division out of the line. Porter and Powell left for 3 day course in artillery at Florence. 19 Another blizzard on our side of Radicosa Pass. I drove to CPs of 34th and 85th Divisions—6 hours. Drove through snow, sleet, ran, and sunshine. Chaplain Chataignon added to Willems and Butchers for the trip home. He is so tickled over the prospect. Willems said 5th Army indicates their stay home will be for 2 weeks only. Have a sore throat. 20 Clear and cold. Chaplain doesn’t know whether to take the 15th Army Group job. Says he wants to stay with me but hears rumors I might leave! I wrote Gruenther and explained the matter and left it up to them. Called 5th Army and recommended the men going home be given 3 or 4 weeks instead of 2. Truscott phoned to offer me a trip home but I declined for the present. He agreed to give the others 3 weeks home. Throat still sore. 21 Bright clear day. Flew the front then to Lucca for lunch with Critt. After lunch we drove over to the Coast and to Viareggio which used to be a swank Italian watering place. The waterfront is covered with huge concrete pillboxes, wire, mines etc. After supper Willems, Porter and I were in the War Room when a Boche plane came over and dropped a load of bombs just over the highway from our CP. Got a truck and a jeep but no personnel casualties. Letter from Jack. 22 Anniversary of Anzio and the withdrawal back from the Rapido River. Had my picture taken for War Department. Bolte and Livesay and some of their staff came for lunch and discuss training. Truscott dropped in to discuss plans. He is easier to talk to than Clark. V-Mail from Leila and card from Genéral´Stephen G. Henry.3 23 Most of the day spent in planning. Brann came out for lunch. No more ideas than before! Decoration ceremony for recipients from Corps troops including Graves Registration units. Despedida [farewell] for Willems, Butchers, and the Chaplain. 24 Spent entire day with General Poole visiting the unit and sector of the 6th South African Armored Division. Very interesting. We had tea at 10:30, chocolate at 11:30, lunch at 1:00, tea at 4:00 and finally tea at 5:00. A battalion of Indians turned out 20 men from each of 4 tribes as a guard of honor. As they left the parade ground each group gave

The End of the War  175

their tribal war cry. Got home at 6:30 p.m. and found Noce4 here to spend the night. 25 Very heavy snow last night which melted by late afternoon. Plans well on way for hurry up operations. General Campbell,5 Chief of Ordnance, Generals Coffey6 and Niblo (METOUSA and 5th Army Ordnance Officer) and Colonel Raan came for lunch. General Campbell knew all the Harrisons. Visited 88th Division at their new CP (the old 91st). 26 Cold windy and rainy day. Spent most of day in planning. Truscott phoned that Kendall, Hayes, Brann and Salzman’s nominations had been sent to Senate. Still nothing on Willems. Guess I must be the jinx. Rain caused quite a thaw and the rise in the Silarro and the Idice Rivers. 27 Lunch at XXII Tactical Air Command (General Chidlaw). Truscott and Cannon also guests. Cannon gave me one of the new swank flying jackets. Also offered to fly me to Cannes any time. He is the best of the Air Corps. Holsinger returned. Final conference on Grande Plan. Hope 5th Army discards it. 28 Visited 34th & 85th Divisions. Also 133rd Regiment at Savazza. 29 Spent most of day in 88th Division sector. 350th Regiment at Anconella. 351st Regiment at LaGuardia. 30 Conference and lunch at 5th Army. Can’t quite make out trend. From directive it looks as if II Corps is going to do the tough work and end up on the holding attack. General Poole phoned about 9 p.m. all hot and bothered over a memo G-1 sent out asking for data. 31 6th South African Division turned in the first POW from 157th Mountain Division7 which has been on our front several days. Letters from Lucy, Ethel and Jackie whose last letter from Bill was dated December 15th just before the attack. T.O. Donaldson stopped by. February 1945 1 Drove to Castiglione to Organization Day celebration of 6th South African Armored Division. A very interesting ceremony—guard of honor for Clark. Retreat—1 Reguland band—one Scottish with bagpipes. Tea as usual. Clark then left. Truscott—Critt and I drove back to Lagaro and had dinner with General Poole who is going on leave tomorrow. 151st Regiment got 5 PWs [prisoners of war] from the 157th Mountain Division. 2 150th Regiment got 5 PWs in a fine raid last night. Several visitors today. Brigadier General Eberle8 & Nicholson9 (British) METOUSA.

176  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

3

4 5

6

7

8

9

Colonel Quinnell from Carlisle [US Army War College]. More planning. Letters from LHK and Loomis who is in Paris. V-Mail from Leila stating Bill Desobry [son-in-law] reported missing in action since December 19 in Belgium. Visit to 5th Army. Asked for 7 days TD [temporary duty] in France. Rain and real thaw. Finally completed and submitted Capra Plan. Don’t like it. Visited 85th Division. Plans are unsettled somewhere. Drafted memo to 5th Army pointing our defects in Army directive for Capra. Took Truscott to 34th Division and after lunch to OP on Formiche to watch 34th Division attack. Visibility fair. Lots of shooting but results not too good—may be better by morning. Bolte terribly disappointed. Said for consolation he had read my letter of September 10th. Truscott told me all plans are up in the air as a result of decision to send 5 British divisions (including the 2 Canadian Divisions) to France hence whole picture here is changed. Also said authority for me to visit France has been requested. Told Lieutenant Colonel Risden about going to G-4. Decoration ceremony at 85th Division a medal of honor and several DSCs. Truscott officiated as Clark’s representative. Lunch at 85th Division. Another Decoration ceremony here at the CP. Requested Waybur as aide. Orders for my visit to France came in. Will take Captain Arthur F. Risden [aide-de-camp] and Petros (my orderly). Russian news continues good. 34th Division still plugging along with 168th Regiment. 133rd Regiment affair a flop. Cannon away and arrangements for plane not completed. A beautiful spring day! Livesay came up to get oriented as he holds down the fort while I am away. I visited 34th and 88th Divisions. A long talk with Bolte about the 34th. V-Mail from Leila (January 24). Jackie’s chin is up. Have been in this CP 3 months today! Captain Ovenden (British) gave a farewell party enjoyed by all. Major Hinde Liaison Officer 13 Corps is also leaving. Drove to Florence—took off in C-47 at 1000 and landed at Versailles at 1400. Spent night with Tooey Spaatz.10 Called at SHAEF then drove into Paris and saw Everett Hughes. Had dinner with Loomis11 who is living at the Meurice Hotel. Apparently the French Army is not running smoothly under Lattre de Tassigny.12 Risden and Petros accompanied me. Flew too Charleroi with Major General Hoyt Vandenberg.13 Drove to Namur HQ 12th Army Group. Lunch with Bradley and staff. Their story now is that while fooled on number of German divisions

The End of the War  177

they more or less expected something. They even now begin showing how much we gained and the Boche lost. After 4 hour drive (Murnane met me at Namur) via Bastogne–Arlan—I arrived at 3rd Army CP at Luxemburg. General Patton seemed glad to see me. He never was in better health or spirits. We had a long talk after dinner. 10 Attend GS [general staff] and orientation conference. A very fine show. Like a class reunion for me—all the old gang [Patton’s staff officers]: Gay, Harkins, Maddox, Mueller. Koch, Pfann, Speed Perry, Duke Bratton, Codman, Stiller, Conklin, etc, etc. All seemed glad to see me. After lunch I drove to XX Corps and CP of 5th Division to see Red Irwin. Mant Eddy14 and Gaffey15 came for dinner. 11 Codman, Risden and I drove to Metz to see 10th Armored Division and get some information on Des. Stopped at Thierville. Saw Johnny Walker.16 Bill Collier17 his COS (a brigadier general). Talked to Harry Maloney18 on phone. At Metz I went to General Dody who had command of the 2nd DIM [Moroccan Division] of the CEF. Seemed glad to see me—asked me to lunch. Couldn’t accept. Had lunch with Bill Morris19 and Lynn Roberts20 who was Des’s CO at Bastogne. All highly complimentary of Des. Said he was wounded and evacuated but didn’t know where to. On way back stopped at CP 9th Armored Division and it was old home week again. Leonard,21 Johnson, Roberts and even Lemke, my former driver. A fine day. Also saw Willis Crittenberger, [son of General Willis Crittenberger] a new lieutenant colonel, and Luebberman. Des had been awarded a Silver Star and recommended for promotion. Lieutenant Colonel. Went to mass in a Luxemburg church—very cold. 12 Wonderful trip with General Patton over the Bastogne battlefield and to CP VIII Corps. Lunch with Troy Middleton. That must have been a real fight. 13 Visited around HQ until noon. Gaffey came for lunch and then I took off for Luneville to visit Sandy Patch. Gaffey drove as far as Metz with me. Arrived Sandy’s CP 7th Army just in time for 6 p.m. orientation meeting. Again saw loads of old friends. Ed Hull (OPD) stayed for dinner then left for Paris. After dinner had a long talk with Sandy. He has had his troubles with the French and Devers who, as I thought, is not nearly as hot as he appeared to be! 14 Drove with Sandy to CP of XV Corps. Ham Haislip. Then to CP 70th Division (General Allison J. Barnett). Returned by cub from Sarrebourg. Roberts and Rowley there for dinner. First time I’ve seen Chief Rowley since cadet days—same fine character.

178  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

15 Flew to Sarrebourg, then drove to Haislip’s CP. After lunch drove to CP 44th Division (General William Dean) and to OP of 71st Infantry Regiment which was attacking. OP was a pill box of Maginot Line. A beautiful clear day! Then visited CP 100th Division (General Withers Burress) and CP of 354th Infantry Regiment (Warren). Returned by cub. Saw Lowman on my way to the train. Had been operated on for appendicitis. Had a fine visit with Sandy Patch and Doc White his COS [Seventh Army]. Had a deluxe compartment on the train to Paris. Left Luneville 8:30 p.m. 16 Arrived Gare de l’Est Paris at 0800. Met by a Captain Armiger from Visitors Section (Colonel Burgers) in a fine new 7 Passenger Packard which remained at my disposal till I left. Billeted in a villa near the St. Cloud Golf Club called the Brown House. Run by a WAC Captain Ruthman. After breakfast phoned Loomis who arranged an appointment with General Juin. Drove into Paris. Saw Juin, Carpentier,22 Voizzard and Missionier. A regular old CEF reunion. Juin seemed pleased I had come to see him. Asked me to lunch but I couldn’t accept. They didn’t seem too happy over the present setup. Took Loomis out to St. Cloud to lunch and had Bob Demmitz also. Bob looked well. He is in 15th Army working on the Berlin Government project! Drove all over Paris for a couple of hours. Sacre Coeur—Notre Dame—Montparnasse—Boule Miche—Le Dome. KT at Hotel George V with Everett Hughes—General Patton. Then dinner at the Ritz and the Folies Bergère. Saw Chaplain Tiernan at George V. 17 Left Versailles 0920. C-47. Arrived Florence 1330. Met by Powell. Lunch at the hotel. Stopped by 5th Army but Truscott was out. Arrived at II Corps CP about 5 p.m. A fine 9 day outing. Lots of mail. 18 Went to 5th Army. Had a long talk with Truscott. He says General Marshall was pleased with what he saw here and said he was sorry not to have seen me! That is baloney. Truscott says II Corps is to play the leading role in the next operation. 19 Visited 85th & 88th Division. Word received of Mrs. Butchers’ death. 20 Visited 6th South African Division and 91st Division. 21 Spent day with Kendall in the 88th Division. Lunch with Colonel J. C. Fry 350th Regiment then visited Battalion and Company of 349th Regiment making the raid tonight. Promised the Company CO Lieutenant Benky a bottle of Scotch if he gets a PW. 22 We celebrated Washington’s Birthday with a lunch for Division Commanders—a fine presentation ceremony and a dinner at night.

The End of the War  179

23 Niblo and a couple of other Ordnance Officers came out to get my requirements for a new chateau roulant! Sounds great. IV Corps doing fine in their operation with 10th Indian and Brazilians. Valentines and letters from Leila. No further news of Des. I can’t see why he hasn’t written even if evacuated to UK. 24 Big mail day. 3 valentines and a V-Mail from Leila to head the list. Stayed in CP all day. 25 Spent day with 1st Armored Division. They took 6 prisoners last night in a tiptop raid and got 5 deserters today. Saw Pete Russ and Jack Davis—both have troops in the 81st Rcn Squadron. Five letters from Leila Jr. 26 91st Division put on a raid and got 10 PWs. Spent most of day with 91st Division. Visited 5th Army. Long talk with Truscott. ETO has asked for Porter as COS for Wyman.23 I protested. Truscott agreed and had Carleton phone White (METOUSA) to that effect. Good weather continues. 27 Flew the front in a new L-5—uncomfortable and not as good for observation as old model. Hurt my back getting out of the thing. Hume brought Mr. Harold MacMillan, British Minister to Italy to lunch and for a visit through the area. Chaplain Chataignon returned from US. Letter from Leila saying word received Bill [Desobry] in hospital in England. Letter not dated and source of information not given. Hope it is official. Letter from Hughes with report no trace in Graves Registration. 28 Spent day in 349th Regiment area (88th Division). Visited Battalion making raid tonight. Seem confident of success. ETO still after Porter. Now say he is to be made available if he wants to go!! This is astounding. Truscott called Porter direct to ask him if he wanted to go! I resent that. Porter said he wanted to stay here. I phoned Truscott and protested that my seniority over Wyman as well as the relative importance of the two jobs should settle the matter. Obviously McNarney is not backing us up—in fact he or White or both are selling us out. Boche plane came in about 9:45 p.m. and strafed and bombed a few hundred yards from the CP. No damage. Editor’s Note: By March 1, the German army in Italy had suffered significant losses in personnel due to the withdrawal of the 44th, 71st, and 356th Grenadier Divisions and the 16th SS Panzer Grenadier Division. In March, the 715th Grenadier Division would be withdrawn.24 As a consequence, Army Group Southwest, now commanded by General

180  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

Vietinghof, Kesselring having been severely injured in a road accident in October 1944,25 was composed of twenty-three German divisions, including some of the best divisions remaining in the German Army. In addition, the Fascist Italian forces had been increased to six divisions. The German Fourteenth Army confronted the Fifth Army with nine divisions, but with no reserves. Two divisions, the 29th and 90th Panzer Grenadier, were held in reserve by Army Group Southwest.26 March 1945 1 Today completes 37 years of service for me! Considerable casualties in the 349th Regiment raid last night with no results. 2 Dr. Polling, Christian Science Monitor, and three chaplains arrived for lunch. My two chaplains made a total of 6! Visited 88th Division sector and 91st Division. Called Critt to remind him of 37 years ago today! Mentioned it to my staff and only 2 were born then! 3 Willems returned with five page letter from Leila. Also a bottle of whiskey from Betty West! Visited 1st Armored Division sector opposite Monte Sole. 4 Went with Coulter to have lunch with General Dennis Whitehorn Reid of the 10th Indian Division. Main dish was curry and rice a la Indian. 85th Division to be relieved by 10th Indian. Neither 5th Army nor ourselves know anything about it! Who runs who is certainly a mystery. 5 Dinner by Truscott for Prince Umberto called off at last minute as Prince couldn’t fly up from Rome because of weather. Planned to spend night in Florence with Critt. IV Corps going strong with 10th Mountain Division. As yet no mention in press of either IV Corps or Critt. 6 Revised current plans—think we’ve at last hit the best solution. 5th Army insists II Corps will carry the ball. Weather continues generally fine but somewhat colder. Went to Florence to attend Truscott dinner in honor of the Prince. A nice party but rather select as Clark and Gruenther declined for fear of criticism. Clark told Truscott there must be no publicity! Clark is still smarting from the newspaper criticism of him accepting a decoration from a Fascist. Critt wouldn’t spend the night because he thought the Boche would counterattack the 10th Mountain Division. 7 Bought $45 worth of tea and KT cloths for Leila and the girls. Returned to CP at noon. Everything quiet. News from France indicates General Patton is about to overtake the 1st & 9th Armies! Gaffey with 4th Armored Division is out in front of 3rd Army.

The End of the War  181

Editor’s Note: A gap occurs in the entries to the diary from March 7 to April 22, 1945. Sources for this period may be found in the endnotes. 8 “In . . . II Corps area, 1st Armored Division makes limited attack to improve position on left flank of corps, taking village of Carviano, NE of Vergato.”27 13 “Boundary between U.S. Fifth Army and British Eighth Armies adjusted to run just east of Idice River valley and Monte Belmonte as Indian 10 Division of British 13 Corps takes responsibility for Monte Grande hill mass from 85th Division of U.S. II Corps.”28 15 “Elements of 1st Armored Division try in vain to establish out post in Salvaro, on left flank of corps.”29 18 Italian Legnano Group attached to II Corps and placed under command of 91st Division, later relieving 2 regiments of that division. 85th Division passes into Fifth Army reserve.30 23 “GEN Heinrich von Vietinghoff succeeds Field Marshal Kesselring as supreme commander of enemy forces in Italy.”31 24 “15th Army Group orders for spring offensive are issued, calling for preliminary actions by British Eighth Army to begin on 10 April followed by main assault of U.S. Fifth Army. The 10 April attack date is later changed to 9 April.”32 27 “1st Armored Division troops take Salvaro without a fight.”33 Editor’s Note: By the end of March 1945, the Fifth Army had regrouped and was prepared for the spring offensive. IV Corps had developed significant gains west of Highway 64 utilizing the 10th Mountain and Brazilian Divisions. 13 Corps had been transferred to the Eighth Army, reducing the Fifth Army front significantly. IV Corps on the left held twothirds of the Fifth Army front; II Corps on the right faced Bologna, and its 1st Armored, 34th Infantry, and 91st Infantry Divisions were in the line along with the Italian Legnano Group. The 88th Division was in II Corps reserve and the 6th South African Armored Division and the 85th Division were in the Fifth Army reserve. After five months of relative inactivity, the Fifth Army was prepared for the final offensive of the Italian campaign.34 April 1945 Editor’s Note: The 15th Army Group attack was set for April 9, with the Eighth Army initially clearing the plain east of Bologna. The Fifth Army would attack on April 14, the main effort to capture Bologna. The second

182  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

phase was designed to break through and encircle the German forces south of the Po River. The final phase would cross the Po River and capture Verona. For the Fifth Army the higher points of the Apennine Mountains had been crossed and the terrain in front sloped toward the Po River. II Corps would make the main attack on the Genghis Khan Line with the 6th South African Armored and the 88th, 91st, 34th Divisions and the Legnano Group. It possessed a forty-five-day supply of ammunition and a three-day stock of ammunition, food, and gasoline in forward supply dumps.35 5 “34th Division moves to Idice Valley sector, previously held by 91st Division, and 91st Division takes over zone of 34th astride Highway 65.”36 Editor’s Note: On April 10, 1945, General Keyes issued the following memorandum37 to II Corps: To II Corps: The time has come to complete the job we left unfinished last October. Do not underrate your enemy but remember that even at his best, you drove him from his Gothic line, from Loiano, Belmonte, Formiche, Grande, Stanco and Battaglia. I am confident that with that same courage and determination you will drive him from these remaining hills and force him to surrender in the Po Valley. You will thus justify the Army Commander’s election of you for the place of honor in this final operation and you will reap your full share of glory in the in the Final Victory now within the grasp of your gallant comrades on other fronts. Here’s to a final “Speedy” victory! Good Luck—Godspeed. Geoffrey Keyes Lieutenant General, USA Commanding 12 “U.S. Fifth Army postpones offensive, scheduled for this date, 24 hours because of weather conditions.”38 13 “U.S. Fifth army again postpones offensive because of unfavorable weather.”39

xx

94

64

Lombardy Plain

20 Apr.

TENTH

xxxx

xx

Riale

I Para

BOLOGNA

xxx

II

xxx

IV

8 Mtn

20 Apr.

XIV Pz

xx

FOURTEENTH

9

65

20 Apr.

Casalecchio

xx

305

20 Apr.

9

xx

Mongiorgio

64 65

88

19 Apr. II

IV

xxx

Praduro

Pianoro Montepastore

xx

65 G o

14 Apr.

0

2 km 2

16 Apr.

88

16 Apr.

4

mi

Map 7. Breakthrough into the Po Valley, April 14–21, 1945.

xxx

xx

Northern Appenine Mountains

4

LEG.

16 Apr.

13 BR

Vergato

0

6 SA

16 Apr.

8 Mtn

14 Apr.

x

xxxx

Line Gothic xx

xx

91

34

16 Apr.

EIGHTH BR

85

18 Apr.

xx

xx

II

xx

Line ic

FIFTH

Piano di Venola

th

184  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

14 “U.S. Fifth Army opens final offensive in IV Corps zone.”40 15 “II Corps joins the offensive after intensive aerial preparation, attacking toward Bologna in region east of Highway 64, night 15–16. South African 6th Armored Division and 88th Division lead off at 2230; 91st and 34th Divisions attack at 0300. In support of offensive, Legnano Group demonstrates vigorously on right flank of corps. Enemy offers strong resistance all along line, but South African 6th Armored Division takes Monte Sole by 0530.”41 16 “Enemy continues vigorous defense of its positions facing corps. South African 6th Armored Division seizes Furcoli but is unable to reach crest of Monte Monterumici. 91st Division attacking toward Monte Adone, Monte Posigliano, Painoro, and Monte Arnigo, makes slow progress astride Highway 65. 34th Division, directed toward Sevizzano Ridge on right flank of corps, reduces fortified position on Gorgognano Ridge.”42 17 “II Corps continues to battle stubborn enemy on heights below Bologna. South African 6th Armored Division tries in vain to take Monte Santa Barbara. 88th Division gains summit of Monte Rumici. 91st Division makes little progress west of Highway 65 but is approaching Pianoro on the highway and crest of Monte Arnigo to east. 34th Division clears heights in Sevizzano—Gorgognano area and reaches slopes of Dei Mori Hill.”43 18 “Enemy is retreating all along line. South African 6th Armored Division finds Santa Barbara ridge undefended and patrols to junction of Reno River and Setta Creek without incident, 88th Division takes ridge extending west from Furcoli and speeds northward to within a mile of Monte Mario. Elements on Furcoli ridge are pinched out. 91st Division takes Monte Adone, Monte Posigliano, Pianoro, and Monte Arnigo. 34th Division seized Dei Mori Hill.”44 19 “U.S. Fifth Army issues orders for pursuit to the Po . . . II Corps will continue drive on Bologna, clear Panaro River line east of Camposanto and be prepared to cross Po between Ostiglia and Sermide.”45 20 “88th Division, attacking on west flank of corps west of Reno, reaches positions between Casalecchio, east of Reno, 91st Division pursues enemy toward Bologna in region west of Highway 65. 133rd Infantry Regiment, 34th Division, drives quickly toward Bologna along Highway 65 while Legnano Group advances right flank of corps.”46 21 Elements of the “34th Division, mounted on tanks drives into Bologna during the morning, shortly after the city has been entered by

The End of the War  185

Verona

11

Adi

ge

Mi n cio

62

Area of Detail

FIF EIGx x xTH HT x HB R

Villafranca

12

Legnano

10

Mantua

R i v e r

P o Borgoforte x

16

CCA xx

xx xx

10 xx

Po

88

85

Adige

91 xx

Rovigo

y

V a l l e

Po

6 SA Ferrara

aro

Pan

16

34

Formigine

12

Argenta

xx

20 Apr.

1

BOLOGNA

L ine

aro

xx

Pan

xxxx FIFTH

xxx IV

20 Apr.

Fr on t

Zocca

Fro

Modena

xx

chia Sec

no

9

Line nt

Re

Cento

Reggio

xx

1

64

xxx II 65

34

xxxx BR. EIGHTH 9

x

0

LEG.

371

5 0

10 5

mi

10

15 15

km

Faenza

Map 8. The Drive across the Po Valley, April 21–26, 1945.

Polish forces, and is joined there later in the day by rest” of division, “Legnano Group and right flank elements of 91st Division. 34th Division is placed under army command to garrison Bologna. Legnano Group goes into corps reserve. To left, 91st Division takes Monte Sabbiuno, south of Bologna. South African 6th Armored Division moves forward to exploit, heading for San Giovanni road center

186  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

northwest of Bologna. 88th Division passes through South Aftrican 6th Armored Division near this objective and takes San Giovanni, night of 21–22.”47 Editor’s Note: Bologna was captured on April 21 with unexpected ease. Both IV and II Corps were positioned to make the race to the Po River. The Fifth Army effort would now be to split the German forces in two with a swift drive to capture Verona. The attack was launched on April 21 with IV and II Corps each striking with one armored and two infantry divisions.48 22 Offensive started a week ago tonight. After mass drove to 91st Division. Met Truscott—then with him to 6th South African Division. And to Bologna for the official entry. Clark, Truscott, Anders (Poland), Critt, Bolte, Livesay, Italian General Umberto Utili, and myself. The Poles crossed us up by having a rival band which broke out in the Polish National Anthem when none was planned. Then when we played the Star Spangled Banner, they followed with God Save the King. A conference with Clark, Truscott, Critt & myself. Clark insisted II Corps send a strong force toward Bodena and changed boundaries accordingly. Upon return I visited 6th South African & 88th Divisions. At evening conference new plan was ordered into effect but at 2:30 a.m. someone reversed themselves and we were returned to original boundary. Our resistance continues moderate. IV Corps little or none. Boche air raided us three times during the night. CP moved to vicinity Casalecchio. 23 Weather continues fine but colder. No serious damage from air raids. Visited front. We have lost the 34th Division and Legnano Gruppo as well as other supporting units. 5th Army has reversed itself several times and while using our maneuver has passed our troops to IV Corps. IV Corps has done splendidly especially 10th Mountain Division. The IV Corps reached and crossed the Po River this afternoon! We still meet resistance. 91st and 6th South African Divisions are slow moving. 88th Division is fine. We get many prisoners. Telegram of congratulations from Juin. Moved CP to vicinity of Campo Santo. 24 Over 5000 PWs in last 24 hours including the CG of the 305th Division—the first German General captured in the Italian Campaign. New 5th Army plan continues to relegate II Corps to minor role. All bridging material set up for us was allocated to IV Corps setting us back 36 Hours. Visited all divisions and sat on the bank of the

The End of the War  187

Po River and watched the leading assault waves cross. Most landed about 30 yards distant. Flew the area and across the Po. Much enemy materiel and equipment destroyed and captured. Many horses (artillery & draft) killed and hundreds captured. Letters and telegrams of congratulations on promotion. [Editor’s Note: Keyes was promoted to Lieutenant General on April 17, 1945.49] Hull, Devers still not confirmed. Of the 9 nominated 4 were desk officers—Quartermaster General—Chief of Engineers, Ordnance. 25 The 88th Division won the race for Verona which was a great feat. The 91st Division fought to the Adige River and by dark had 8 Battalions across. Another fine feat! We are again in the money. Visited 91st Division. Saw the 1st DUK load cross the Adige River at Legnago. Got another PW! Later while watching the crossing a TOT [time on target artillery barrage] came in just north of us. Visited 88th Division and Verona with Truscott who seemed pleased. Maybe we can get back some of the means we lost to IV Corps. Letters from Leila and Geoff. 27 Long conference with Poole (6th South African Division). 5th Army released him again to II Corps. Yesterday’s Stars & Stripes says nomination was approved. Staff presented me with a beautiful set of collar insignia. Still having bridging and ferrying equipment troubles [crossing the Po, Adige, and Brenta Rivers]. Editor’s Note: A gap occurs in the diary from April 28, 1945, to August 10, 1945. From April 26 to 28, II Corps crossed the Adige River and pressed on to take Vicenza on April 28. On May 1, II Corps was directed to seize Highway 49 en route to Innsbruck, Austria, via the Brenner Pass.50 On May 2, the Italian campaign ended with the unconditional surrender of the German forces. II Corps ordered its divisions to halt in place wherever resistance was encountered in order to allow time for German forces to receive notice of the terms of surrender.51 Sources for this period may be found in the endnotes. 28 “88th Division clears enemy from Vicenza. South African 6th Armored Division starts crossing the Adige at Legnano.”52 29 “91st Division ad South African 6th Armored Division reach and cross the Brenta. Former driving east along Highway 53 toward Treviso and latter is using parallel route to south. South African 6th Armored Division makes contact with British Eighth Army at Padua.”53

188  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

30 II Corps is reinforced by 85th Division. 91st Division speeds to Treviso, north of Venice. This ends eastward drive of Corps.”54 Editor’s Note: On April 30, 1945, General Keyes issued the following memorandum55 to the officers and men of II Corps: The German Army in ITALY has been destroyed. Spearheading the overwhelming drive of Fifth army, you have played a major role in this destruction. In Addition, to capturing over 37 thousand of the enemy’s finest fighting troops, our hospitals are filled with his wounded, and your zone of advance is strewn with his dead and his war material. You drove through the strongest enemy defensive position in NORTH ITALY, you forced the crossings of the PO, ADIGE, and BRENTA RIVERS with such speed and relentlessness that you slashed through the main routes of retreat of the fleeing German Army, encircling great numbers of his demoralized troops. On the eve of the regrouping of our Armies for the closing phase of the ITALIAN campaign, I want to express to each of you my appreciation of all that you have accomplished as individuals and as a team, and my pride in having commanded you in your historic victory, Geoffrey Keyes Lieutenant General U.S.A. Commanding May 1945 1 “85th Division begins clearing Piave valley, previously the responsibility of 88th Division, permitting latter to concentrate on Brenta Valley. Corps is directed to clear Highway 49 in preparation for drive through Brenner Pass to Austria.”56 2 “Hostilities come to an end as surrender terms become effective.”57 7 “German High Command surrenders all land, sea, and air forces unconditionally to Allied Forces.”58 8 “President Harry S. Truman proclaims 8 May V-E Day.”59 Editor’s Note: On May 10, 1945, General Keyes issued a staff memorandum60 entitled Congratulatory Messages: The Corps Commander takes great pleasure in forwarding to all Members of Headquarters II Corps the following congratulatory V-E messages:

The End of the War  189

From LIEUTENANT GENERAL TRUSCOTT, Commanding General of Fifth Army: “LET ME EXTEND TO YOU AND ALL OF II CORPS MY PERSONAL CONGRATULATIONS FOR YOUR MAGNIFICENT PERFORMANCE THROUGHOUT THIS ITALIAN CAMPAIGN. I AM PROUD OF THE SPECTACULAR SUCCESS WHICH YOU HAVE ACHIEVED AND ADD TO YOU AND YOUR STAFF MY PARTICULAR APPRECIATION FOR THE SPLENDID COOPERATION WHICH HAS MADE THIS VICTORY POSSIBLE.” From MAJOR GENERAL COULTER, Commanding General of the 88th Infantry Division: “IN A LITTLE MORE THAN A YEAR THIS DIVISION HAS ADVANCED FROM MINTURNO TO THE BRENNER PASS. THE GREATER PART OF THAT COMBAT SERVICE HAS BEEN UNDER II CORPS AND WE ARE PROUD OF BEING A PART OF IT AND TO HAVE ASSISTED IN A SMALL MEASURE IN THE ADVANCES THAT MADE THIS VICTORY CELEBRATION POSSIBLE.” BY COMMAND OF LIEUTENANT GENERAL KEYES: C. C. SMITH 1st Lt., A. G. D. Asst Adjutant General

7

The Occupation of Germany May 1945–February 1947

Editor’s Note: With the German surrender on May 8, 1945, the Allied armies began to function as an occupation force. The surrender in Italy had been consummated by Germany’s General von Senger und Etterlin due to the danger from Italian partisans should the German commander in chief, General von Vietinghoeff, leave his headquarters at Bolzano near the Brenner Pass. General Mark Clark accepted the German surrender at the 15th Army Group headquarters at Florence.1 During the following days, Allied units proceeded to disarm the surrendering German forces. Units of the Fifth Army (85th and 88th Infantry Divisions)2 moved toward the Brenner Pass in an effort to prevent large numbers of German soldiers from deserting and leaving for Germany. Allied units fanned out to the French, Austrian, and Yugoslavian borders. As noted in his memoirs, Clark’s mission included securing the port of Trieste and protecting the lines of communication from that city into Austria through Gorizia and Tarvisio. The British Eighth Army moved around the Adriatic Sea past Venice, with the 2nd New Zealand Division reaching Trieste and the 6th South African Armored Division approaching Austria via Tarvisio. The 91st Division (II Corps) supported the Eighth Army. The 88th Infantry Division (II Corps) moved north via Verona through Bolzano to the Brenner Pass. Other 15th Army Group units swung west along the coast of the Ligurian Sea and through Milan toward the French border. Communication from Marshal Tito of Yugoslavia indicated that his forces would hold Trieste and the Gorizia–Tarvisio line, although he would allow the Allies to use the ports and railroad to supply Allied troops in Austria. Concerned about a clash between Tito’s and the Allied forces, Clark moved the 91st Infantry Division into Trieste and Gorizia and sent the British 56th Division eastward to the Isonzo River. To provide adequate command and control of deployed units and to provide senior military leadership in the area, II Corps was reassigned to the Eighth Army 190

The Occupation of Germany  191

effective May 21.3 By May 22, Clark moved his units farther east to be able to control his lines of communication into Austria. When the 361st Regiment (91st Division) reached Tarnova,4 the Yugoslav 13th Division commander issued a stiff protest, with General Geoffrey Keyes assertively requesting a parley. The Yugoslavians refusing, Keyes responded with a terse letter refusing to withdraw. He had been ordered to hold his ground and reinforce his forces each day with an additional regimental combat team. After two tense days, the issue was resolved and the Allied lines of communication into Austria were secured.5 Immediately following the German surrender, the command post of II Corps was located at Feltre, Italy, sixty miles north of Venice near the Piave River. The corps units were engaged with “rounding them (German forces) up and finding what we can of their equipment.” The change between active combat and peace was complete and rapid.6 The initial activities of the occupying American forces were to (1) quickly repatriate thousands of Allied prisoners of war; (2) handle thousands of displaced persons; (3) round up, disarm, and process hundreds of thousands of German military forces; and (4) immediately begin the redeployment of units and individuals to reinforce Allied military forces in the Pacific Theater, while at the same time initiating occupation duties. The development of occupation duties evolved rapidly during May 1945 as the occupation of Germany and Austria (Operation Eclipse) was implemented.7 In the final few weeks of active combat, the US Third and Seventh Armies moved south from central Germany into Bavaria and Czechoslovakia.8 The occupation zones of these two armies required readjustment, with the Third Army serving as the occupation headquarters for the German state of Bavaria while the Seventh Army provided similar activity in the German state of Hesse and portions of Württemberg and Baden (the French zone also included portions of Württemberg and Baden).9 As the occupation forces continued to move into their assigned zones, on May 16 the 12th Army Group “became responsible for military government in all US-occupied Germany.”10 The 15th Army Group, commanded by Clark, served as the command and control headquarters for the American zone of Austria (deactivated and redesignated US Forces Austria on July 5, 1945). II Corps initially moved into Austria and established its headquarters at Salzburg on June 29, 1945, assuming command of portions of the Austrian provinces of Ober Donau, Salzburg, and Tyrol. As the Third Army concentrated on Bavaria, II Corps came under operational control of US Forces Austria. II Corps was assigned three divisions comprising its occupation force: 11th Armored and 42nd and 65th Infantry.11 The corps headquarters personnel for the first time

192  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

since the end of the war moved out of the field and into more permanent facilities in Salzburg.12 By July 14, 1945, SHAEF (Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force) was reorganized as ETOUSA (European Theater of Operations, US Army), with its headquarters located in the I.G. Farben building in Frankfurt.13 Prior to the occupation of Germany, the US Group Control Council (USGCC) was established to plan US participation “in military government after the defeat of Germany and the dissolution of combined command.”14 As planning and operational control for the occupation of Germany continued, the USGCC evolved, resulting in a policy-making role in occupied Berlin. With the dissolving of SHAEF/ETOUSA and the establishment of United States Forces European Theater (USFET), General Dwight D. Eisenhower as both theater commander and military governor would utilize the theater G-5 Civil Affairs staff in governing the American zone of occupation.15 General Lucius D. Clay, having been assigned as deputy military governor on April 17, 1945, was placed in command of USGCC, “the nucleus for the American delegation in the Allied Control Council, which was to govern Germany under an agreement reached in London between the Russian, British, and American governments.”16 By the end of May, redeployment of units and individuals was taking its toll on the effectiveness of US occupation forces.17 Redeployment of individual soldiers was based on their Adjusted Service Rating (ASR), with higher ratings resulting in redeployment to the United States. A high ASR also resulted in soldiers being transferred out of units redeploying to the Pacific Theater.18 Throughout July, progress was made in the repatriation of displaced persons and efforts were made to alleviate starvation and death in the occupied countries. By August, efforts centered on the redeployment of troops to the United States, training and occupation duties instead of redeployment, and training of troops for the Pacific Theater.19 The leaders of the United States, Great Britain, and the Soviet Union met in Potsdam, Germany, from July 17 to August 2, 1945, to negotiate the terms for the end of World War II. Clement Attlee replaced Winston Churchill on July 28 following the latter’s electoral defeat. The signed protocol provided the charter for the Allied Control Council (ACC), which met for the first time on July 30. The military commanders in chief in their own zones and jointly as members of the ACC exercised supreme authority in Germany and developed occupation policies, such as denazification, demilitarization, and decentralization. The ACC received two missions: first, to administer Germany as an economic unit; and second, to provide reparations to the victors. In implementing the first mission,

50

50

I TA LY

TIROL

Innsbruck

Garmisch

Munich

G E R M A N Y

Map 9. Occupation Zones in Austria.

S W I T Z .

VORARLBERG

mi

km 25

25

Bregenz

0

0

SALZBURG

Berchtesgaden

Salzburg

Eisenstadt

VIENNA

H U N G A R Y

BURGENLAND

Auhof

Tulln Airport

LOWER AUSTRIA

Graz

St. Polten

Y U G O S L A V I A

Klagenfurt

STEIERMARK

Hinterstoder

CARINTHIA

Bad Ischl

Gmunden

UPPER AUSTRIA

Linz

C Z E C H O S L O V A K I A

194  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

the ACC was charged with developing central German departments for finance, transport, communication, foreign trade, and industry. The second mission, far more important to the Soviet Union, required determining a level of industry for Germany that would enable it to subsist without threatening the peace again. Any industrial materiel excess to this level of industry would be available for repatriation as reparations, including 25 percent of that deemed excess in the western sectors being provided to the Soviet account.20 In a fashion similar to Occupied Germany, Occupied Austria was divided into four zones. The Soviets were allocated Lower Austria and half of Burgenland and a portion of Upper Austria, the British East Tyrol, Styria, and Carinthia, the United States Upper Austria and Salzburg, and France Vorarlberg and Tyrol in the west. Vienna, like Berlin, was divided into four zones.21 August 1945 10 After all our planning for congressmen, they failed to show up so I took several junior officers of the guard of honor to the hotel to eat the lunch. Drove to Bad Gastein [Austria] two and a half hours each way. Fine summer resorts—many diplomats still there—hope to get rid of them soon. Heard first news Japanese acceptance of Potsdam Declaration. KT given by the Donut girls. Editor’s Note: The Potsdam Declaration, signed on July 26, 1945, by the United States, Great Britain, and China, required the immediate surrender of Japan, with failure to comply resulting in “prompt and utter destruction.”22 11 Opened the Austrian Labor Guilds Chamber at the Mozarteum [Salzburg, Austria]. My interpreter an Austrian girl about 18. Kilgore and Stark came for dinner. Willems23 visiting the 65th Infantry Division. Editor’s Note: Clark arrived in Salzburg, Austria, in July following his participation in a Chicago victory parade in May and a visit to Brazil to coincide with the return of the Brazilian Expeditionary Force, which had been under his command. With the deactivation of the 15th Army Group, he was reassigned as US Forces Austria (USFA) commander and American high commissioner in Austria.24 USFA functioned as a semi-independent command, responsible to the newly formed US Forces European

The Occupation of Germany  195

Theater (USFET), formerly SHAEF, for administration and logistical matters. Clark reported directly to Washington for strategy, policy, and military government issues. As American high commissioner, he was responsible for both military and civil activities. He served as the American representative to the Allied Council, which administered Austria until the State Treaty was signed.25 12 Clark26 drove up although weather here was perfect. Lots of mix ups so he arrived in bad humor. He is now installed in the Schloss Klesheim [headquarters] and Gruenther27 warned me that in all probability USFA [US Forces Austria] would keep the whole layout for their rear echelon—so goodbye not only to that project but to all freedom in this area. The opening of the Music Festival went off very well. Clark made a semi political speech which a Stars and Stripes reporter criticized—it probably won’t be published. Clark has taken over the Festival and not only is extending invitations to the other Big 3 but has taken over my phase too. Now I don’t know what I am to do about General Patton—had hoped Clark would only be here a week but now his stay is indefinite as the British are arguing against going into Vienna. Editor’s Note: The Red Army initially captured Vienna, but as part of the agreements reached at various Allied conferences, Vienna and Austria were to be divided into various sectors following the defeat of Germany. Early in June 1945, American, British, and French military representatives arrived in Vienna to resolve the issues surrounding its four-power control. Confrontation and cooperation characterized the Flory28 mission. The Soviets clearly expected Austria to provide the means for their occupying force to live in their occupation zone. “The Soviets wanted airfields, industry, agricultural areas, transportation networks, and other infrastructure to support their own operations and, where possible, contribute to the economic rehabilitation of the Soviet Union.  .  .  . They wanted the other powers to move into the city as quickly as possible to help feed the local population. . . . (Their) preparations seemed far more haphazard and improvised than did the U.S. and British efforts.”29 The four powers eventually reached agreement on the division of Austria and Vienna into zones of occupation, but debate continued as to when the U.S., British, and French forces would move into Vienna and how responsibility would be divided for feeding the Austrian population.30 For a variety of reasons, American failure to prepare for the occupation of Austria resulted in the need to react to events as they unfolded.31

196  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

In addition, the Austrian occupation was complicated by the Soviets taking advantage of having entered Austria and its capitol, Vienna, first and, without consulting the Allies, installing a provisional government. As a result, the Allies did not recognize the provisional government led by Karl Renner, a former chancellor of the First Austrian Republic. Three political parties had been quickly formed, including the Socialists (SPO), the Conservatives purged of former fascists (OVP), and the Communists (KPO). “Renner encouraged a communal approach with the three major parties sharing power and the portfolios of the state secretaries. By October 20 the Allies recognized Renner’s government, and elections were held on November 25.32 13 Mr. J. Haines (formerly US Treasury) and Richard Berlin both Hearst executives here sponsored by Under Secretary of War Robert P. Patterson33 for lunch, the Symphony concert and home for a drink. Very flattering about army—against civilian agencies and new deal—but strong for Truman. Haines a friend of George L. Harrison. The concert was wonderful. At intermission I visited Princess de Rethy’s [wife of King Leopold II of Belgium] box. Life Magazine photographer wanted us to take our picture. I said nix as it might embarrass her. I think she didn’t mind but I am sure she didn’t get the point. The King wasn’t there. Willems was my deputied escort. Clark didn’t attend. 14 Rained hard all day. Someone at Clark’s HQ called at 7 p.m. last night and wanted an orchestra—even at the expense of taking it from one of our GI parties! And finally sent a truck for the piano and orchestra from II Corps Officer’s mess!! Don’t believe I’ve ever known of a more selfish person. Am planning to get General Patton here next week but expect trouble. Hope the final word on Japanese surrender comes through. Already many of our personnel are losing interest here and want to go home. 15 News of Japanese surrender. Well that is the end of this war as far as fighting goes. The peace problems are tremendous. Went to mass and then reached out to the Schloss to confer with General Emil-MarieAntoine Bethouart34 over exchange of Officers & Enlisted Men on a good neighbor policy. Clark enraged because he had no photographers in his (Clark’s) set up! Also mad because the 26th Infantry Division band just arrived from Germany couldn’t play the Marseillaise! Since our band was sent to Vienna by his orders for the Triumphal entry (which is indefinitely postponed) he can’t blame us. Clark said he has seriously considered retiring at the end of the war but that he

The Occupation of Germany  197

may wait a few months—said it was absolutely confidential! I’ll bet a hat he doesn’t retire. He phoned late yesterday insisting I take Hume35 as my G-5. We lose the 11th Armored and the 65th Infantry Division by the 20th. I told Clark I was going to invite General Patton down to witness a dressage performance so he said he should invite him on his first visit so now he is to ask him to spend the night and go to the show. Hume stopped by—says he may go to Third Army. 16 The Princess came to dinner along with Willems’s guests, McCleod and Colley. She is certainly good company and amusing—all the party but myself went to the music festival. This a.m. I flew to Linz [Austria] for activation day ceremony for the 65th Division. Also their inactivation day as they leave in a few days. Stopped at 11th Armored Division on way home for lunch. Rainy spell still on. 17 Concert last night was better than Monday. General Clark had a box party—called to Schloss this morning and Clark said he has been convinced by his staff that he should reverse himself so that now I (II Corps) will have nothing to do with Military Government and he and USFA will handle everything and through the Divisions. He said further that he believes there is no need for a Corps HQ but in a telephone conversation with Eisenhower this morning they had agreed that there was no need for Corps but he Clark had argued to retain II Corps because I had turned down the IG job when he Clark had offered this opening. Also that he is reversing himself on the firm (!!!) stand against the Russians on the Vienna deal and he was going to keep his main Headquarters here and only send part to Vienna. Therefore he would have to have space. I beat him to that and said he could have my HQ which is exactly what he was going to take anyway. Later I told Gruenther I’d look elsewhere as I didn’t think both of us should stay in the same town. So that looks like the end as I don’t feel like holding down a lame duck job as a matter of charity. Editor’s Note: To break the impasse over the Allied high commissioners’ move into Vienna, which had been captured and occupied by Soviet forces, Clark invited his three counterparts to attend the Salzburg Music Festival as his guests—Marshal Konev (Soviet), General McCreery (British), and General Bethouart (French)—in an effort to host an informal meeting of the four prior to the first official Allied Council meeting. He had also arranged for a sightseeing trip to Berchtesgaden during which he proposed to accompany the Soviet representative (General Zheltov representing Marshal Konev, who was ill).36

198  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

18 More VIP trouble. Clark called me, Tate37 called Willems and Porter called Starke all in a matter of five minutes to learn why Eaker and Cannon were being taken care of by us and Clark’s HQ not notified. The story of course is that they are coming to Berchtesgaden and it is 3rd Army business not ours and we had only been informed by the 44th Anti Aircraft Brigade just before they landed! USFA now will handle all VIP’s. Have just completed draft of letter to Clark saying I appreciate his willingness to retain a superfluous headquarters to assure me a job but I couldn’t acquiesce in it and my conscience wouldn’t permit me to hold down such a job. Also that I don’t expect him to locate a new job for me. Too bad the job of Superintendent [US Military Academy] isn’t still up for consideration as now Devers and Clark have both been taken care of. Saw in the paper where GSP is in Paris getting the keys to the city or something. Letter from Leila says George [brother-in-law] is an alternate chairman for the Interim Committee for the Control and Experimentation in Atomic Force. He is also named as one of those responsible for its success. Drove to Berchtesgaden to see Cannon38 and Eaker.39 Editor’s Note: The advance headquarters of USFA moved into Vienna on August 19, 1945.40 19 The Vienna Boys Choir came to my office to sing to me; 23 of them 8–14 years old. It was a great treat. They were cute looking but also underfed. The big show is on starting at 1400. The Russians of course are balling things up by coming in a week ahead of time. Am having a supper party followed by a box party at the music festival for 6 WACS and 6 GI’s—cocktails champagne—orchestra—the works. 2 V-Mail’s from Leila yesterday. 20 The USFA party was a great success except for rain which marred the Berchtesgaden trip. Clark et al seemed to grovel before Zheltov41 who looks and acts like a roughneck. He was given priority over both the British (McCreery42) and the French (Bethouart). Clark said after dinner that he was fed up with Zheltov and was going to slap his ears down. I’ve heard that line before in fact only a week or two ago and since then I’ve seen the change in attitude about Vienna and yesterday’s exhibition! Cherière was with Bethouant and we had a fine time reminiscing. Strong indications that USFA is going to use II Corps as a farm—Father Hubbard the Glacier Priest (Society of Jesus) came in today and had lunch with me. He is an interesting

The Occupation of Germany  199

talker and strong personality. Cherière came for lunch too. My Jugoslavian friend General Brasic43 and Major Youngitch came to see me—The Jugoslavians are in a deplorable state—no money—no clothes—little hope. Note from the 6 WACS at my dinner and concert party—claimed it was best time they’ve had since joining the army. The concert by the Vienna Boys Choir was wonderful. Among other songs they sang in English “My Bonnie lies over the Ocean” and “Yankee Doodle.” 21 USFA have begun the “squeeze” although they gave us till Sept 1st, as usual they can’t abide by a decision or promise and are now pressing us to move out. Brann44 says Clark wants to retain II Corps. Again they can’t agree or be honest. Don’t believe many of II Corps will want to remain with USFA if II Corps is washed out. 22 A beautiful day—Clark had to go to Vienna so he turned General Patton’s visit over to me. GSP arrived at 9 by Cub Plane and after honors etc. we came to the CP for a while then drove to Saint Martin NW of Ried [Austria]. After honors lunch we saw the Dressage exhibition of the Vienna Spanish Riding Academy. It was a wonderful exhibition in a beautiful setting—outdoors at an old farm owned by Count somebody. GSP was in his element with Clark not there everyone was relaxed and had a grand time. Upon arrival back at the airport the weather prevented flying so General Patton drove home. There was a message wanting me to call Brann. He was out but I met him on the road. He said Bedell Smith45 had planned and wanted me to come to Frankfurt tomorrow to talk about a new job for me— Brann claimed he didn’t know what it was in view of rumor that Gerow46 is going to the war college it may be that job. Editor’s Note: On August 23, 1945, after a series of conferences with the Soviets, Generals Clark, McCreery, and Bethouart, the American, British, and French commanders in chief, moved into Vienna.47 23 Flew to Frankfurt but couldn’t land so came down near Anspach and phoned Bedell Smith—he was away! And his Secretary knew nothing of my visit and recommended I come tomorrow. Have invited Father Hubbard and a few others in to dinner and then to listen to Fr. H’s lecture on Alaska. He is some talker and no shrinking violet. He and General Patton got along fine yesterday. A TWX [teletypewriter exchange service message] from USFET [US Forces European Theater] on the permanent troop list for Germany and Austria calls for a

200  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

24

25

26

27

strategic reserve of 1 Armored and 1 Airborne Division under a Corps HQ. I suspect that is what I’m being offered. The dinner and talk by Fr. Hubbard last night was very nice. Started for Frankfurt at 8 a.m. but arrived at 1430 after being weathered in and finally getting there by cub to Munich and General Patton’s plane from there on. Bedell Smith quite cordial—said they had long wanted to do something for me!!! Well I am to succeed Ham Haislip48 in command of 7th Army—that is better by far than what I had expected. Haislip is to remain in the US. General Patton phoned last night to hear what I was to get and was pleased at my report. I told him the only thing better would be to succeed him in the Third Army if he moved up. He said he would remember that. The word must be out as Menoher49 phoned from Heidelberg that they had been notified I was to come there. He is coming down here tomorrow with some dope. Went to see Clark and told him of my visit to Frankfurt. Of course he knew it. He now plans to practically inactivate II Corps at Gmunden, Austria. I broke the news to the chiefs of sections and told them as much as I’d like to I just couldn’t take everyone with me. Am going to 11th Armored Division ceremony and party this afternoon. Vienna Boys Choir gave me a souvenir program. Gave my box last night to the Red Cross girls. The 11th Armored Division party was a real success. After the presentation ceremony Dager50 turned the motor launch over to me— then a KT, dinner, a ride on the lake and a dance at the club. Telegram received this morning stating SO237 HQ USFET (par 17) 8/25/45 relieves me from II Corps and assigns me to 7th Army USFA. [Editor’s Note: This is an error; it should be USFET.] Dager said yesterday that of all the Corps his Division had served under II Corps was the most helpful and sympathetic and efficient. The KT party for the Red Cross Girls and younger members of the staff was a success. Left at 0710 for Frankfurt51 in my new C-45. Got in on monthly conference on Military Government. Later had conference with Clay,52 General Patton and Milburn53 who is temporary commander 7th Army. Saw Eisenhower for a hand shake—unable to see him in his office—seemed very cordial. Drove to Heidelberg [Seventh Army headquarters location] with Milburn and spent the night by myself. Milburn went back to his CP and Menoher had a date and is leaving early tomorrow. My new house is a tremendous affair with numerous sitting rooms, 4 pianos and an organ and huge garden.

The Occupation of Germany  201

28 Had long talk with Warner Deputy COS on personnel etc. They seem to have a good staff and a fine CP. Flew back to Salzburg, Austria— went to enlisted men’s despedida [farewell] and then a KT I gave for all officers of Corps HQ (in the Palace). Then rushed home to greet Louis Craig,54 Bob Lee55 (Knox) and Gene Heffner! Air Corps who came down to the Festspiele [Festival; Ger.]. After dinner I took them to hear Il Seraglio which was very good. 29 Clearing up all unfinished business. Anticipated trouble getting Powell away from USFA. Visited 42nd Division [inactivated June 29, 1946] to say goodbye and then flew to Lintz to do the same with 26th Division [redeployed to Massachusetts National Guard]. Took leave of Clark. He was very cordial and complimentary—indicated that relations between his HQ and Truscott’s was not too satisfactory but that with II Corps they were always the best. Farewell dinner by the officers of HQ and staff was a fine party (Hotel Dasler) 30 Willems, Murphy56 and I flew to Manheim and there drove to Heidelberg—Shrimp Millburn had a guard of honor ready and turned the command over to me. He and Burress57 temporarily commanding XXI Corps [inactivated September 30, 1945] stayed for lunch. 31 Gradually learning the ropes. Had a conference with section chiefs. Bug Oliver58 stopped in en route home as G-4 AGF [Army Ground Forces]. Also Cliff Lee59 from TSFET [Theater Services Support European Theater]—he is very nice, very efficient but very smooth. Tupper Cole has reported for duty. Editor’s Note: From May 1945 until Keyes’s assignment on August 30 as Seventh Army commander, the initial Allied occupation of Germany had been established. Policies to be implemented were outlined in JCS 1067: Directive to Commander-in-Chief of United States Forces of Occupation regarding the Military Government of Germany issued in April 1945. “The directive was . . . intended to serve two purposes. It was to guide General Eisenhower [commanding USFET] in the military government of that portion of Germany occupied by United States forces. At the same time he was directed to urge the Control Council to adopt these policies for enforcement throughout Germany.”60 Its provisions required Occupied Germany to be treated as a defeated nation, but with firm, just, and aloof administration that discouraged fraternization. All remnants of the Nazi regime were to be abolished. From an economic point of view, JCS 1067 was virtually impossible to carry out without the starvation of the German population. “Fortunately the provisions of JCS 1067 were in

202  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

some respects general in nature, so that the degree of application was left to the judgment of the military governor and some of its more drastic economic and financial provisions were tempered by the agreements reached in Potsdam.”61 The Potsdam agreement required certain changes concerning disarmament, economic and financial issues, and reparations that would be implemented over the next two years.62 Early in the occupation of Germany, the Third and Seventh Armies were designated as the command and control headquarters. After sorting out the various divisions and reassigning them to these two army headquarters, two occupation zones were established, with the Third Army governing the German state of Bavaria with its headquarters at Bad Tolz and the Seventh Army governing the states of Hesse and portions of Wurtenburg and Baden, headquartered at Heidelberg. The Third Army was initially commanded in the occupation by General Patton, while the Seventh Army was initially under the command of General Wade Haislip. A certain amount of turmoil occurred as units were deactivated or returned to the United States or trained for deployment in the Pacific Theater. Individual soldiers, based on their ASR scores, were either transferred to other units, redeployed to the United States for discharge, or redeployed with their unit of assignment.63 By the time Keyes was appointed as the Seventh Army commander, a number of units, including armies, corps, and divisions, had been deactivated or redeployed to the United States or the Pacific Theater. In addition, the 15th Army headquarters staff was given the sole mission for “the preparation of historical and analytical studies on the tactics, techniques, organization, and administration of the war in Europe.”64 On assuming command of the Seventh Army on August 30, 1945, General Keyes served as military governor of two German states in the American zone of occupation, Hesse and Württemberg-Baden, and commanded the US forces in the Western Military District, headquartered in Heidelberg (see map 10). “As the importance of Military Government increased, [he] placed its Assistant Chief of Staff, G-5, [Colonel James W. Holsinger] on the level of a deputy Chief of Staff. The entire staff of the army was directed to assist G-5 in the performance of occupational tasks. On October 1, the G-5 Section of Seventh army was designated as the Office of Military Government, Western Military District.” Denazification was a major initiative. By October 20 it was 85 percent complete, and by early January 1946 German administrators were in place in most locales, enabling elections to be held later that month.65

The Occupation of Germany  203

SEVENTH & THIRD ARMY AREAS U.S. ARMY OCCUPATION ZONE DIV. AREA RESPONSIBILITY AS OF DEC. 26, 1945 DIV. AREA RESPONSIBILITY AS OF APR. 25, 1946

SEVENTH ARMY AREA USFET RESTRICTED AREA

Area of Detail

xx

1

xxxx

HEIDELBERG AREA COMMAND

NURNBERG FURTH ENCLAVE

1

3 xx 9

SEVENTH

102

xx

3

xxxx 7

1 xx IV CORPS ARTY.

xx

9 9 xx

71 9 AUGSBURG

0

25

102 4TH xx ARMD. 1

THIRD

REGENSBURG

xx 1

Munich xxxx 3 BAD TOLZ

50

THIRD ARMY AREA

XV xxx XX

Berchtesgaden

km 0

25

50

mi Note: Third Army assumed control of Seventh Army area March 25, 1947, with HQ at Heidelberg

Map 10. Occupation Zones in Germany.

In addition to military government duties, General Keyes had responsibility as the Seventh Army commander for the repatriation of Allied POWs held by the Germans, demobilization of German military personnel, the housing and feeding of displaced persons, including the prevention of starvation and death during the winter of 1945–1946, redeployment of US Army units to the United States, deactivation of corps headquarters and divisions and their subordinate units, training of replacement personnel, and retention of unit cohesion and the morale of soldiers anxious to return to the United States.66

204  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

September 1945 1 My WAC secretary says she’s really my aide!!! So I told her to give Murphy some advice on running the house. Decided on set up for Military Government. Visited the Military Government HQ at Darmstadt. Connors formerly of 3rd Division came in to see me. A fine letter from Clark. 2 Mass at 0930—spent rest of day loafing around the villa. 3 Labor Day. General de Monsabert67 and General Chevillon68 (3 DIA) came over to present some decorations to members of this HQ. A fine ceremony with both Algerian and US troops. A nice reunion with Monsabert and Chevillon whom I last saw around Rome over a year ago. Gave them a swank luncheon. Drove to Mannheim. Letter from Leila telling of hers and Les’ planning on furnishing the Superintendent’s [US Military Academy] home on the rumor that I might get the job! Of course Taylor69 has already gotten the job! 4 Flew to Bad Wildungen—CP XXIII Corps [inactivated February 10, 1946] to see Shrimp Milburn. Tupper Cole and Littell, Julia Patch’s brother came to dinner. My French chef and my Dutch butler are certainly hitting their stride. 5 Went to 84th Division [inactivated January 21, 194670] to present a Croix de Guerre [French military decoration] to General John H. Church [assistant division commander]. Saw young Ole Danielson. Colonel Herrold from 5th Army came in to see me and later came for dinner with Surratt (G-3 section). Truscott’s job in China folded up before starting so they had a nice 22 day trip to India and back. Herrold doesn’t know what future of Truscott and 5th Army is. I enjoy seeing those old timers who never fail to come see me when they are in the neighborhood. 6 Flew to Frankfurt—saw Pink Bull71 and Paul.72 Also Bevins who is the new USFET G-1. He was a lieutenant at Riley when we were there years ago. Not much dope [information]—my orders assigning me to command 7th Army are out but no copies yet distributed. B-29 supposed to have flown over Frankfurt—we didn’t see it. On my return found Johnny Devine73 who now has the 2nd Armored Division. Doc Cook74 came in and spent the night. He was full of dope and rumors. He is with Devers and says he “D” hasn’t any use for Clark—that certainly makes it unanimous. Clark feels the same way about Jake [Devers]. Bob Demitz [son-in-law] phoned but I was out. 7 Bob Demitz phoned and will be down here Sunday. Yesterday I approved my first death sentence. Several Germans convicted by mil-

The Occupation of Germany  205

8

9

10

11

12

13

itary commission of brutally beating to death some 6 American Aviators [who] were shot down about a year ago. 3 were given prison sentences and the rest death. I commuted the 2 women’s sentences to 30 years. Greely, Holsinger,75 Olin, and Risden reported in from Gmunden [II Corps staff officers transferred to Seventh Army]. Milburn checked out—goes home to command VIII Corps—Flew to VI Corps to attend wedding Miss Hope Jean Simpson (Red Cross Girl) and Mr. Edward L Dobbins. Saw a number of old friends. Wedding as well as reception and gala dinner were great success. Spent night with Bill Morris.76 His aide Major Signeous knew Jackie and Des [daughter and son-in-law] very well. Drove to 36th Division [redeployed to Texas National Guard] for their Salerno Day Ceremony. A fine review made a speech on 5 minutes notice! Lunch with the 143rd Infantry Regiment Colonel Morgan who used to be Secretary of the Officer’s Club at Benning. General Stack77 temporarily in command of the Division. Flew back to Heidelberg in rain storm. Found Father Hubbard installed in my Villa. Bob Demitz arrived soon after I got back. He spent the night looked fine and seems well satisfied with his job. Wansboro, Strange and Chaplain Shultz came in for dinner and Fr. Hubbard gave his talk and showed his pictures again. Still raining. Bob and Fr. Hubbard left. Word received late in afternoon that Critt and Lodge were en route from Munich. Waited dinner an hour but they didn’t arrive. Inspected part of the barracks of HQ Company that such a fuss has been raging over, i.e., when they moved in last July before my time. Improvements have and are being made. Critt, Lodge, and Case arrived after midnight and went to the hotel. I had a short visit with Critt and then they left for Belgium where Townsend Crittenberger is buried. Critt gave me the low down on his trip to Brazil. Clark true to form cramped Critt and sent him home as escort for Mrs. Clark! Powell and Risden came to dinner. Powell brought me a booklet of the music festival with autographs of all the artists. Flew to XXIII Corps and 3rd Division in our C-53. After my call to Cannon protesting calling in all planes I am to keep the C-45 and the C-53. Box from Leila, books, letters etc. Short note from Eisenhower welcoming me back into the fold. Just as I was starting to visit the 2nd Armored Division word came in that Haislip had recruited Bill Morris. Bill thinks he had better go I put in a bid for his aide—Signeous if he wants the job and doesn’t go

206  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

home. Nice visit with 2nd Armored—Devine,78 Collier,79 Merriam and Hillyard. Talked to Gus West. Ran into Ollie Haines.80 Letter from Eisenhower on Military Government. Editor’s Note: General Patton, commander of the Third Army, received the following letter dated September 11, 1945, from General Eisenhower concerning military government: “As you know I have announced a firm policy of uprooting the whole Nazi organization regardless of the fact that we may sometimes suffer from local administrative inefficiency. Reduced to its fundamentals, the United States entered this war as a foe of Nazism; victory is not complete until we have eliminated from positions of responsibility and, in appropriate cases properly punished, every active adherent to the Nazi party. I know that certain field commanders have felt that some modifications to this policy should be made. That question has long since been decided. We will not compromise with Nazism in any way. I wish you would make sure that all your subordinate commanders realize that the discussional stage of this question is long past and any expressed opposition to the faithful execution of this order cannot be regarded leniently by me. I expect just as loyal service in execution of this and other policies applying to the German occupation as I received during the war.” Copies of Eisenhower’s letter were sent to Generals Cannon, Keyes, Parks,81 Lee, Adcock, and Clay.82 14 Inspected HQ Company barracks again—much improvement. Inspected the PX stores in the town also the WAC mess. Had my picture taken for 7th Army History. 15 Because of rain—started for Heidenheim by car but had to finish by cab from Esslingen in order to get there in time. Activation ceremony 12th Armored Division [deactivated December 2, 1945]—(Hank Holbrook). Visited old castle and museum dating from Roman times with prehistoric exhibits from that locality. Also Voith experimental station (turbines). Flew home just ahead of storm. 16 Mass at WAC chapel—spent day at home except for movie in afternoon—a real rainy Sunday. 17 Flew to Bremen (1½ hours in C-45). Town badly shot up but port is working. Lunch with Gerhardt,83 29th Division [inactivated January 17, 1946]. Stopped at Frankfurt airport but too late to visit USFET. Eisenhower phoned from 3rd Army he would inspect a camp of Jews in my area tomorrow (but for me to go to Baden Baden).

The Occupation of Germany  207

Editor’s Note: By the end of the war in May 1945, approximately 30 million individuals were displaced, including surrendered German soldiers, POWs held by Germany, concentration camp occupants, individuals used as slave laborers by Germany, and individuals fleeing from the Russian onslaught in the east.84 Beginning in September, a major issue developed with displaced persons (DPs) arriving in the American zone from Eastern Europe, the majority of whom were Jewish. Over the next several months more than 100,000 individuals were expected to arrive. They were not victims of Nazism, but were attracted by the US reputation for humanitarian benevolence. Initially, “U.S. policy granted exceptional treatment to Jews,” including providing them “with rations and accommodations that were superior to those accorded other DPs and had begun a training and rehabilitation program for which it was importing textbooks and instructors by air from Palestine.” Due to the increasing number of DPs, USFET did not believe it could continue such efforts.85 18 Drove to Baden Baden for lunch with General de Monsabert. A big show—escort prise d’armes [military parade], etc. Generals Koenig,86 Chevillon [3rd Algerian Division] and Chappuis and several wives were also guests. Ate snails for first time—not bad. General de Monsabert always insists on toasts. Koenig made it and it was very flowery. I replied partly in French and partly English. 19 Flew to Stuttgart for Military Government conference. Inspected Jewish and Russian camps. Received a bouquet of flowers at each place. Kilroe, Craig, and Fletcher came to dinner. Major Signeous my new aide arrived yesterday from VI Corps. Murphy promoted to captain day before yesterday. Editor’s Note: A number of Soviet citizens were captured in German uniforms. Some were held in the United States. Following the Yalta Conference, an effort was made to repatriate all such POWs known to be Soviet citizens. USFET was faced with the problem of whether such POWs should be forcibly repatriated to the Soviet Union.87 20 Flew to Frankfurt in a.m. Saw Bedell Smith and Willard Paul.88 Everyone else busy or out. Eisenhower was away again—my 5th attempt to see him. Both Smith and Paul complimentary. Smith said some of recent letters from Ike were directed at GSP and not me. Wish they would make it clear at time of writing! Gerhardt, Parker, Sexton for dinner.

208  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

21 Conference of Corps and division commanders also Regional Team Commanders. Gave them a swank luncheon. Visited Special Services City where SS [Special Services] activities are planned and prepared— an amazing set up. 22 Visited Station hospital—an ordnance installation in the morning—a football game 84th vs. 3rd Division and a DP [displaced person] camp at Mannheim in the afternoon. Took in the opening of Charlie’s Aunt (SS show) after dinner. It was splendid. Truscott’s arrival postponed until tomorrow. Editor’s Note: On September 21, 1945, Keyes responded to Eisenhower’s letter of September 11 to Patton and other commanding generals in USFET, stating that “denazification was at least three-quarters finished and was ‘progressing steadily.’ He found no discrimination between recreational facilities for officers and those for enlisted men. He said that efforts were being made to improve conditions of his headquarters troops and that his command was making satisfactory progress on the DP camps, with special emphasis being placed on the preferential treatment of Jews.”89 23 Another rainy Sunday. Truscott90 and Carleton91 in time for dinner. My big inspection starts tomorrow and will continue for 2 weeks. Wrote Geoff a long letter advising against getting out of Army now. Concert at Europa. 24 Truscott, Carleton, Wilson92 and Bartash arrived for dinner. I ordered in for lunch today all the old 3rd Division and VI Corps people available. 6 came and we had a fine time. I left to continue my inspection. Truscott and party left about 4 p.m. Truscott thanked me for looking up Mrs. Truscott and young Lucian at graduation. He said that was more than Clark did! Later he referred to it again and seemed very bitter about it. I flew to Bremen and spent night with Gerhardt. 25 Spent day inspecting 29th Division units and installations as well as Military Government activities in Bremen. Visited the Rathaus—1403? Bremen badly bombed. Editor’s Note: The port of Bremen was originally a part of the US occupation zone to provide transit for American forces. Although administered by the Seventh Army, it proved to be unwieldy since the enclave cut off Bremen and Bremerhaven from the surrounding territory of the British zone and was several hundred miles removed from the American. It

The Occupation of Germany  209

was deemed unnecessary and on December 1, 1945, the area outside the cities was transferred to British control. American teams remained in the cities but operated under British supervision.93 26 Inspected 1st Armored at Darmstadt and 2nd Armored at (_______). Lunch at 1st Armored Division with Red Allen.94 Saw Gus West. Devine95 off getting decorated with GSP while Stars & Stripes breaks out with new tirade against him re denazification 27 More rain—Drove all the way to Bad Homburg for Military Government conference and inspection of Military Government activities including German PW Hospital for plastic surgery cases which incidentally were horrible to look at. Also the amputation section. Then drove all the way back in the rain to the 100th Division [deactivated January 10, 1946] area for a Citation ceremony and inspection. 28 Still rain. Spent entire day inspecting in the Heidelberg-Mannheim area. Sandy [General Patch96] arrived for dinner—There were too many here to have a real chat with him but he had had an “adventure” with Clark at Salzburg. Clark apparently learning Sandy was at St. Wolfgang sent word he was now ready to call on the King at 4:30 if convenient. The King was about to give in when Sandy persuaded him to send back word that was not convenient. The next day when Sandy called, Clark left him waiting till Sandy almost walked out on him. 29 Still rainy so had to start at 0730 to drive to Heidenheim for inspection of 12th Armored Division (Hank Holbrook) and the Graduation Exercises of the 7th Army Ordnance School. A real swank luncheon in the home of one of the Voicht family. A fine school—got a break in the weather and flew home. 30 Drew June pay Friday. Mass at WAC chapel only myself went to communion. Mr. Ickes97 passed through here—didn’t see him. Seignious98 now wants to resign. Am flying to Berlin for Military Government conference for tomorrow. Editor’s Note: Prior to October 1945, three states had been created in the American zone: Bavaria, Hesse, and Württemberg-Baden. In addition, Bremen and Frankfurt were under separate military control. In October 1945, the G-5 staff divisions were separated from military government responsibilities and their personnel with these responsibilities were placed in the Office of Military Government. Only Berlin and Frankfurt remained under military control. The Berlin office was designated the

210  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

Office of Military Government, United States (OMGUS), under the command of General Clay. It was responsible for representing the United States in the Allied Control Council and “for the issuance of all policy directives, and for all matters pertaining to finance, economics, reparations, restitution, and manpower.” The Frankfurt office under the command of USFET continued to “oversee legal matters, administration, public health and welfare and public safety.”99 October 1945 1 Arrived Berlin in rain about 6 p.m. Saw Bob Demitz a few minutes at airport. Spent night at General Eisenhower’s Villa with him and Clay. After dinner we had some German entertainers. Clay told me General Patton is “on the way out. He’s through” and Truscott is to get Third Army. Drove around Berlin in rain. Military Government conference not very exciting especially as GSP did not come. After lunch Willems and I were taken as guests at the Allied Control Council meeting and that was interesting. The Russian was very outspoken especially against the British who took cover behind international law. The French leaned toward British and covered up by wanting to consult their government etc. General Koenig was French representative, Robertson British; Sossilovski (?) Russian; and Ike US. Flew home in rain. 2 Flew to Frankfurt supposedly for lunch and conference with Bedell Smith. Spent most of time with Pink Bull and Wilford Paul who is going home to be G-1 War Department. Art Nevins100 is now G-3 USFET. Truscott was supposed to arrive for conference but arrived just as Willems and I were leaving. Bedell announced (confidentially!!!) that Truscott was to succeed Patton and when I got home the first thing Seignious told me was that he had heard the news on the radio! Must say my visit with Eisenhower Sunday night and morning was much more friendly and congenial than any with Clark. 3 Flew to Crailsheim—inspection of 3rd Armored Division [inactivated November 10, 1945]. Lunch with Grow101 who hasn’t changed one iota. Returned to Esslinger with Burress—spent night there— Stars and Stripes out with “Patton Fired.” Dirty deal. Wrote him note. Editor’s Note: Keyes refers to Patton’s “reassignment” based on his denazification views. In an August 11 letter to Eisenhower, Patton had recommended going “more slowly on denazification because too many trained individuals were being removed and too many inexperienced or

The Occupation of Germany  211

ineffectual ones brought in.” In addition he stated: “It is no more possible for a man to be a civil servant in Germany and not have paid lip service to Nazism than it is for a man to be a postmaster in America and not have paid lip service to the Democratic Party or Republican Party when it is in power.” In the months that followed, an uproar over his position occurred, resulting in his being reassigned from commanding the Third Army governing Bavaria to commanding the 15th Army, which was given the task of developing lessons learned from the war.102 Patton, in his diary and letters to his wife, recognized that there was no really appropriate place for him. By September 19, the New York Times reported that “Nazis still hold some of the best jobs in commerce and industry” because military government was more concerned with preserving German industrial efficiency than in fulfilling the objectives for which the war had been fought.”103 The furor continued with several additional press conferences in which apparently several reporters attempted to entrap Patton.104 On September 29, Patton met with Eisenhower, who indicated that he would consider transferring Patton to command of the 15th Army.105 On September 30, Patton was told by General Bedell Smith, Eisenhower’s chief of staff, that he was to be relieved by Truscott.106 By October 3 the news of Patton’s relief was widespread.107 4 Inspected 36th Division in a.m. and 100th Division after lunch at Stuttgart. Decoration ceremony 397th Infantry Regiment—2 Battalions War Department citation. Flew home. 5 Flew to Cassell—inspected 3rd Division in a.m. and 78th Division after lunch. 3rd Division (Ronsons regiment (30th)) certainly is tops. Presented LM to Parker108 (XXIII Corps). Mr. Byron Price and Colonel Lherbas for dinner. 6 More rain—spent a.m. in the office and afternoon visiting Red Cross and PX activities—Murphy off for the Riviera. 7 Mass and breakfast with the WACS, cleaned out my baskets and am ready to go after Military Government full steam now. Lechiri here to see Seignious and Walter stayed for lunch. 8 Flew to Wiesbaden—inspected Military Government HQ and a Polish DP camp. Dinner with Mr. De Ganahl Red Cross Director before opening of opera house with Road to Rome by Red Cross and local talent. Met Mr. Harvey Gibson former Red Cross Commissioner and friend of George Harrison. Drove home—1:30 a.m. 9 Drove to Karlsruhe with Bolling109—Decoration ceremony—inspection 84th Division units and Polish DP camp—Best I’ve seen. Got 7

212  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

bouquets! Drove all the way back to Weinheim for lunch and inspection of remainder of 84th Division [inactivated January 21, 1946] units. Mr. Gibson and Mr. de Ganahl came to dinner. Gibson says DP camp at Darmstadt is filthy. 10 Sent Willems110 and Edwards to Darmstadt to raise cain over the DP camp. Willems says it is every bit as bad as reported. Have started action against all concerned including UNRRA [United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration] whose team is operating the camp. Dahlquist111 and Devine came in for Decoration ceremony and lunch. Ralph Smith112 phoned asking me to go to Sigmaringen for weekend with General Kessler (?) French. Heard final World Series game Detroit 9-3. Editor’s Note: II Corps was inactivated on October 10, 1945, in Salzburg, Austria, having served for over five years in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations, earning seven battle stars for Algeria-French Morocco (with arrowhead), Tunisia, Sicily (with arrowhead), Naples-Foggia, Rome-Arno, North Apennines, and Po Valley.113 11 Flew to Cassell area to inspect Ministerial Center and DP camps. Saw some interesting documents and learned of existence of others showing how some of erstwhile allies were acting prior and during the war! Our return found Chaplain Curtis Tiernan (Theater Chaplain) and my Jewish Chaplain waiting to see me. Had them to dinner. Chaplain Tiernan will try to get me a Catholic Chaplain. Saw Pink Bull at Frankfurt. Bevans114 (G-1) has asked informally for Geoff for ETOUSA. 12 Parker, Grow, and Hank Allen115 came in and stayed for lunch. Grow as usual was trying to slip something over. This time it is to avoid inactivation of his division (3rd Armored [inactivated November 10, 1945]) which there is no longer any need. Said Eyster116 had told Allen my recommendation had been disapproved. Went to movies with Seignious [aide-de-camp]. 13 Visit to Sigmaringen off. Went to Mannheim to football game. 84th beat 78th Division 32-0. Saw Betsy Baird in Red Cross. Just overheard last quarter of Army-Michigan game [28-7]. Letter from Leila, apparently arthritis bothering her very much. Worried about Jackie if Des goes overseas. 14 Mass and breakfast with WACS. This coming week to be a busy one in Military Government. Conference at Stuttgart and here. Clay,

The Occupation of Germany  213

Adcock,117 Truscott and possible Eisenhower—Robert D. Murphy will attend. Bad weather today prevented me going up to see General Patton. 15 Annual (?) Physical exam. Unless the cardiograph or the x-ray shows up something I am apparently in the pink! Murphy [aide-de-camp] returned from the Riviera full of adventure and experiences. 16 Flew to Wiesbaden, Greater Hesse, for the opening of a new German Government under Prof. Dr. Karl Geiler [minister-president]. Ceremony quite impressive. Cannon and Adcock there. Colonel Neumann gave us a fine luncheon. Flew to Bad Nauheim and spent a couple of hours with General Patton who looked and seemed fine. I advised him to cut out all interviews and against any congressional investigations. Asked me to write Mrs. Patton to that effect. Adcock and Mr. McDonald, my UNRRA head came for dinner. Adcock spent the night. 17 TK Brown and aide Cole Price drove down from Frankfurt for lunch. TK returning to Rome till Clark out, about December 1st. Clay, Murphy, Adcock, several civilians spending night here. Truscott and party arrive by train tomorrow just before the meeting. 18 Clay, Murphy, and Adcock, Mueller and Dr. James K. Pollock118 arrived last night in time for dinner. This a.m. Truscott and his contingent arrived by train deluxe. The luncheon following the meeting was a great success. 19 Drove to Crailsheim for 3rd Armored Division ceremony, fog all the way. Lunch at Hall. DP hospitals and camps and PW camp at Heilbronn, 35,000, about half Poles others Hungarians. Tried to fly home but couldn’t land. Reached home and rushed to opening of EM nightclub. 20 Caught up on paperwork. Took Brewer119 to Darmstadt to football game—3rd Infantry Division 24; 1st Armored Division 0. Parker, Bolling, Allen were there. Also about 200 German kids under care of 1st Armored. Brewer and I had a cocktail at Red Allen’s and came home for dinner. 21 Arrangements for Eisenhower’s visit tomorrow all set. Bolling coming in to spend the night. Burress, and Wessels120 and _______ Provost Marshal came to dinner. 22 Rainy threatening day. Eisenhower arrived; we visited 2 DP camps at Karlsruhe. Lots of speeches and flowers. Nice lunch here and then the decoration ceremony. Everything went off fine and he seemed well pleased. He was very frank about Clark, Patton and several others. I got in some good words for Critt.

214  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

23 Flew to Frankfurt on personal matters. Colonels Webber and _______ came to dinner. 1st xmas package from my Pen Pal! 24 Flew to Stuttgart Conference with Dr. Reinhold Maier the German Minister President of Württemberg-Baden. Visited 4 DP camps. Drove to Esslingen spent night with Burress. 25 Drove to Heidenheim—Inspected 12th Armored and DP camps— then on to Ulm for 4 more camps and flew home. Hank Holbrook wants a job in Military Government. In the center of Ulm surrounded by destruction everywhere the big and beautiful church is practically untouched! 26 Inspected DP camp at Bensheim and continued to Wiesbaden for lunch and then on to Eltville am Rhein for the wine fest stayed in a former monastery—16 different wines—lasted 4 hours and was very interesting and instructive—no headaches! Joe Cannon, Dr. Pollock went with me. Colonel Neumann got it up. Dr. Geiler the German Minister President and his cabinet were also present. 27 Carlos Brewer and I attended the 3rd and 84th Infantry Divisions game at Mannheim. 3rd won 14-6 a fine game. 28 Drove to Mosbach visited DP camp and underground airplane engine plant. 29 Mr. and Mrs. McCormack of New York Times came in. Over here snooping I guess. Went to movies with Seignious and Murphy. 30 57 today! Enlisted men and Officers of my villa and section gave me a breakfast set—and a pair of gloves! Thursday the Dutch butler gave me 2 bottles of wine. Gave all the help a fine dinner—KTs, wine, cigars, all the Germans came in shook hands and wished me Happy Birthday! Flew to 2nd Armored to present DSM to Devine. Just heard list of permanent makes: Clark, Bedell Smith 2 stars. Clay, Cannon, CH Lee and ? 1 Star. Paper says 54 on list. Carlos Brewer coming to dinner—fine dinner and birthday cake. 31 Willems, Bolling, Van de Heide, Brewer came to dinner, then we went to Halloween party at the Molkenkur (?) Officer’s Club. Left early and boarded a special deluxe train for Bremen. Sleeping car included bathroom with tub! November 1945 1 Arrived Bremen about 10 a.m. Inspected DP camps and after lunch drove to Bremerhaven for visit around port, PW camp, and hospital. Went to mass and then to the train where I gave a 16 place dinner to the members of 29th Division (Gerhardt in hospital). General Harry

The Occupation of Germany  215

2 3 4

6 7

8

Briggs Vaughn (Port Commander) and ADM Robinson121 navy representative at port. A fine dinner. Train left at 9:30 p.m. Arrived Cassell 0800. Inspected DP camps at Cassell and Fritzlar. Latvians gave me sackta (?). Lunch with Parker. Flew home. Flew to Stuttgart to football game. 82nd Airborne Division beat 100th Division. Left at 7:30 drove to Baden Baden—met by General de Monsabert— Guard of honor—Coffee. On to Strasbourg with General de Monsabert. Met by M. le Commissaire de la République [Commissioner of the Republic appointed by Provisional Government of the French Republic] (M. Emile Bolaert) and the Governor of Strasbourg— (General Jean-Louis-Alain Touzet du Vigier). Another guard—Placed wreath at monument to the dead. À Prise d’Armes. Lunch at the Commissariat. Ceremony at the Cathedral—restoration of the stained glass windows—speech in French. Drive around city—Hotel Cour de Corbeau—Vin d’honneur [wine reception, Fr.] at the Mairie [town hall, Fr.]. Dinner at the Governor’s. Left Strasbourg 9:30 p.m. Arrived Heidelberg 11:30 p.m. A great and interesting day. Drove to Bad Nauheim [15th Army headquarters]—spent the night with General Patton. Devine and Grow there for dinner. Conference at Bad Nauheim on T/O [Table of Organization] of Armored Division. Discussions interesting—results very similar original ideas on Armored Division. Believe should have more Infantry and Engineers. Returned home at 1830. Inspected Special Service City at Seckenheim and Cadet Club (Officer’s Red Cross at Heidelberg).

Editor’s Note: On November 8, 1945, General Eisenhower issued a letter to all unit commanders concerning the conduct of US Army personnel. It indicated a force in significant disarray: reckless driving, poor uniform discipline, and low standards of military and civilian courtesy. These and other types of incidents were associated with some soldiers having a “last fling” prior to being redeployed or discharged, while others may have been caused by soldiers with low ASR scores being inexperienced or inadequately trained. By late 1945, many of the highly trained, combathardened troops had been redeployed or discharged, leaving inexperienced recruits or late-arriving soldiers as the occupying force.122 9 Drove to Frankfurt for championship game: 3rd Infantry Division vs 508th Paratroop Regiment (USFET). Met Eisenhower and sat with

216  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

him on 508th side first half and 3rd Infantry (7th army) side 2nd half. Fine game. We won 20-12 much to the chagrin of USFET. Eisenhower said nothing about going home but on way back I heard it announced on the radio. 10 Flew to 2nd Armored Division for DSM ceremony (Collier123) and lunch with Devine. Then flew to Mannheim for 84th-1st Armored Division game in the rain. Willems and Brewer came to dinner to listen Army-Notre Dame game. 48-0 Army—second win in a row— 107-0 in 2 years!!!! 11 After mass Willems and I drove to Bad Nauheim for Birthday luncheon for General Patton. Many original Western Task Force there— Connors, Kedner—Gary Harkins—Muller124—Davison. A fine party. Willems and I spent night. 3 years ago we held the peace or armistice Conference at Fedala! 12 Returned to Heidelberg—drove to Karlsruhe later to see new Red Cross Club. 13 Caught up on office work—inspected EM’s clubs—the Stardust has cleared $27,000 in less than 4 weeks! 14 Military Government business—DP camps getting in good shape as results of intensive inspections. General Edwin Sibert G-2 USFET called—said he felt as I do re Judge Simon Hirsch Rifkind also said reports indicate Russian Army is having trouble. Brewer came to dinner and then we visited the Stardust Club to see the floor show from the 3rd balcony—was invited by the GI [soldier] management. Editor’s Note: Judge Simon Hirsch Rifkind served as US district judge for the Southern District of New York and as “temporary special adviser on Jewish affairs in the European Theater to General Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1945–1946.”125 15 Read copy of 5th Army’s last operation 19 days126—with nice inscription by Truscott. Account not very fair to II Corps but IV Corps figures prominently. Madame Massanet wife of the Prefect of Marseille came with introduction from General de Monsabert trying to buy children’s clothes for 10,000! Betsy Baird and Lee Harris (former II Corps ARC girl) coming for dinner also General Stair and Colonel Churney. Trip to Fulda and Giessen off on account of weather. 16 Saw complete list of permanent makes—some of them really a surprise. I suppose Eisenhower is responsible for my name missing. Went to movies.

The Occupation of Germany  217

17 Attended and spoke at an UNRRA meeting that is really a conglomeration. Brewer and I drove to Darmstadt to see 3rd Regiment vs 100th Division game. The Cockades won as usual. Heard the Army— Penn game and the Notre Dame-Northwestern on the radio. First clear day in weeks. 18 We staged the Operation Double Check search for black market hoarding etc. Too early to learn results. Spent most of day reading. Cloudy and cold again. 19 Am entertaining Mr. O’Connor and other Red Cross people tonight. Am leaving before 7 a.m. for meeting at Bad Nauheim tomorrow. Will spend night with General Patton. 3 letters from Leila last week. One today. 20 Arrived 15th Army HQ in time for all day conference on the Infantry Division. Very interesting—General Patton presided. Truscott not there—went to opening of Nuremberg Trials. Long talk with General Patton before supper. He is more worked up over my name being omitted from the list of permanent brigadier generals than I am. Says he is going to find out why. He is undecided what to do when his present job folds up after the 1st of the year. Spent the night there. 21 Left Bad Nauheim at 0900 with Seignious and drove to Giessen to inspect the Quartermaster Depot. A bad affair at Marburg on the 19th—Colored troops of the Depot Company killed 2 white MP’s. After Giessen went to Wetzlar to inspect 2 DP camps and some other activities. Hurried back to Frankfurt. Saw Pink Bull and Bedell Smith on colored question. They insist I’ll be backed up. Got back to Heidelberg at 1900—Hurried to Schloss Hotel for Carlos Brewer’s dinner party. Later on went to the Molkenkur—A fine party. Editor’s Note: On November 21, 1945, the Seventh Army G-2 reported: “The general opinion of the Germans is that American soldiers are men who drink to excess; have no respect for the uniform they wear; are prone to rowdyism and to beat civilians with no regard for human rights; and benefit themselves through the black market.” The actual misconduct was often more serious than this report indicated.127 22 Thanksgiving. Heard the sad news of Sandy Patch’s death. [Editor’s Note: General Patch died of pneumonia on November 21, 1945.128] He was by far the best. I’ll miss him. Wrote to Julia [Patch’s wife]. According to radio Eisenhower may not return to ETO before taking over job as Chief of Staff [effective November 19, 1945]. Can’t see

218  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

where I gain anything by the changes. Eisenhower as COS and McNarney129 here. 23 Indoors all day—Papers. Papers. Papers. Movies after dinner. 24 Services at HQ for Sandy Patch. Burress in for lunch 25 Second phase of “Double Check”—Last Sunday didn’t accomplish too much. Arrangements for championship game on Tuesday. Mass in WAC chapel and again at St Ignatius for Sandy. Drove to Darmstadt turn off to inspect new Red Cross set up. Not finished. Went to musicale at Cadet Club. Carlos Brewer came home with me for dinner. 26 Caught up on correspondence. Inspected Special Services City and nearby Ordnance Services set up. Editor’s Note: “At Seckenheim near Mannheim, Seventh Army maintained the ‘Special Service City,’ which housed the Soldier Show School as well as other athletic and music schools and provided billets and messes for Red Cross workers, USO troupes, and soldier-tourists. It could accommodate nearly 2,000 persons a night and served 45,000 meals per week.”130 27 Went to Frankfurt for inter-Army Championship. 71st Division (3rd Army) beat us (3rd Infantry Regiment) 20-6 although we were ahead in all statistics except of course the score. I hated to lose that game. McNarney and Hughes131 and Miller White132 were there. Willems, Brewer and Commandant Lambert (French Liaison officer) and Captains Harold and [Muriel M.] Moran (WACs) guests of Seignious and Murphy came for dinner. 28 Spent day in Frankfurt. Reported to and had lunch with McNarney. He isn’t very impressive. Did a lot of business with Bull who is to succeed Bedell Smith [chief of staff, USFET]. 29 Inspected our new bakers and cooks school which is a fine one. End of season football dinner at Special Services Dinner. Boarded Special train at 2300 for Bremen. 30 Spent day inspecting the artillery sector of the 29th Division. Dinner at Gerhardts. Left Bremen about 2130. December 1945 1 31st Anniversary—fourth in a row away from home! Spent evening alone. 2 Loafed afternoon and evening—got ready for tomorrow’s conference. 3 Willems, Edwards and I went to Frankfurt for Military Government Conference. McNarney and Clay presided. Bull and Bedell Smith

The Occupation of Germany  219

4

5 6 7

attended. Truscott there also. McNarney started rattling the administrative sober! McNarney had a large luncheon for the brass and his staff. Judge Rifkind out ranked everyone but General Patton and Bedell Smith! A busy day! Cannon came for lunch; a Romanian General after lunch; a Russian liaison officer offering a Russian movie and floor show; a Jewish wedding at the Schloss. Parker and Everett Hughes for dinner—the latter spent the night. Spent day showing Hughes around. He was quite impressed with what we have done. Attended Field Artillery dinner at the Schloss. General Patton phoned to say he was going home for Christmas and that Hughes advised against it. I told him I was all for his going and he said Gay was too. I arranged to spend tomorrow night with him.

Editor’s Note: Keyes wrote to his wife on December 7, 1945: “General Patton called this morning to say he is leaving for home in a short while so I think I’ll go up and spend the night with him tomorrow. I shall hate to see him go, but I’m glad he will soon get out of all the controversy.”133 8 Conference by Dr Pollock—Military Government advisor.134 Graduation exercises at Cooks and Bakers School. Drove to Bad Nauheim— spent night. First real cold weather. Caught cold en route. Long talk with GSP. He is still bitter at treatment. Doesn’t know what he will get in way of assignment. Doesn’t expect to return to ETO. 9 After series of motor troubles arrived home (Heidelberg) to learn General Patton seriously injured in motor accident in Mannheim and now in station hospital (#130). He and Hap were en route to Rheinau to shoot pheasants—truck turned in front of them. Neither Hap nor driver injured. Kenner135 and Bull came down. Condition extremely grave neck broken—paralyzed below neck—otherwise conscious. Editor’s Note: The diary is missing entries from December 10 to February 1, 1946. General Keyes’s writing letters to Mrs. Keyes during the period immediately following General Patton’s injury may have replaced making notes in his diary. Letter, Keyes to his wife, December 10, 1945136

220  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

He was leaving Monday (to-day) on his way home for Christmas, so I drove up to Bad Nauheim Saturday to spend the night and say goodbye. Had a fine visit with him, and yesterday morning after breakfast I started home, and he and Hap Gay were to start for Mannheim . . . in a few minutes to go hunting. They also planned to stop along the way to visit some old Roman ruins. Well about 5 miles out, my car died out, and the driver couldn’t start it, so I thumbed a ride back to Bad Nauheim to get a mechanic or another car. I passed Gen P and Hap but didn’t stop them. They saw my car, stopped, and when they found I had gone for help, they continued . . . It took some time to round up help and then the darned car broke down twice more, so to make a long story short, I didn’t get home until after 1 p.m., when I should have been here by 11 a.m. As soon as I arrived, I was told of the accident. . . . I went at once to the hospital and spent the rest of the day there. Hap was there of course and later Kenner and another specialist arrived. Well it was a bad accident, and the remarkable part about it is that neither Hap nor the driver were hurt at all. General P sustained a severe dislocation of a vertebra and a bad scalp wound as well as a bang on the nose . . . The big question is of course the extent of damage to the spinal cord. Letter, Keyes to his wife, December 10, 1945137 Gen Patton’s condition is still very serious but he has made some remarkable strides toward recovery. The doctors say it will be another 48 hours before they can make a definite prognosis . . . The x-rays today show the dislocation almost reduced but the swelling and inflammation as yet makes it difficult to assess final damage. Today a couple of British specialists arrived and tomorrow Mrs. Patton arrives. She will stay at my quarters at least initially. The General’s spirits yesterday were fine, and he sounded like his old self, but today, although actually better, he was uncomfortable and sore— principally I believe because of his nose which is difficult to breathe through. Think of all he has been through and then to meet with such an accident. Had he spent another 10 seconds inspecting the Roman ruins or had started 10 seconds earlier, he would have missed the truck completely! . . . It is about closing time, and I want to run out to the hospital again before I go home. Heaps of love, sweetheart. I know how hard you are

The Occupation of Germany  221

praying for him [to] get well, and I sure have put in my best efforts along that line. Letter, Keyes to his wife (no date), after Keyes had taken Mrs. Patton to his headquarters138 After we brought her up to date. We went to the hospital. She and he were fine—of course they would be. She is staying at my place and so is the WAC captain we’ve detailed as a sort of aide. Also General P’s aide Merle-Smith. Letter, Keyes to his wife, December 14, 1945139 Things have gone along with satisfactory progress as to general condition but the final outcome is still in doubt. Day before yesterday was the only day so far that some progress wasn’t noted. But yesterday and today he has really picked up and everyone is pleased. I wish you could see the telegrams that come in from over the world. Letter, Keyes to his wife, December 16, 1945140 Well it [is] just a week ago today . . . that the accident occurred and it really seems ages in view of all that has happened. However, things look much brighter this Sunday than they did last Sunday. The doctors are very optimistic now and say, barring unforeseen complications, Gen Patton is out of danger as far as saving his life is concerned, but the degree of recovery is still unsettled, although each day now there is improvement and real cause for encouragement. Mrs. P is just as cheerful and lively as ever and of course has won everybody from MPs to nurses to doctors etc. Last night her brother Mr. Fred Ayer arrived, and he too is a real addition to the party. I don’t know how long he will remain but with the progress being made by the General I don’t imagine he will remain long. Letter, Keyes to his wife, December 18, 1945141 I think I wrote you that Mrs. Patton’s brother (Mr. Fred Ayer) was arriving. Well he did and is still with us. They are certainly nice and it is a treat having them in the house. The General still improves and now . . . he seems much better. Letter, Keyes to his wife, December 21, 1945142 We are all in a pretty low state, sweetheart. Gen Patton took a sudden turn for the worse last night, and he is again very critically ill. In fact

222  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

the doctors hold out very little hope. Of course we haven’t given up, and Mrs. Patton is as plucky and courageous as five ordinary people. I have just come back from the hospital where I had lunch with her. She spent the night there and will probably stay there to-night. Fortunately her brother is still here, and he is a great help in these times . . . Well everyone is getting ready for the holidays and if I have to attend all the troop and Red Cross and private parties, I think I’ll have to get a week’s leave to recover! Of course the condition of Gen Patton has changed things as far as my own plans are concerned . . . Sure hope I have better news when I next write, sweetheart, but the chances are mighty slim. Letter, Keyes to his wife, December 23, 1945143 It looked pretty bad for the General, but the doctors thought it was a matter of 48 hours or more. However that evening he was sleeping, and Mrs. P. went to supper there in the hospital, and as I left her, she told me to tell her brother not to bother about coming back to the hospital after supper as everything was OK, and she was going [to] sleep there. Letter, Keyes to his wife, December 23, 1945144 The minute I got home the phone rang and it was the Gen’s aide at the hospital asking me to come right back. The General had dozed off and never woke up. Mrs. Patton was just wonderful. Letter, Keyes to his wife, December 23, 1945145 Yesterday Hap took her and her brother to Bad Nauheim to see the General’s last CP and house. They spent the night there and will be back [today] about noon. The funeral services at the church will be at 3 p.m. and then we go by train to Luxembourg where he will be buried at 10 a.m. tomorrow. The arrangements have been enormous. Troops from all over had to be assembled. Dignitaries invited and cared for. Transportation. Flowers from Paris, the Riviera, and every other place as there are none locally at this time of year. Planes for the return trip. As the burden of arrangements and coordination fell on us, you can imagine how busy we’ve been . . . If I go to Paris to see Mrs. P and her brother off [for home], I probably won’t get back till late Xmas. On December 22, 1945, General Keyes issued Seventh Army General Orders 635:

The Occupation of Germany  223

With deep regret, announcement is made of the death of General George S. Patton Jr. . . . Probably no soldier has had a greater compliment paid him than that given General Patton by his most powerful and skilled opponents. He was termed the ablest American field commander faced by the German Army on any front. The entire Allied World now pays tribute to the man who deserves more than a lion’s share of the credit for the victories of our arms in the bitter European struggle just ended. Seventh Army has lost a great friend, a gallant warrior, and inspiring leader. Our country has lost a great and fearless citizen. May we comfort ourselves with the thought that he died as he loved to live—ever fighting!146 Letter, Keyes to his wife, December 26, 1945147 The honorary pall bearers assembled about noon and after greeting them I came home and had lunch with Mrs. Patton and Mr. Ayer and of course Hap and the aides. Then we drove to the church and the services there were very impressive. Hap and I sat with and accompanied Mrs. Patton throughout. From the church we drove to the R.R. Station, and the streets were lined with troops and civilians. It was really a great tribute. . . . On our train was of course the casket with all the flowers, the color guard, the pall bearers (NCOs), several honorary pall bearers, and the family party. Commencing at about 7 p.m. as we crossed into the French sector, and continuing until after 11 p.m., we stopped 6 times for honor guards at stations. Each time Mrs. Patton would get off and inspect the guard, and the commander would make a very appropriate little speech, which she answered just as appropriately in French. At the last stop the Division Commander General Caille was there with a beautiful wreath which he placed on the casket. When we got up at Luxembourg it was raining and dreary looking. There was first the ceremony of placing the casket on the half track with the guard of honor formed of Lux-troops. Then the procession through the city with the streets lined with troops and civilians. It took about half an hour to reach the cemetery and again the services and ceremony were awfully impressive. Afterwards Mrs. P. sat in the car and the various dignitaries and representatives came up and paid respects. We then drove back to the train and found weather reports favorable for flying, so drove to Metz and flew to Paris. There another lucky break occurred, and they took off at 3 p.m. headed home via Iceland with great

224  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

hopes of getting home before noon Xmas. I haven’t heard yet of their arrival. . . . I couldn’t get a plane back from Paris, so Seignious and I took an afternoon train and arrived at Frankfurt at 8 a.m. Xmas. I got back to Heidelberg just in time for 9:30 Mass and then rushed home, changed my clothes, and started out on inspections of mess halls and hospitals. Editor’s Note: Judging from his letters and diary, with the death of General Patton, General Keyes lost not only his mentor but a close and respected friend. Editor’s Note: By early 1946 the issue of discharge or redeployment of troops to the United States became more acute. Several decisions had been made to improve soldier morale, including the reduction in the number of troops being redeployed. “By the time the big redeployment lifts of November and December had reduced the theater strength to 614,000 troops, another 223,000 (enlisted men with 50 points, officers with 70, enlisted WACS with 32 and WAC officers with 37) had become eligible for redeployment and discharge.” An additional 100,000 would soon be eligible as well. USFET was short 16,000 replacements, and thus the decision was made to markedly reduce deployment of troops to the United States. Soldiers with 50 points staged protests in several locations, including the USFET headquarters. On January 15, a new demobilization schedule was announced in an effort to redeploy and discharge all soldiers with more than 45 points by April 1946. The result of the new effort was a reduction in the occupation force troop strength to 200,000 by the end of the year. “The replacements coming to Europe were not only unskilled but, in increasing numbers, untrained.” By early in 1946, discipline was considered to be generally poor and below desirable levels.148 Initially, the US occupation zone was organized in a bifurcated manner. USFET, under the command of the US military governor, administered the zone through its field commanders—the Third Army for the eastern district (Bavaria) and the Seventh Army for the western district (Württemberg-Baden and Hesse). In addition, Bremen and the US sector of Berlin were separate commands reporting to the USFET commander. Each district commander utilized the G-5 section of the general staff to supervise military government in the district. “General policy direction and supervision were exercised by the G-5 Division of the theater commander’s General Staff.” The Potsdam agreement placed policy control in the Allied Control Council. As redeployment and discharge of troops and

The Occupation of Germany  225

care and repatriation of DPs wound down, civil government functions became primary. Prior to his reassignment, General Eisenhower had initiated a reorganization in which the G-5 staff functions of the districts would be redesignated the Office of Military Government (OMG), reporting to OMGUS, commanded by the deputy military governor (General Clay).149 As a part of dismantling field military government, German civilian appointees took office at the local level in November and December 1945. By January 1, 1946, the district offices of military government began reporting directly to OMGUS, and “the army-military district commands lost their authority to supervise military government.” In January, the Seventh Army began transferring its personnel and functions to the Third Army, which would take command of the US Constabulary being formed and all tactical troops in the American zone.150 As the number and quality of US forces in Occupied Germany fell, the need arose to develop a highly mobile organization to serve as a security force in the American zone. “A mobile and flexible force would allow fewer troops to control a larger area with minimum personnel as the nation’s demobilization policy demanded.” Armored and cavalry organizations formed the basis of the US Constabulary, which began organizing in early 1946 and was fully operational by July 1, 1946. The Constabulary consisted of 35,000 soldiers organized in three brigades, with a total of ten regiments, one of which was assigned to Austria, with a squadron stationed in Berlin. A Constabulary brigade was stationed in each of the three German states under US occupation.151 January 1946 31 KT Captain H—Parker—Schmidt. Hap Gay for lunch assigned to 7th Army. February 1946 1 Parker, Allen, Burns left for Colmar. Call from USFET asking us to fold up 1 March instead of 1 April. OK if responsibility is theirs (3rd Army). 2 Colmar [Pocket victory anniversary] celebration.152 Durrand, Marshes, Bollaert, du viz., Lettre, Michelet. Costumes—banquet. Returned. 3 Farewell party for Captain H. . . . 4 Commendation Captain H. . . . Staff to 3rd Army, Carlos R & J went to B&C and Officers School. Allen to USFET. Movie. We shipped our Russians with no incident until after transfer.

226  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

Editor’s Note: The decision to forcibly repatriate Soviet DPs who had served in the German Army was based on a December 20, 1945, directive from the State-War-Navy Co-ordinating Committee (SWNCC) requiring USFET to “repatriate ‘without regard to their personal wishes and by force if necessary’ persons who were Soviet citizens on 1 September 1939 and were captured in German uniforms, were members of the Soviet Armed Forces on or after 22 June 1941 and were not discharged, or could be demonstrated ‘in each case with reasonable particularity’ to have ‘voluntarily rendered aid and comfort to the enemy.’ Virtually all of the Soviet DPs forcibly repatriated were individuals who had served in the German forces. On several occasions, those being forcibly repatriated committed suicide rather than be repatriated. Due to the opposition of the Soviet DPs to being repatriated to the Soviet Union, by May 1946 those remaining were released from USFET custody.153 5 Murphy’s birthday Party. 6 Dinner at Farrands.154 Bull called re PRO [Public Relations Office]. Stars & Stripes says we go out 1 April. Bull says maybe! 7 Finally settled transfer of Stardust Club (To Special Services) G-1 should have done this. Guthrie reports conference at USFET yesterday came out OK as far as we are concerned. April 1 was date finally agreed upon. Plans for Garmisch (winter sports) in doubt due to Lattre. 8 Graduation exercise at 7th Army Officer’s Class—189—young Gordon Allen was in class. Bill Schmidt155 and aide and Miss Brimmer— head of EMs Red Cross Club came to dinner. We then went to Stardust Club and then on to the train. Party grew in numbers. Captain Moran had infected eye so some Red Cross girl took her place. 9 Arrived Garmisch at 0800. Rain and little snow. Went sightseeing to Oberammergau and some castle of Ludwig the mad king [Neuschwanstein Castle]. Took the cable car to the ski school and almost got marooned in the blizzard. Everything else cancelled. Third Army put Bill and me up in a VIP villa. 10 Went to mass and to lunch at Truscott’s [Third Army commander succeeding Patton] villa. They don’t hurt for swank!! The ski jumping in afternoon and the ice carnival were fine. Banquet and presentation of prizes. We started home by train about 2200. That is a fine set up there but should be as it was the site of the last Olympics. Took a lot of pictures hope some came out well. 11 Arrived home 0700. Hap Gay156 was here en route to new job. According to Truscott he is going to recommend that 3rd Army also

The Occupation of Germany  227

fold up this summer. At last got some mail including two letters and valentine from Leila! Also letter from Willems who is interested in the Military Attache job in Rome. 12 Finally cleared off for an hour or two. Red Allen stopped by for lunch en route to new job as G-3 USFET. Had a letter from Mrs. Allen with inside dope 7th Army is to go to Norfolk under new plan. Obviously that doesn’t mean I go with it. A letter from Hank Holbrook saying I have friends working behind the scenes!!! Too bad someone didn’t work out in the open. Nice letter from Burress and one from Coulter yesterday. 13 Lieutenant Colonel Bill Buster (ex 2nd Armored Division) and Mr. Howard K. Travers, Chief of the Visa Division, State Department came to dinner last night. Over here on immigration business. Weather cleared during night but clouded up again this afternoon. Spent morning preparing for tomorrow’s conference at Frankfurt. Mrs. Roosevelt is in the zone—no indication of her coming to Heidelberg. 14 Monthly Theater Commander’s Conference at Frankfurt. A harangue by McNarney on discipline which was an insult to the intelligence of the Commanders present. Cited the 508th Parachute Regiment as fine example!!! Not realizing all the preference given to the “Frankfurt Marines.” Fire broke out in map room—valentines. 15 Conference and luncheon for Theater Welfare Fund Board—Bevans, Philips, Haglin, Martins. Telegram from Dorsey Desobry announcing arrival of Baby Sister February 13th. Leaving tonight for Oberjoch [Germany] with mixed train load officers, ARC, WAC and EM’s— Geoff arrived in time for dinner. 16 Arrived Sonthofen 0700. Cloudy. Reached Oberjoch after breakfast. Weather cleared—beautiful day. Ski race interesting. Spent most of day taking pictures. Geoff took to skis with the others. Hotel much quieter than when football team was here. 17 Blizzard all morning. Geoff and I went to mass in tiny chapel—German priest. The grand Slalom was held in afternoon—under adverse visibility conditions. Banquet and award of prizes in the evening. We departed by train at 10:30 p.m.! Everyone seemed to have had a fine time. 18 Arrived Heidelberg about 0600. Breakfast on train and then to office. Nice letter from Leila. Also letters from Cardinal Spellman and “Monty” [Field Marshal Montgomery]. More trouble over Jewish camps (Lampertheim and Zeilsheim). The Press are trying to build up “a wave of Anti-Semitism.”

228  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

Editor’s Note: “Lampertheim was a small Jewish displaced persons (DP) camp that opened on December 15, 1945, primarily to provide additional space for refugees from the overcrowded Zeilsheim DP camp. It was situated between Mannheim and Darmstadt in the Frankfurt district of the American zone of occupation. At its peak in 1946–47, the camp housed over 1,200 DPs, many of whom were Polish survivors. The DPs lived in houses requisitioned from the village.”157 “Zeilsheim was a displaced persons (DP) camp 12 miles west of Frankfurt in the Americanoccupied zone, originally built in what had been a camp for Russian forced laborers. Zeilsheim next requisitioned German homes (small townhouses from two- to three-stories in height) to accommodate inhabitants of the DP camp. Though Zeilsheim was thus viewed as one of the preferable DP camps, living conditions were nonetheless crowded.”158 19 The incidents at Lampertheim and Zeilsheim turned out to be local affairs—one started by a German woman trying to get something from her home and opposed by the Jewish occupant; the other a black market affair. Year ago today I visited the 85th and 88th Divisions—wish they were with me now! Nice letter from Storke yesterday. Also check from Brigadier Hugh Cairns for $100 I loaned him when he was attending General Patton. The publisher of the 7th Army History presented me with a beautiful photo album. 20 Began final inspections. 15th Cavalry Group. Weinheim and Feudenheim, Mannheim. Troops better billeted than last fall. 21 Inspected all day—Karlsruhe—Bruchsal 1st Armored Division— Schwetzingen 523rd Engineers. Almost complete lack of enthusiasm on part of Enlisted Men. Opened Basketball Tournament at 7:15 p.m. at Schwetzingen and addressed Officer Graduation Class at Seckenheim at 8! Stressed US loss of World leadership through internal bickering inspired from within or without. 22 Cleared about noon then clouded up again. Took some pictures. Sent Murphy to Oberjoch over weekend as I could not take him to Berlin. Leaving for Frankfurt at 5 p.m. Seignious heard from Morris159 that his resignation might now be considered favorably. 23 Arrived Berlin 0930. Fine crowd on train. Joe Cannon, Edwards160 his successor, White, Red Allen, myself and aides. McNarney was to fly weather permitting (of course he is ducking out). Truscott claimed busyness. Drove all through city till lunch time at VIP villa (Rust) with Clay. Bob [Robert D.] Murphy and Milburn there. Bob Demitz

The Occupation of Germany  229

not yet returned. The Red Army Day party turned out to be a cocktail party much to our relief. Marshal Zhukov161 and Kosilovsky (sp) presided—a big eating and drinking affair. We got away early and boarded the train and left for Frankfurt. 24 Went to mass at Frankfurt. Decided too far to drive to Homberg to see Geoff. Arrived Heidelberg about 1300—musicals at Cadet Club— Basketball banquet at Seckenheim. Cannon and Edwards coming to lunch Tuesday. Joe says he will not only take home any packages for me but will make all arrangements for a plush B-17 to take me home when I leave. Sure hate to have him go. He is the last of the old gang and the best. Willems returned. 25 Decoration ceremony. Carlos Brewer and Craig—lunch. Inspection in Heidelberg area. Going away party for Seignious. Murphy put on a fine show. Willems said I might go to UNO [United Nations Organization]! 26 Joe Cannon and Edwards came for lunch. Sent home box by Cannon. Inspected 27th Field Artillery Battalion and a CI [civilian internee] hospital. Hap Gay and Willems were also at the lunch. Seignious left. Will miss him. 27 Left Heidelberg 0830 inspected Stuttgart area and spent night at Esslinger with Hap Gay. Troops haven’t much enthusiasm except 15th Cavalry Squadron. 28 Inspected Ludwigsburg (Asperg) and Heilbronn areas—PW’s and civilian internees. Camps and personnel in good shape generally. Souvenirs from camp 75. Fritz Kuhn is in camp 76 (Asperg). Returned to Heidelberg at 1800. Editor’s Note: Fritz Kuhn, leader of the Pro-Nazi German-American Bund, was a naturalized American citizen. His citizenship was revoked by a US District Court and he was deported to Germany in 1945.162 March 1946 1 Busy day catching up on paperwork. DSM ceremony for Willems. He certainly earned it. Lunch at Schloss—dinner at Willems’s. Finally got back some good pictures. Letters from Leila and Jackie—a letter and booklet (ORA et LABORA [Pray and Work]) from Colonel Walter P. Burn former II Corps CWO and historian—it is about the bombing of the Abbey at Cassino and indicts the useless act. I enter into it as opposing the bombing. 2 Snow again.

230  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

3 The party at the 3517th Ordnance Company was fine. Those youngsters have done a fine job. Geoff could not come down this weekend. Murphy’s classmate Halstead is coming to stay with us in Seignious’ place. The Cadet Club (ARC) girls are coming for dinner. The Club is to close the 12th. They have also done a fine job. Mr. Deganahl the Red Cross Director came in to say goodbye. He is alarmed at conditions at home! Am leaving tomorrow for 3 day inspection trip in 3rd Division area. 4 Left Heidelberg 0830 inspected units etc. in Mannheim, Lampertheim (Jewish camp); Lunch with Sexton (3rd Division Artillery) Darmstadt. Spent night with Burress at Frankfurt. 5 Started at 0800 inspected main Jewish camp at Zeilsheim. Both camps were in order—no troubles and really no grounds for complaint. Next to Giessen 59 Quartermaster Depot and then Marburg 3rd Reinforcement Depot Colonel Pirtle. 3rd Reinforcement Depot in fine shape—nice looking kids as replacements. Arrived Bad Wildungen HQ 3rd Infantry Division about 1630. Spent night with Bill Schmidt163 who had Geoff and his CO Lieutenant Colonel Schmidt (nephew of Bill’s) and Braucher for dinner. 6 Inspected 3rd Division units in forenoon; lunch with Lieutenant Colonel Schmidt and Geoff at Homburg (10th Combat Engineers); 7th Infantry Regiment (Colonel Heintges) at Bad Hersfeld. Arrived home in Heidelberg 1930. Rain and snow all three days. Billets and messes very good. Morale good but not excellent except in case of new replacements. 7 Caught up on paper work in a.m. Drove to Frankfurt and spent 2 hours with Bull and Miller White who certainly isn’t impressive. USFET worried by Stars and Stripes articles but afraid to do too much. Also, running to cover on DP’s because of a few complaints. 8 Spent morning in office. Graduates of Officers’ class at Seckenheim in afternoon. Murphy and Halstead had in 2 of Geoff’s classmates McCracken and Brown and 3 ARC girls for dinner. They went to Molkenkur Hotel after dinner. 9 Getting ready for Wednesday’s conference at USFET sorted out stuff for packing. 10 More packing preliminaries. Weather still foggy and overcast. Haven’t had total of 3 clear days since Xmas. Had to decline French invitation to Forbach celebration as we will not be back from Prague in time. Hope to take Geoff with me. First letter from Leila in over a week! French concert at the Cadet Club. Malitch brought us some

The Occupation of Germany  231

oysters from Paris. He has his papers and quota number to go to the US either this month or next. 11 Gradually getting things packed and in shape for turnover. Chaplain’s dinner at the Schloss—Father Tierman came down from Frankfurt for it. Saw Harmon164 at the station. He is here looking at his new units. Tom Handy165 will be in ETO last of the week. Hope to see him Wednesday. Geoff coming down Wednesday on 6 day TDY [temporary duty]. 12 CG section party tonight. Letter from Leila (March 3) suggesting White Sulphur [Springs, Georgia]. 13 My trip to Frankfurt as far as Tom Handy was concerned was a complete flop. Sat in with him, McNarney, Bull and White for 2.5 hrs. Heard the latest serious dope but did not have a minute’s private conversation with him. When at 5:30 Bull asked him if he had anything he wanted to say to me he said no; that he understood I was coming home but he didn’t know what was being lined up for me but supposed I’d go on leave. That is about the last straw—having gotten my letter, and knowing he was coming here it seems to me that in view of our past relations when I was helping him out (Panama—2nd Armored Division) the least he could have done would have been to find out or tell G-1 to give him the dope. There was also an appropriate moment for NcNarney to say a nice word but as might have been expected he didn’t. Brought Geoff back with me. Murphy had a large dinner party in full swing when we got back. Hap Gay spent the night. 14 A lot of paper work. Left at 1900 by train for Prague—Murphy, Geoff, Captain Hughes, and 2 Czech liaison officers—Colonel Rozik and Captain Shein. 15 Arrived at Pilsen at 0815. General and delegation at the station to welcome me. Plum brandy, coffee, sandwich. Arrived Prague 1035 met by General Bohumil Bocek Chief of Staff of Czech Army. Brigadier General Egmont Koenig our Military Attache—A plush job with red carpet on the platform. General Bocek drove to hotel and then to Embassy with me. About an hour’s interview with the Ambassador Laurence Steinhardt166 who spent most of time telling me what was wrong with the WD and the Army (ours). Of course they are incensed at the 3rd Army recent theft of Czech documents near Prague. At 1 p.m. the Ambassador took me to the palace and presented me to President Edvard Benes who is a real person—a very interesting interview. He says one or two generations required to change the Germans and that it must be done by themselves and not by imposing

232  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

something on them by the Allies. Lunch at 2 p.m.; call on General Bocek at 3:45 and received from him the Czechoslovak War Cross. A drive around the city then an hour’s rest and then to the opera at 1900. A peasant theme. Beautiful costumes, excellent singing. Back to the hotel for dinner at 2000 given by General Bocek—we had coffee in the allied officers club and signed off at 2400. A long but interesting day. Editor’s Note: US authorities secretly organized a mission to obtain thirty-two large crates of Nazi documents hidden in a forest near Prague. The boxes contained administrative and private papers of Karl Hermann Frank, the Nazi minister of state for Bohemia and Moravia during the German occupation. The failure to alert the Czechoslovak authorities or seek permission led to a propaganda coup for the country’s pro-Soviet Communist politicians and press.167 16 Spent the morning driving to and inspecting a glass workshop at P .  .  . most fascinating. Captain Shein presented me with beautiful liqueur set. Lunch at 2 p.m. at the Steinhardts who live in a fantastic villa formerly owned by a Czech Jew named Pevek. Mrs. Steinhardt is lighter than air. I’d hate to have her down on me—with Steinhardt and Koenig both Jews and both sour on the Army—I’m glad I’m not in their league. Mr. Jan Mazaryk the Secretary of State was there for lunch and is delightful. Drove to train, showed it off then pulled out having picked up my old École de Guerre comrade Captain now Lieutenant Colonel Lubor Marek. Enjoyed my 2 hour visit with him. He had been separated from his family 6 years. His little girl was 3 when he left. She and her mother spent 6 years in a concentration camp. Marek said the child now 9 couldn’t remember ever seeing or tasting an orange and Marek asked me if he could take her one from a dish on the table. I had Geoff get him a dozen from the steward and I added a carton of Chesterfields. He left us at Pilsen when General Bocek again met us. We picked up several cases of prewar Pilsner beer. 17 Arrived Heidelberg 0815. Rushed to mass then to the office until lunch. Had Colonel Rosik and Captain Shein for lunch. Slept and read all afternoon. Am keeping Geoff with me till I leave. Murphy will leave with Willems and Best about Mar 31st. 18 Beautiful day. Took a few pictures and enjoyed the weather. Former Brigadier General Ralph Immell from Wisconsin phoned just at din-

The Occupation of Germany  233

ner time that he had arrived and was stranded. So I invited him and his companion ex Captain Cusick (former aide to Art Wilson) to dinner. Immell informed me he came back over in a civilian State Department job to avoid being run for Governor of Wisconsin! He is a bigger blow hard than ever. 19 Still good weather. Geoff flew to Hamburg. Hopping, Captain Foreman and the 2 ARC girls from Weinheim for dinner. 20 Still good weather. Murphy laid up with cold. Nice letter from Leila. PM Martin, Pete Russell, Richardson and May Scanlon came to dinner. 21 Heard on radio, Texas delegation is now trying to block Clark’s promotion [due to Rapido River crossing fiasco]. That is of course just for the record. Murphy still laid up. Geoff’s CO Lieutenant Colonel Schmidt had dinner and spent night with us. 22 Bill Schmidt and Hap Gay, PM Martin and Tupper Cole came to lunch prior to Graduation Exercise at our Officer’s school. Gave to class my final talk urging discipline and responsibility. G-4 farewell party. 23 About completed packing. Willems now going home for 30 days prior to going to Rome. Hope the 7th Army Radio station [Armed Forces Network] is finally cleared up. Planning a trip to the cemeteries and then to Switzerland before going home. G-3 party at Guthries168 Villa—a very fine party. 24 Mass and communion with the WACS. Pink Bull phoned—War Department cable—am to return to US about 15 April and take leave after which assignment will be made. A CG reception at Schloss very nice. Spoke on last Stardust same day broadcast. Met Mlle Lucienne Boyer [famous French singer] who is Mme Paile (?). Made appearance at Harmonie Club. Willems and First Lieutenant Cynthia Van Auken [WAC detachment] to dinner we went to see the floor show at Stardust—the best yet. I got quite a hand on my farewell talk. Editor’s Note: “A major change under the reorganization of the United States Zone, Germany, was the combination of and redesignation of the Third and Seventh Army Areas into a single area under the command of Third Army. Seventh Army reverted to an inoperational status on 25 March whereupon Third Army assumed all occupational and operational responsibilities for the combined areas. Third Army Headquarters moved from Bad Tolz to Heidelberg, Germany, occupying the former location of Seventh Army Headquarters.”169

234  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

26 Final General Staff Conference. Thanked and congratulated them. Carleton told Willems over phone that Mrs. Truscott is in Walter Reed and he may go home on visit. Don’t believe that will affect my departure. Fine letter from Cliff Lee—also from General Villeneure. Phoned Bull about use of train for my trip to the cemeteries and Switzerland, he stalled and said he’d let me know. Farewell party for Murphy. 27 Phoned Bull at 9:30 to make clear all I was asking for about the train as visas must be arranged for. Told him if it was some concession embarrassing to anyone to forget it. He said he would get an answer. Later I decided to beat him or them to it so I phoned his secretary to tell him I had other satisfactory arrangements and would not need the train. Within an hour he phoned back to say McNarney wanted to use the train! However McNarney also said I was to remain here in command while Truscott makes a 10 day trip home. (Mrs. Truscott is in Walter Reed). That upsets my plans but there is nothing to be done about it. Farrand suggests the possibility of Truscott getting a new assignment while home and leaving me holding the bag. Well I won’t accept it without protest and then on condition Leila can come over. Murphy left for Rome. 28 Beautiful weather. Flew to Heilbronn, met Gay and inspected the PW camp. 3 farewell parties—Cadet Club, G-1, Special Services. 28 Lots of complications over the ceremony tomorrow. McNarney is coming. General de Lattre de Tassigny is to be in the area but we decided not to include him. Riot in the Jewish Camp 664 at Stuttgart. German Police staged a black market raid. One Jew killed—5 German police missing. Editor’s Note: “On March 29, 1946, the Stuttgart DPs rioted after US Military Government officials authorized 200 members of the German police to raid the refugee center early in the morning in search of black market offenders. The violence resulted in the death of one Jewish DP and three others were injured. The clash had occurred after the DPs, terrified at the sight of German police banging on doors and rousing Jews from bed, reacted by throwing household objects at the police. An ensuing directive forbade German police from entering Jewish DP camps except under rare circumstances.”170 30 Another fine day—everything set (I hope). Took on 2 new aides yesterday to get them home—Captain Halstead and Captain Essen.

The Occupation of Germany  235

Lunch guest list somewhat mixed up but finally came de Monsabert, Parker, Burress, Harmon, Schmidt, Guillaume and Willems. De Monsabert brought me a fine colored photo of himself. McNarney, Bull and Adcock arrived at 3:20 just in time for Willems and Killian’s decoration by de Monsabert. We all then proceed to the main ceremony which went off fine—very colorful and impressive. 7 p.m. the final banquet at the Schloss. Truscott on his own made a nice and flattering speech which was followed by McNarney. Truscott leaves tomorrow and promises to return in about 10 days. Bull cautioned me of the possibility of Truscott’s not coming back. I made it plain to him I hope that that was not to my liking and that after everything had been scrambled I wasn’t flattered to be given the job with someone else’s staff. 31 What a peaceful day after the past hectic week! Geoff brought the cadet club girls over for lunch. Later Geoff and I visited the Radio Center Station. Got radio from Leila saying she heard the ceremony broadcast—am delighted. Truscott left this morning. April 1946 1 First day in 3rd Army—my orders are to read assigned during “Temporary Absence of Truscott and to assume command during his absence.” In that way it is clear I am not a second in command and assuming command on that basis. Situation political and military rather disturbing. I personally doubt that Russia is prepared to fight now when she can gain most of her objectives without fighting and at same time resolve things at home. My orders from USFET (SO 91 par 5, 1 April 46) released assignment 7th and assigned HQ 3rd will assume command during temporary absence of Truscott. 2 Perfect weather continues. Lieutenant Gernhardt left yesterday. Gave me an ivory horse as a souvenir. Nice letters from Harris of Stardust Club and Arch Hamblen. First staff conference with 3rd Army staff. Nice letter from General Koenig (French). Captain d’ Herbois left. 3 Flew to Nuremberg attended trial. Field Marshal Wilhelm Keitel171 took the stand for first time. He made a good impression on everyone including the judge excepting possibly the 2 Russians. Had lunch with the eight judges and Wop Watson.172 Upon return Carleton reported that Jews in Munich were planning a big demonstration for tomorrow in memory of the Jew killed at Stuttgart last week and to protest treatment by Army. Secured orders forbidding demonstration.

236  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

Editor’s Note: The International Military Tribunal war crimes trials at Nuremberg (November 20, 1945–October 1, 1946) indicted twenty-two major Nazi leaders, including Field Marshal Keitel, for at least two of the four broad headings: One, “formulation or execution of ‘a common plan or conspiracy’; Two, ‘crimes against peace’; Three, ‘war crimes’; and Four, ‘crimes against humanity.’”173 4 Flew to Munich to be on hand in case of trouble. Things went off quietly although Press exaggerated as usual. Had lunch with Hap. Landed at Frankfurt and had a talk with Bull. 5 Flew to Bamberg to see Harmon and discuss serious matters concerning his readiness and getting in permanent locations. [Editor’s Note: Harmon assumed command of the US Constabulary effective May 1, 1946.] Left at 1830 on the train for Oberjoch. A nice young crowd including 4 WAC (EM) several GI. Two letters from Leila—one after receipt of my telegram. 6 Beautiful day—no snow—walked and relaxed. 7 Foggy until late afternoon. Colonel Newton came to hotel for lunch with Colonel Hopping and me. Lieutenant and Mrs. Carney (bride and groom, 20th Special Services Company) arrived about 5 p.m. and a dinner with wedding cake and champagne was arranged in nothing flat! 8 Returned to Heidelberg about 0600. Clean up business at the office and flew to Frankfurt after lunch. Cable from Truscott apparently arranging my trip and guest list!!! Actually there must be something interesting involved. Truscott saying he would leave Washington April 14 and probably Porter would return with him. Bull said it would be several days later as McNarney’s new plane would not be ready on the 14th. Cable from Willard Paul says I am to have 45 days TDY and 2 weeks at White Sulphur Springs! Had dinner with Pink Bull. He is rather harassed but takes on too many details. No Jewish incident over weekend. Red Allen gave me copy of Truscott cable saying Porter would return with him to accompany me to MTO and then to US via USFET and suggested USFET set up air priorities. 9 Am glad I’m not falling heir to this 3rd Army set up. The atmosphere is entirely different from that of 7th Army. I suppose much of it due to Carleton although Truscott must contribute—at least by tolerating Carleton. Chaplain Mullen came by to see me. He is now at Erlangen, Air Corps Service Command. Used to be in 14th Field Artillery

The Occupation of Germany  237

of 2nd Armored Division. Geoff got my leather suitcase from PX $1600. 10 Planning weekend trip to Berchtesgaden and Vienna. Geoff undecided whether to return to Battalion or stay for Switzerland trip. He gave me a GE exposure meter. He is doing a grand job running the house. Got a bus allocated to Oberjoch and got some discs for our Radio Station about the last gesture I can make. General de Monsabert has asked me to Baden Baden to lunch next Monday. Would enjoy it more if not so much formality. 11 Geoff and I flew to 3rd Division. Lunch with Bill Schmidt. The Stuttgart affair continues hot. It was a piece of stupidity in judgement but strictly according to USFET directives. 12 Left Heidelberg at 1800 for Berchtesgaden. Nice trip on train. 4 ARC—4 WAC (EM)—5 off—7 EM also 4 MPs by my C-45 join us tomorrow. Geoff preferred to remain in Heidelberg and see classmates. 13 Arrived Berchtesgaden before breakfast—at hotel by 0900. Flew to Vienna in C-45 (50 minutes). Lunch with Clark who was very cordial. Says Rapido is dead issue but if revived he will fight and drag me in!!! Hope he realizes what he is doing. Back to Berchtesgaden by supper time. Vienna not too destroyed. Bavarian shows. Weather perfect. Editor’s Note: At the first post-World War II convention of the 36th Division Association during January 1946, a resolution was passed requesting a congressional investigation of the attempted Rapido River crossing by the division. Many officers and men of the division as well as their commander, General Walker, held Clark responsible for the failed attack and the more than 2,000 casualties. The US House of Representatives held hearings on February 20 and March 18, which Clark did not attend. “The congressmen issued no final report or resolution. There would be no investigation of Mark Clark for his decisions at the Rapido, not by the full Congress or by the Army. The Army cleared Clark in a letter directed to committee Chair [Andrew] May from Secretary of War Robert Patterson . . . Mark Clark was publicly exonerated.”174 14 One ARC and one of the pilots went to mass. (Palm Sunday) Rest went sightseeing in Salzburg. After lunch boat ride on Koenigssee— beautiful. Entertained at 1800 had dinner and rode in observation car. Word received Truscott left Washington today due tomorrow.

238  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

15 Rushed to villa—changed clothes. Sent in report on Stuttgart—drove to Baden Baden for lunch with de Monsabert. About 24 French generals among guests. General Koenig came to greet me but couldn’t stay for lunch. It was a gay and sad occasion as most of the generals were being retired, relieved in the general reduction of the French Army. De Monsabert made a 40 minute speech. He is to be retired in October (58 years old) and all are bitter. Returned to Heidelberg no signs of Truscott. 16 Truscott and Porter arrived 1230. Truscott suffering from sinus and looked terrible. Had been delayed en route by doctor. Bull issued orders relieving me from 3rd Army. Certainly glad to see Porter. No significance to his visit. So trip to Italy is just a pleasure trip. Truscott went to bed—doctor wants to put him in hospital. PM Martin, Bixel, Farrand to dinner. 17 Carleton and I represented 3rd Army at monthly conference. At Frankfurt—Truscott in bed—but went to hospital later. McNarney delivered a blast on discipline and the Stuttgart affair; while he is right as to conditions he is wholly wrong on causes and remedies. Says no one is concerned and no on carries out his policies. Ever since he arrived he has believed no one was working! Lunch with Bull. Returned to Heidelberg. Some question over trip from USFET visitors bureau. 18 Packed all morning. Said goodbye to Thys [supervisor] and German help. Went to hospital to see Truscott and say goodbye. Bull phoned that he would go back to US on plane with us. We are to go on McNarney’s plane April 29th (How that plane got involved instead of Edwards’ I don’t yet know). Left Heidelberg at 1300 in the rain. At last minute Carleton questioned leave for Captain Moran. Party consists of Porter, Moran, Van Auken, Halstead, Essen, Geoff, and 5 EM’s, Maltiesel, Franchet, Tabak, Radine, Owens, the Cadillac and the Packard Clipper—at Mainz the local train officials tried to explain to Johnson (other train CO) that we couldn’t enter Switzerland. We explained we were headed for Liege. 19 Arrived Liege 0600. Time changed. Beautiful day. Porter, Geoff and I drove to Henri Chapelle American Cemetery [Belgium] and put some flowers on Townsend Crittenberger’s grave [General Crittenberger’s son]. Took some colored pictures of the grave. Little grass as yet— about 8000 graves. Upon return Halstead had phone message from USFET and 3rd Army that we could not take trains into Switzerland as it would cost $2400!! On way to Luxemburg we made new plans

The Occupation of Germany  239

20

21

22

23

to drive up through Switzerland and regain the train at Como or Milan since train could go via France or Austria without cost. Cemetery at Hamm [Luxembourg American Cemetery] very pretty. Flowers on General Patton’s grave. While train proceeded to Metz, we drove to St. Avold (25 min east of Metz) [Lorraine American Cemetery]. Put flowers on graves of Bill Griesse and Ned Almond Jr [General Edward Almond’s son] and regained the train at Metz about 2000. A long but interesting day and perfect weather. Hope my pictures turn out well. Left Metz about 2200 for Épinal but uncertain as to future as Bull phoned that he couldn’t understand why we had to take train into Italy and wanted information tomorrow! Why he continues to oppose the use of the train after McNarney insisted I use it I can’t see. Trip will be all balled up if we can’t take train into Italy. Another perfect day—Épinal American Cemetery 4 km best of any we’ve seen—General Alexander (Mac) Patch is buried there. That completes my tour of the cemeteries. Talked to Bull. He still wanted to hedge but I told him it was either yes or no right then. He said go ahead with plans. If necessary he’d phone again at Mulhouse [France] or Bâle [Basel]. Beautiful trip from Epinal to Mulhouse to Bale where we arrived about 1800. Went to Hotel Three Kings. Nice dinner and then a walk around shopping—no amusements as this is Holy week. Easter. Porter, Moran, Van Auken, Geoff and I went to mass. Didn’t know Moran was a Catholic. Our hotel fronts on the Rhine. After mass we returned to hotel and had breakfast. Have to use ration coupons. Easter Morning. Shops closed. Finally got in back door of Gubelin [watch and jewelry store]—bought watches for Leila and Les. Left Lucerne at 1 p.m. for Locarno. Rainy. Had to take train thru St. Gotthard’s Pass. Clear on other side of mountains. Park Hotel—beautiful grounds and view of lake and mountains. Everyone enthusiastic. Magician shows—night club. Girls found shop selling stockings. Everyone out early to finish shopping. Got watch for Leila jr music box clocks for Jackie and Ginge—Left for Milan after lunch—2 hours at the border due to papers incorrectly made out—Boat trip to Isla Bella—Borromeo family—museum—and gardens—Borromeo (present owner) recently returned from US where he was a PW from Tunisian campaign. Continued trip by car from Spasa to Milan— Saw cathedral from outside only and got on train ready to leave when Major Lane arrived with message for me to call Bull’s office in

240  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

Frankfurt. Message from Bull to cancel my trip and return to Frankfurt promptly by plane due to Truscott’s condition. Sent remainder of party to continue on to Rome and I spent night in Milan. 24 Went sightseeing in Milan until plane arrived. Bought plate $10.00 for Gertrude. Left Milan 11:30 in C-47 via Brenner Pass and arrived Frankfurt 1415. Reported to Bull. Truscott’s diagnosis first as coronary something plus bronchial and sinus trouble. Estimate 6 weeks in bed and then to hospital in ZI [Zone of the Interior, i.e., United States]. I am offered the job with no strings attached but means giving up TDY. Bull strongly advised me to take it. Went in to see McNarney who said he would like very much for me to take the job but would defer to my wishes. Everything considered it is a good job and the only one offered and will last at least until xmas, when things should be settled at home. So I accepted. Hated to wire and write Leila as I know she will be disappointed at my not getting home. Spent night with Bull and had long talk and understanding with him about future and personnel problems. This makes 3.5 years overseas today!!! And with Truscott going home leaves Harmon and me the only Generals who came over with the Western Task Force. Clark and Andrus came over in 1942 but at Oran and Algiers—Hap Gay came over with WTF but was a colonel at the time. 25 I thought it over and asked Bull why Parker175 couldn’t hold down the fort while I went home for ten days. He asked McNarney who said ok. So I wired Leila again! This makes all the difference in the world. Flew to Bad Wildengen. Saw Schmidt and Parker. Offered Schmidt job as Chief of Staff and Parker the 3rd Division. Both accepted with enthusiasm. Bull drove to Heidelberg to see Truscott. Truscott much better but realizes he must go back to ZI. 26 Flew back to Heidelberg—met by Colonel Hopping who expressed pleasure at news I was taking over. Saw Carleton and Truscott. Went back to villa and the “help” seemed very pleased at my return. Parker and McBride (9th Division)176 spent night. 27 Called Conference of Division Commanders and outlined instructions on discipline and DP control. We are apparently to retain DP’s indefinitely. All for lunch. Parker, McBride, Schmidt, Harmon, Andrus, Watson, McNarney came down in afternoon to see Truscott and we had conference on several matters—discipline—DPs etc. Later McNarney and I reviewed Stuttgart case thoroughly and as I predicted he had little to back up his rabid statements. Parker phoned the train and party would return about midnight.

The Occupation of Germany  241

28 Went to 8 o’clock mass. Found Geoff, Essen and Halstead waiting for me. They report wonderful trip. Spent a.m. in the office closing out—spent p.m. repacking. KT party. After supper went to Stardust. Another Jew vs German riot at Lansberg. Editor’s Note: The Lansberg Displaced Persons Camp, located near Munich, became the second largest DP camp in the American zone. It was chiefly composed of 5,000 Lithuanian, Latvian, and Russian survivors. By the time it was closed in early 1951, it had gained significant influence over the other DP camps in the American zone.177 29 Drove to Frankfurt. Took off in McNarney’s B-17 at 1020 arrived Paris 1200—lunch—took off 1400 via Azores. 30 Arrived Stevensville. Trip uneventful very smooth. Left Stevensville. Arrived Washington. Leila, Jackie, Ethel and Barb met me. Captain Humphreville (Office of Secretary, General Staff) met me. Ok for White Sulphur Springs. Leila looked like million dollars. Went to Jackie’s—children cute as dickens. Jackie and Des well but need rest and sunshine. Leila and I had dinner at Wardman Park. May 1946 1 Spent day in Pentagon—2 long talks with Tom Handy178—also lunch. Talk with Willard Paul179 who said I was lined up for Personnel Board as Haislip is to go to Ike’s advisory board. Glad I took 3rd Army— Paul said I would retain my rank (with the job); also that a number of us were omitted from first list of permanent makes but would be on next one. Had lunch with Assistant Secretary of War Howard C. Petersen and Mr. Goud. Spoke to Judge Patterson. [Editor’s Note: Robert Porter Patterson served as the last secretary of war, under appointment of President Harry S. Truman, from December 1945 to August 1947, when the Defense Department was created.180] Saw lots of friends and acquaintances (Wedemeyer, Ridgway, Larkin, Donovan, II Corps boys). Stopped by convent to see Leila. She is almost as fat as I am. Took Ethel and Bert to Army-Navy Club for dinner and then Leila & I took 2325 train for White Sulphur Springs. Weather prevented flying. Phoned Mrs. Truscott. 2 Arrived White Sulfur Springs 0645. Installed General Marshall— Eisenhower cottage (Topnotch). Saw General Johnny Wogan—General Homer Keiffer. Cold rain all day. Leila signed up for treatment. 3 Still rainy and cold. Phoned Ross.

242  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

4 Still rainy and cold. George phoned. Moved into main building to avoid walk up hill to cottage by Leila. 5 Sun finally came out. Spent afternoon at the golf club—watching. 6 Leila and I drove to Hot Springs for lunch. 7 Tuesday Bull arrived. Took last treatment on my neck. Phoned Lucy and Ben and Jack. 8 Dinner at the _______. Plane (C-45) for tomorrow arrived. 9 Flew to Providence—stops en route Washington–Newark–New London. Lunch with George Harrison. Gertrude had engagement. Ron met us at Providence. Les already at New York. Leila now a real flier! 10 Enjoyed loafing. Going to South Hamilton for lunch with Mrs. Patton tomorrow. 11 Leila, Les, Ron and I drove to Green Meadows. Lunch with Mrs. Patton, Mr. and Mrs. Ayer and Gracie Sprigg (WAC). The Codmans came in later. Mrs. Patton served us ham which she called “Drew Pearson—raised and slaughtered on the place.” Stopped in Providence and had dinner at the Hope Club. Rain. 12 Rain and fog all day. Flying tomorrow doubtful—may have to take the Colonial [train]. 13 Ron and Les drove us to Providence and Leila and I took off in a C-47 for Washington. A fine trip—about 2 hours. II Corps KT party at the Porters. The Willems—Lou Smiths—Chases—Honnicutts—etc etc there. Saw General Devers for 15–20 minutes in his office. He sure is sour on Clark. Spent the night in VIP apartment at Fort Myer. 14 Spent day in Pentagon. Saw Hull, Handy, GV Henry, Paul, Collins and others. Lunch with Hull—Handy—Collins. Arranged with Captain Humphreville re storage of furniture etc. Went to see Mrs. Truscott she looked and seemed fine. Took off in rain at 8:40 p.m. in a C-54E. Sure enjoyed my short visit home and hated to leave but hope it is only a matter of weeks till Leila joins me. 15 Arrived Bermuda 1:00 a.m., left at 2:30. Arrived Azores 1150 hours later. Stop over 1 hour 45 minutes. Arrived Paris (Orly Airport) 9 hours later. Trip uneventful—but monotonous. Quite smooth. 16 Arrived Paris about 0600. Left in local C-47 0730. Arrived Frankfurt 1hour 45 minutes. Checked in at USFET, drove to Heidelberg (Farrand met me) just in time to sit down to lunch with Swiss Mission. Spent afternoon and evening catching up on sleep. Flowers in yard beautiful—Parker says he counted 68 varieties in bloom! Went to see

The Occupation of Germany  243

Truscott before dinner. He appeared cheerful but didn’t look as good as when I last saw him. I suspect “parties” have had something to do with it. 17 Back on the job. Parker left after lunch. Bill Schmidt will be down tomorrow. 18 Schmidt arrived—came to dinner. Am busy getting data for talk with Harmon which he isn’t going to like but I must have a show down with him. 19 Major _______ son of _______ came to lunch with Wilbourn. Went to Stardust after dinner. 20 Flew to Regensburg—lunch with Clift Andrus181 1st Division; Flew to Bamberg—had a “lay it on the line” talk with Harmon. It was quite a shock to him but he took it well. While he will try to conform I don’t know how soon he will break out again. Schmidt takes over as COS from Carlton. 21 Jubilee mass and luncheon for Father Martin—very impressive. 22 Monthly conference at USFET. This month the Air Corps and World Broadcasting System (Paris) took the beating. 23 Decoration ceremony 24 Lunch and graduation ceremony at Officer’s school at Seckenheim. “Policy” talk to all Officers of 3rd Army HQ. Clift Andrus spent night en route home. 25 Weekly combined staff meeting. Drove to Stuttgart for dinner with Edwards and his Military Government staff. Later to Dr. Pollock’s birthday party and Fashion show. 26 Returned to Heidelberg. Reception for wives at the Schloss. A very fine affair. 27 Mass for WAC killed in accident last night in Mannheim. 28 Talked to assembled Officers of 3rd Army HQ on discipline and conduct. 29 Departed by train for Luxembourg—Gay, Maddox, Muller, Hopping, Nixon, and representatives of 1st, 3rd, and 9th Divisions and Constabulary—Also 4 WACs and 4 GI’s. Editor’s Note: With the consolidation of the Third and Seventh Armies, the Third Army consisted of three divisions—1st, 3rd, and 9th Infantry— and the US Constabulary.182 30 Ceremony at Hamm cemetery [Luxembourg]—Very impressive. Grand Duchess Charlotte and Prince Felix (and son) [Luxembourg]

244  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

were present and laid wreaths at the Flag pole and on General Patton’s grave. Returned to Heidelberg right after ceremony. 31 Attended Ceremony dedicating the Carl Schurz Bridge on the autobahn crossing the Neckar River. Heidelberg and Mannheim. Schmidt, Cole, and I went to see soldier show then Cole and I took train for Sandhofen. Editor’s Note: The Carl Schurz Bridge over the Neckar River, constructed at the instigation of General Keyes under the direction of the US Army Engineers, connected the autobahn between Frankfurt and Heidelberg, improving the connection between the USFET headquarters and the Third Army headquarters. Carl Schurz was born in Cologne, Germany, in 1829, immigrated to the United States, and served in the Union Army and as secretary of the interior.183 June 1946 Editor’s Note: On May 31, President Truman announced that “the shift from military to State Department civilian control in Germany would be made 1 June 1946.”184 1 Graduation Exercise at Constabulary School. A fine set up under Colonel Binns and Colonel Newton. The latter really organized it. After lunch Cole and Wilbourn and I drove to Garmisch while the WACs and GI went by train. The army commander’s villa at Garmisch is very pretentious and run by DP house keeper who under the Truscott-Carleton regime seems to be a member of the family. I told Colonel Dodge I agreed with him that she could be replaced. Saw another Ice Carnival and it was even better than one last February. 2 Poured all day. Rest of party went sightseeing, but I wrote letters, read, and slept. Left for Heidelberg at 1800 and once around the mountain the sun came out and trip was beautiful. 3 Returned to Heidelberg 4 Parker flew down re inactivation of 3rd Division. We now have to organize a colored infantry regiment. That is a potential source of serious trouble. 5 Crosby Lewis, former CIC [Combat Information Center] of II Corps came in to see me. Drove to Frankfurt saw McNarney assured him we’d do a good job on the colored regiment. Attended opening of WAC club in Heidelberg. Paulette Goddard [American actress] appeared after much heralding. She refused to visit Stardust Club if

The Occupation of Germany  245

6

7 8 9

10

11

12

13 14

15

Frauleins were not excluded. The GI’s declined to exclude the Frauleins just to see Paulette dash in and out! Holiday—Invasion Day! Flew to Wetzlar and spent several hours at the Leica plant getting my camera checked and instruction from Mr. Stoeckler, the Image & Exposure instructor. Picked up several good points. Another graduation exercise at officer’s school at Seckenheim. Had my picture taken at the Signal Photo Lab. Drove to Singenheim (?) for the Bolling wedding. Lots of newly arrived dependents present. Very sweet wedding. Flew to Bad Wildungen for lunch with Geoff at Parkers. Returned early to receive the Burress family and take them to the Molkenkur. The Burresses and Schmidts for dinner. A nice party. Wrote Leila about waiting for Jackie. Geoff’s birthday. Phoned him. Wired Ginge—Also wired Leila about waiting for Jackie. Know she is worrying over it. Went over to see Truscott. He was downstairs and is having a Despedida Wednesday night. After making plans to attend bridge ceremony at Cologne and return to Bamberg with Harmon, everything was upset by word that the whole McNarney family is coming to the Truscott party. I’ll have to put things up and have a dinner for them! Leaving after supper for Cologne—taking Willis Crittenberger jr with me. Started ground work on having Des assigned to Heidelberg. Gay phoned from Munich—Mrs Patton’s trip OK so far. Celebration at Cologne very fine. Met General Thomas185 (British) at his villa (owned by maker of Eau de Cologne) General, Mrs. & Miss Jo Anna McNarney also there. After ceremony we had lunch at villa and flew back to Heidelberg in McN’s plane. General & Mrs. Cecil Ray Moore (USFET Manpower) joined us. After dinner we all went to the Villa Reiner for the Truscott despedida which was really elaborate including opera stars from Prague, a Roman feast and fireworks. Rain so my trip to visit Harmon and Constabulary called off. Phoned Leila re waiting for Jackie. She says Jackie OK and insists on coming alone. Dinner at the Ritter as guests of Miss Rea ARC manager of the hotel. Truscott left on the train for Italy en route to Naples. Drove to Darmstadt to wedding of Miss Marjorie MacFadden ARC and Captain Smith. Geoff and Miss Margaret Binder ARC arrived from Homberg for the weekend. Went to the station and met the

246  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

American DP train. Mrs. Wilbourn and child arrived; the latter had been sick most of the trip. 16 Farewell luncheon for First Lieutenant Van Auken, about 8 WAC’s and their dates & Geoff and his ARC date. 17 Busy getting data lined up for monthly meeting at Frankfurt. Hopping gave farewell dinner for Farrand who is going home to be married. 18 Conference at Frankfurt. Outlook on DP question very gloomy— especially as regards Jews. Flew to Bamberg and spent night with Harmon—on his train en route to Weiden. Colonel Newton from Constabulary School and Chaplain Malumphey also in the party. 19 Inspected Constabulary at Weiden (Gay-Biddle) and at Kitzingen (Harrold-Beuchler). Troops look fine but I can’t enthuse too much over the yellow scarves. Flew back to Heidelberg. Editor’s Note: The US Constabulary uniform included “bright golden yellow scarves, combat boots with the smooth outer surface, and helmet liners bearing the Constabulary insignia and yellow and blue stripes.”186 20 Preparations for tomorrow’s conference. Parker arrived to spend the night. 21 Division Commanders Conference. Many matters straightened out. Milburn sick in Hospital. Hope he is not going to be permanently sick. Mrs. Patton and George arrived. Fine trip but tiring and trying. Nixon and Hays [Seventh Army staff officers] arrived but left before dinner. Mrs. Patton upset over location of the General’s grave and the fact that he doesn’t have a distinctive cross. She has the beginning of a cold. Geoff flew down to see Mrs. P and company. 22 Bad weather. Mrs. P really has a cold. Geoff returned to Homberg. 23 Still rainy. 24 Still rainy. George drove to Munich. 25 Henry Perrine stopped in. Carlos Brewer returned from the US. 26 Flew to Auerbach to visit the 6975th Provisional Colored Regiment. Progress reasonably satisfactory. Flew to Regensburg to see Milbourn still in Hospital (kidney trouble). The Schmidts, Carlos and Miss Rea (ARC) for dinner. Mrs. P better but still not too well. Had bad time flying back from Regensburg—had to come out almost at Darmstadt! 27 First really good day. Drove Mrs. P to Schwetzingen to inspect the ARC club Betsy Baird operates in some castle. Harmon came in to

The Occupation of Germany  247

discuss G-1 matters. He is really annoying at times. Always wants extras—like Truscott. Never willing to do the job with what they have. George and Hobey Gay returned from Munich. 28 Flew to Kassell in C-47. Took Mrs P, George and Hobey. While they went sightseeing with Nixon I inspected 30th Infantry, Engineer and Constabulary units and installations including a Hospital and DP camp (team No. 70 headed by a Negro). Colonel Long John Smith commands the Constabulary there [1st Constabulary Regiment]. Returned to Heidelberg about 1700. Went to G-2 party. 29 Periodic visit to Old H’berd (EM’s ARC Club). New director is Miss Barker. 30 Took the Patton party plus Geoff and Ken Russell on a cruise on the Rhine. Flew to Wiesbaden—drove to Assmannshausen—had lunch— boarded the Mainz—and had a wonderful trip past all the castles— Lorelei etc. and got back to Heidelberg about 1900. Captain Turner and Mrs Peter Petters Special Services. July 1946 1 Flew Mrs. P and boys to Munich and turned them over to Hap Gay. Inspected the famous Funk Kaserne DP camp—Jewish infiltrees. It was in good shape. Lunch with Hap. McBride accompanied me. Inspected the Art Treasures we are guarding—Rothschild jewel collection—Fabulous. Long conference with Mr. Whitney, our UNRRA man. Not sure he is very hot. Flew back to Heidelberg about 1900. Editor’s Note: By the middle of 1946, UNRRA and the military government were being overwhelmed by another group claiming their resources. Infiltrees, or post-hostilities refugees, were not strictly displaced persons, but were individuals arriving in the Western occupation zones of Germany after the war had ended. “They came for a variety of reasons: to escape postwar persecution in Eastern Europe (which was especially the case for many of the Jewish infiltrees), to avoid political persecution at the hands of the new Communist regime, or in search of opportunities for a better life elsewhere.” The majority of the infiltrees were Jewish, and a significant portion arrived in Munich.187 2 Flew to Frankfurt for a long talk with Bull. He says a Mr. Hershman, Fiorello LaGuardia’s [director-general of the UNRRA188] UNRRA representative who turned in such an unreliable report on DP affairs wondered if conditions were not due to fact that Truscott was no

248  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

longer at the helm in Bavaria. Bull assured him that I had had just as much experience as Truscott! Later Bull told me that Mickelson reported that I had a much better grasp and understanding than Truscott ever had and that everything was much better now! McMahan who was Truscott’s DP man and now is my G-5 says practically the same thing. The party of Editors and Publishers has been reduced to 6 because the others took off for Switzerland. That burns me up as we are soireeing my two Division Commanders plus my help and staff no end to put on a good show on July 4—supposedly a holiday. Editor’s Note: In June 1946, the Third Army published its “Operation Plan for Reorganization, Ground Forces, United States Zone, Germany,” which resulted in the US Constabulary assuming security and area control throughout the Third Army area. The 1st, 3rd, and 9th Infantry Divisions were relieved of area responsibility and border control.189 The 1st and 9th Divisions retained responsibility for internal security of static installations, such as DP assembly centers, POW enclosures, civilian internee camps, and DP detention camps. The 3rd Infantry Division was selected for deactivation on August 1, 1946, but due to its nature as an old Regular Army unit, it was returned to the United States at reduced strength for inclusion in the post-World War II army.190 3 Prepared for tomorrow’s press conference, my first in 44 months overseas! Drove to Frankfurt for Burress dinner at Cajuns Club. 4 The press conference came off very well. Mr Sulzberger (NY Times) the leading member claims close friendship with George Harrison [brother-in-law]. All seemed interested in our problems which involve the DP’s—Negroes—law & order. 6 Press Conference Frankfurt. Flew to Munich—train to Garmisch. 7 Rain—wash out. Ukraine concert. 8 Drove to Munich—Rain. Flew to Paris. Mrs. Patton, etc. Show. 9 Returned to Heidelberg. 10 7th Army Birthday. Murphy returned. General Morgan and Brown UNRRA. 11 Bull came for dinner. 12 Eschwege—DPs. 13 Flew to Erlangen. Conference with Harmon 14 Bastille Day. De Forceville party. 15 Rüsselsheim—Darmstadt—CI Camps.

The Occupation of Germany  249

Editor’s Note: CI (civilian internment) camps were used to hold civilians who were suspected of Nazi party membership while their fragenboden (questionnaires) were processed to determine their party status. The camps were often “grim places, often crowded and unsanitary, with ration allocations for inmates dropping to 900 calories per day—more serious for detainees than for the rest of the civil population.”191 16 Des and Laddie O’Hare in. Constabulary Party. Left by train at 2200. 17 Inspected Bad Hersfeld—Fulda—Hammelburg [refugee camps]. Returned by train. 18 Czech mission—3 Generals. House being painted. Murphy reports stuff taken out of villa. Sent for Thys. 19 Harmon on new plan. 20 Flew to Munich with Pink Bull. Inspected Funk Kaserne [UNRRA DP Emigration and Repatriation Center in Munich] processing center and Dachau [refugee camp]. Colonel Fainster. Train to Garmisch. 21 Rain—Lunch at See. 22 Train to Munich. Plane to Heidelberg—Telephone call from LHK— sailing 23rd on USAT Holbrook. Telephoned Thys. 23 Worked on Conference for tomorrow. Dinner Schloss. 24 Conference Frankfurt—USFET recommends to WD that 3rd Army remain indefinitely. Dinner WAC B mess. Murphy uncovered pilfering. 25 The MacBrides came up for the night. Dinner party MacB’s— Schmidt’s—Martins de Fouevilles—Carlos Brewer. Jews riot at Wolfratshausen. Editor’s Note: Foehrenwald, a major DP camp in the American zone located southwest of Munich at Wolfratshausen, was among the largest and most significant of the Jewish DP installations. Its structures, originally built in 1939 to house employees of IG Farben, were converted into a camp for Jewish refugees in June 1945. The Foehrenwald residents lived in small but solid, centrally heated homes that had been evacuated by their German inhabitants. The residents of Foehrenwald quickly became a forceful refugee voice, and staged mass protests, particularly against the British captures of Zionist underground operatives in Palestine.192 26 Murphy more black market—more Jewish incidents. Left by train for Berchtesgaden 27 Left train at Munich and inspected Jewish camp at Wolfratshausen. Camp OK but hostile attitude—believe UNRRA Director Zirman is

250  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

responsible for much of it. Inspected 39th Infantry Regiment (Paddy Flint’s old Regiment of the 9th Division) at Bad Tölz and the 2nd Regiment (Constabulary). Reached Berchtesgaden in time for dinner. Colonel Craft doing good job. 28 High mass 830–10:00! Lunch on the Koenigssee. Flying trip to Salzburg. August 1946 1 Flew to Augsburg for 9th Division Anniversary ceremonies. Pink Bull, Carlos Brewer and Des went with me. C-47 blew a tire at Mannheim so we went by L-5. After lunch we flew to Kaufbeuren for part of ceremony of 47th Infantry Regiment (Lieutenant Colonel Ward). Home by C-47. Then 3rd Army 2nd Anniversary of landing in Normandy Dinner. Murphy to Bremerhaven to meet Leila. USAT Holbrook due tomorrow. Hayes left for Constabulary. He assures me he has left ample instructions for his successor to keep us going! 2 Geoff took off for Regensburg and the 1st Division. Some doubt as to arrival of the Holbrook. Still compiling notes on my Rapido crossing statement. Editor’s Note: Since the Rapido River Crossing congressional hearings were held in January 1946, it is unclear why Keyes is compiling notes for a Rapido crossing statement. 3 USAT Holbrook arrived but passengers will debark tomorrow. Talked to Leila on phone—sounded fine—trip long. Thank goodness they are here. Leigh-Forsythe wedding. Carlos Brewer to dinner then we went to Stardust to say goodbye to Lieutenant Bailey who has run the place so well. 4 The Belgian from the club spent all afternoon decorating the house with beautiful flowers—roses, carnations, gladiolas—never have seen so many. Train finally arrived 2342. Big and gay crowd at the station. Both Leilas looked like million dollars. Trip long. Both pleased with the house and grateful to Murphy for helping on the train. Des and Freeland with me at the train. 5 Weather still fine and Leila still enjoying the rough life in the ET [European Theater]. Radio and Stars & Stripes announced Huebner’s arrival to relieve Bull [COS, USFET]. Talked to them on the phone. Sorry to see Bull go but think he is right in going. Should get

The Occupation of Germany  251

along ok with Huebner. The final review of the Landsberg Trials (19 Jews) announced. Parker thanked me for 3rd Division letter. 6 So far no reaction from the Jews but I suspect it will come later. Recorded for “Salute to the Third Division.” Long conference with Count Archibald Keyserling, Admiral of the Latvian Navy [1919– 1931]! Also one with Ex GI who is fighting deportation for inefficiency and irregularities concerning billeting and messing of Frauleins. He insists he wants to marry her. 7 Flew to Regensburg to see Milburn who is sill in hospital. Bull phoned to confirm my hunch that we are to get from 60,000 to 100,000 additional Jews in the next 4–6 months. Glad I had already. Still working over the Rapido reply. 8 Rabbi Bernstein phoned for an appointment for tomorrow. This am’s SOS says Jumbo Wilson took all responsibility for ordering the Second Corps to “the costly Rapido River crossing” I wonder if Clark would have done the same? Leila and I drove to Kronberg to a KT party given by Pink Bull for Huebner at the Cogens Club. 9 Rabbi Bernstein spent 2 hours discussing the Jewish problem—says 60,000 Jews are poised to move out of Eastern Europe and that we will get bulk of them in next 6–8 weeks. Later another 40,000 will follow. Said he was optimistic over the Palestine problem. Seemed to view the matter reasonably but naturally with a Jewish slant. Editor’s Note: “By August, USFET warned UNRRA to expect sixty thousand more infiltrees before the end of October and an additional forty thousand between October and July 1947.” With the onset of winter, accommodations for the infiltrees would be inadequate, especially since there were an addition forty thousand free-living DPs already present and living outside the camps. UNRRA warned the Third Army that it would no longer accept responsibility for such an uncontrolled situation.193 10 Talked to Nixon ref. giving him a job. Drove with both Leilas to Darmstadt to give Gordon Allen the watch his mother sent over by Leila. Leila & I went to a WAC KT party. We are flying to Nuremberg to the ET-MT [European Theater—Mediterranean Theater] track meet tomorrow. 11 Rainy. Flew in C-47 to track meet at Nuremberg. Both Leilas, Barbara Sillimon, WAC Sergeant Skang, Murphy, Freeland, and Des and 2 drivers. Fine trip and fine meet: ET 132—MT 12(?).

Cadet Geoffrey Keyes at West Point, 1913. (Keyes Family Archive)

Keyes family. Left to right: General Keyes, Jacqueline, Mrs. Leila Keyes, Leila (in front), Virginia, George L. Harrison (Mrs. Keyes’s brother), Leslie, and Geoffrey B. Keyes. (Keyes Family Archive)

Aboard the USS Monrovia, bound for Sicily, Lieutenant General George S. Patton Jr. and Brigadier General Hap Gray unfurl the new Seventh Army flag while Major General Geoffrey Keyes folds the I Armored Corps flag. (Catalog Number: 111-SC 189376, National Archives and Records Administration)

General Giuseppe Molinero (right), the commanding officer in Palermo, Sicily, surrendering the city to General Geoffrey Keyes of the US Army on July 22, 1943. (Photograph by Robert Capa, The Robert Capa and Cornell Capa Archive, Gift of Cornell and Edith Capa, 1992)

Following the fall of Sicily. First row, left to right: Generals George S. Patton Jr., Dwight D. Eisenhower, and Bernard Montgomery (British). Second row, left to right: General Omar Bradley, unknown generals, Major General Geoffrey Keyes, and unknown British general. (Keyes Family Archive)

Generals George S. Patton and Geoffrey Keyes Jr. in Italy in the winter of 1943. (Keyes Family Archive)

The War Room. II Corps forward at Presenzano, Italy, in January 1944. (Illustration by W. E. Burn, Holsinger Family Archive)

Generals Geoffrey Keyes, Angus Lyell Collier (British), and Alphonse Juin (French) in Pompeii on April 22, 1944. (U.S. War Department photograph, photographer unknown)

Field Marshal Sir R. L. G. Alexander, commanding Allied armies in Italy, pins the ribbon of the Honorary Companion of the Order of the Bath on Major General Geoffrey Keyes, commanding II Corps, on June 8, 1944. (U.S. Army Signal Corps photograph [Thomas])

Major General Geoffrey Keyes and II Corps staff at the Vatican on June 10, 1944. (Holsinger Family Archive)

Major General Geoffrey Keyes congratulating Colonel James W. Holsinger on August 26, 1944, on receiving the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious performance of outstanding services from November 18, 1943, to June 11, 1944. (Official US Army photograph, Holsinger Family Archive)

Keyes and II Corps general staff in Bassano, Italy, on May 3, 1945. Left to right: Colonel Beverly E. Powell (G-1), Colonel Brendan McKay Greeley (G-2), Brigadier General John W. Willems (chief of staff), Lieutenant General Keyes, Colonel Robert W. Porter (deputy chief of staff), Colonel Ralph J. Butchers (G-3), and Colonel James W. Holsinger (G-4). (Official US Army photograph, Holsinger Family Archive)

Arrival of Mrs. Keyes at Heidelberg, Germany, on August 4, 1946. (U.S. Army Signal Corps photograph, National Archives Still Picture Branch)

Lieutenant General and Mrs. Keyes in Germany in 1946. (Keyes Family Archive)

General Mark W. Clark and Lieutenant General Geoffrey Keyes (right) salute the American flag during the April 26, 1947, ceremony honoring General Clark upon his return to Vienna from Moscow, where he attended the Moscow peace conference. (U.S. Army Signal Corps photograph #USFA-47-1433 [Olomoto])

Lieutenant General Geoffrey Keyes and Lieutenant General Vladimir P. Sviridov, the newly appointed Soviet high commissioner to Austria, on May 11, 1949. (American ISB staff photograph [Grifasi])

Lieutenant General Geoffrey Keyes departing Austria on September 19, 1950. (U.S. Army Signal Corps photograph, photographer unknown)

President Harry S. Truman congratulating Lieutenant General Geoffrey Keyes on October 30, 1950, following his retirement as American high commissioner in Austria and as the commanding general of US Forces Austria. Looking on is General J. Lawton Collins, US Army chief of staff. (INP photograph [Al Muto])

Brigadier General James W. Holsinger laying a wreath on the grave of General George S. Patton Jr. on December 21, 1959. (Official US Army photograph, Holsinger Family Archive)

252  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

12 Bull phoned to put the brakes on turning over the CI’s to the Germans. Wonder what Clay has to say now! Another tempest over delays in bringing to trial GI’s and ex GI’s. Thank goodness it is in USFET and not Third Army. Have constantly harped on that. Malitch took Leilas sightseeing. 13 J. Lawton Collins194 due for visit—of course USFET brings him here on a holiday—Saturday! Have asked for Nixon for G-4. Had him in yesterday and laid it on the line ref. liquor, cooperation, etc. Malitch came to dinner and we all went to the Stardust Club afterwards. 14 Monthly conference at Frankfurt. McNarney really complimented 3rd Army! Everyone aroused to the urgency of the DP problem. Lunch with Bull and Huebner. Bull leaving within a few days. Will certainly miss him. Don’t believe Huebner is as flexible minded. Geoff spent night with us—will be stationed at Karlsruhe. 15 Monthly ceremony and award of decorations—including General Burton Andrus (LOM). Burton, Katherine and Muffy came to dinner. 16 Monthly conference of Division and Constabulary commanders. Major George Fielding Elliot, Military Expert [military correspondent and analyst for the New York Herald Tribune and Columbia Broadcasting System195] came for interview under USFET authority. Grace Moore [American operatic soprano] concert. The Leilas & Miss Rea and the Halsteads leaving by train for Garmisch. Carlos Brewer and I will join them by plane tomorrow. 17 Joe Collins gave us an interesting talk on Public information, I&E [inspiration and encouragement] etc. After lunch Carlos Brewer and I flew to Bad Tolz and then drove to Garmisch. The rest of the party arrived midafternoon. The Gays drove over from Munich. Gala dinner at the Post Hotel by Colonel & Mrs. Dodd. McNarney party also present. The opening of Casa Carioca a huge success. Open air with floor show on ice. 18 Lunch at Eibsee then a ride around the lake in speed boats. First good weather experienced at Garmisch. Started back by train at 2330. A fine weekend. 19 Arrived Heidelberg 0700. Had conference with Mr. John H. Whiting our UNRRA director. Apparently LaGuardia made an ass of himself at Geneva and antagonized everyone but the Russians. 20 General William H. Arnold196 (Deputy in OPD) visited us and he and Parker stayed for lunch. Parker is to relieve Burress as IG of USFET and Burress becomes G2 that puts 3 of Seventh Army in the senior

The Occupation of Germany  253

council which helps! Apparently Sibert got the boot [reassigned to the Office of the Secretary of the Army197]. Addressed a conference on GYA (German Youth Activities). Des came to dinner and then we all went to the Stardust Club. 21 New USFET WAC director (Lieutenant Colonel Kathleen McClure) called. Situation in MT [Mediterranean Theater] getting tense over Jugoslavians shooting down our C-47’s. Am still drafting statement on the Rapido affair. LaGuardia forced General Morgan out. Editor’s Note: “Tension between the U.S. and Yugoslavia rapidly reached a breaking point. Early in 1946 disputes between the two countries became more bitter. Tito claimed that scores of unauthorized Allied flights violated Yugoslav airspace daily. Although he protested, nothing was done. He retaliated by forcing the closing of commercial air service to American government representatives in Yugoslavia. In August, 1946, the crisis was reached. The Yugoslavs forced down two U.S. aircraft over Yugoslavia within a space of ten days. The passengers and crew of the first plane were secretly interned by the Yugoslav government. The second plane was destroyed and its crew killed. The U.S. was outraged and sent an ultimatum to the Yugoslav government, demanding the release of the Americans in custody, U.S. access to the downed planes, and full investigation of the incidents. Before the 48-hour deadline was reached, the Yugoslavs had fulfilled all the requests. Each country blamed the other for the incidents, and each had its own accounts of the action.”198 22 According to Stars & Stripes, McNarney answered LaGuardia’s allegations very sharply and pointedly. Mickelson came to lunch. He was very complimentary on our handling of the DP’s. New 3rd Army surgeon reported. 23 Attended McNarney’s conference and luncheon with the Jewish representatives including Rabbi Wise, Dr. Goulmand and Rabbi Bernstein and several others from US. They are very shrewd and smooth. McNarney did a fine job re questions of Jewish Central Committee and use of German police. Dinner at the Bixel’s. Leila and I talked to Les by phone. She leaves the 27th. 24 Worked on my speech in French. Attended McClure-Morrison wedding. (ARC-Judge Advocate Department). Left by train for Paris for the dedication ceremony at Saint Symphorien tomorrow. 25 Arr Paris about 945—Tate met me and we went to mass at St. Joseph’s Ave Hoche. Then KT and lunch at the Prince of Wales Hotel

254  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

(Army Billets) Codmans joined us, Young Warner McCabe is Tate’s aide. The ambassador (Caffrey) at last minute decided to attend so whole schedule was disrupted—we arrived late—nearly drowned out—lunch at Ecremont Chateau of de Rochefoucauld. Drove madly to Fargeau—ceremony over but we had a drink and shook hands. General Juin made a fine speech at St. Symphorien. Spoke very highly of General Patton and said I had told him in Italy to watch General P! Also that I was General P’s friend. He seemed awfully glad to see me and urged me to stay over a day. We rushed back to Paris boarded the train and left about 2000. Our color guard was a knockout. Farrand 3rd Army, Reed Constabulary, Nultey 1st Division, Hughes 9th Division, Richardson 3rd Army, Fletcher commander of detachment and Murphy went with me. Editor’s Note: The Liberty Road was created by the French as a memorial to the Allied forces that liberated France after D-Day. The 1,146-kilometer route from Sainte-Mere-Eglise, France, to Bastogne, Belgium, is marked by a “Borne” and follows the route taken by General George S. Patton Jr. It was inaugurated on August 25, 1946, at it mid-point, Sainte-Symphorien.199 26 Arrived Heidelberg 1200. I & E skit by USFET. Yesterday Caffrey told me the tension over the Jugoslavians had subsided. 27 Frankfurt—Lunch for Bull 28 Depart by train for Berchtesgaden—the 2 Leilas, Des, Cynthia Burress, Murphy, Freeland and Howe. 29 Beautiful day at Berchtesgaden—Eagles Nest—Koenigssee. Drove to Salzburg and were put up at Schloss Klessheim. The Ralph Tates and General Bethouart and Countess somebody also there. Guard of honor by Collins (Rolfe) in Mozart Place. Opera Marriage of Figaro—Good but too long. We sat in Clark’s (formerly my) box! Saw Baron Puthon afterwards. Dinner at 10:30 p.m. 30 Drove around lakes—Fuschl—St Wolfgang—Traunsee. Lunch at Swan Hotel Gmunden. (Captain Hicks) Returned about 3 p.m.—KT at the Brown House (my former villa) by Collins. Lots of old friends. General Bethouart informed me the Countess is not his wife but will be in a few weeks! He gave me some dope on the Moroccan invasion and how Nogues and Michelier wouldn’t believe the Americans were coming in force. Drove to Berchtesgaden and entrained for Nuremberg. Everyone including EM’s and WAC’s had a fine time.

The Occupation of Germany  255

31 Arrived Nuremberg about 0800. Attended morning session of the war crimes trials—final session—each defendant given 15 min. Hess took 23. Very dramatic session. Left by train 1400 arrived Heidelberg 1930. Editor’s Note: On August 31, 1946, each of the defendants of the Nuremburg War Crimes Trials made a final statement prior to the deliberation of the judges, which occurred over the next thirty days until the judgment was handed down on September 30, 1946.200 September 1946 1 Mass at the WAC chapel. After lunch Leila and I drove to Karlsruhe to see Geoff. 2 Labor Day. Spent most of the day putting pictures in my new album Mrs. Patton sent me. Leila and I started for Schwetzingen but Cadillac broke down. 3 New ruling on men for the train. Murphy getting the details. Hope it won’t stop our trips. Cephalco the station magician came to see me about the Stardust Club. Spoke to the 3rd Army civilian personnel. 4 Harmon came over for conference. Stayed for lunch. Colonel Hardy Hill formerly of VI Corps in Italy is to be my new Artillery Officer. Colonel Hardy is to replace Marvin as Engineer Officer. 5 General Richard came to lunch. He is USFET Provost Marshal. Making arrangements for the execution of the war criminals. Thinks about 15 of the 22 will be executed. Reception at the Seblars Hotel for recent dependents. Schmidts and ourselves received plans for Berlin trip starting from Stuttgart tomorrow after luncheon and speech by Mr. Byrnes [secretary of state] . Finally finished my Rapido River statement but haven’t submitted it as yet. Sent Clark a copy but no reaction so far. Editor’s Note: Secretary of State James F. Byrnes delivered a major address in Stuttgart as a result of a lengthy cable from General Clay outlining the current situation in Germany, in which he called for the reestablishment of the German state. He stated that if a four-power agreement could not be reached, then a bizonal (British and American) organization could be self-sustaining within a few years.201 Brynes explicitly reiterated the American determination to demilitarize and denazify Germany. “He pointed out that it was timely for the German people to have self-government and the opportunity to earn their living.” The United States desired

256  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

a unified Germany and invited the other zones to join in developing economic unification in order to provide greater opportunity for the German people. Secretary Brynes stated: “The American people want to help the German people to win their way back to an honorable place among the free and peace-loving nations of the world.” Thus the punitive tone of JCS 1067 was replaced by a constructive purpose for the occupation.202 6 Both Leilas, Murphy and I drove to Stuttgart to attend the ceremony and luncheon in connection with Mr. Byrnes historic speech. All the military and Military Government dignitaries as well as Germans were present. A big show. Speech was a clear statement for the Russians, Poles, French and Germans to hear. It was also a clear bid to the Germans to stick with us. At lunch saw Mr. and Mrs. Mayer of Casablanca and Rabat days. The McBrides and Burresses joined us and we got on the train at Kornwestheim and started for Berlin—stopped at Heidelberg to pick up Mary Beem, Hank and the WAC’s and GI’s. 7 Arrived Berlin about 0830. Bolling, Ryan and McDunkel with cars, guides, etc. Beautiful day. Billeted at Wannsee Hotel on the lake. Went sightseeing till lunch. After lunch went to the stadium for the trial heats. Wonderful setting. Dinner guests of the Ryans at the Officer’s Club. Former Eisenhower villa where I spent the night last fall. Party like old home week. Russians won’t say whether they will participate in the track meet or not—very embarrassing. Editor’s Note: On several occasions four-power track meets were scheduled, with the Soviets withdrawing at the last minute.203 8 Mass in the Military Government area. The Commanders buffet luncheon. All nationalities. Grand convoy to the stadium. Games opened with lots of pomp. We sat in the Hitter box. Events well run and we (US) did very well. The Czech 5000m runner stole the show lapping entire field once and others twice to win in 14 min 34 sec within 9 secs of Olympic record. Russians not only didn’t compete but also failed to send their share of the Guard of Honor! McNarney leaving tomorrow for a 5 day visit in Italy. We got back on the train and left for home at 1900. A fine day in every respect. 9 Arrived Heidelberg about 1100. Raining. Not much happened officially over the weekend. USFET plan now is for 9th Division and Constabulary HQs to phase out next April. Trip cost $40 (most of it was hotel bill in Berlin)

The Occupation of Germany  257

10 Strikes at home serious. No further details on reduction of our strength here. Trip to Frankfurt postponed until tomorrow. Colonel Hardy Hill (Lucas G-3) reported for duty. 11 Flew to Frankfurt. Lunch with the Huebners. Hueb says everyone says I have a fine staff! (He should have seen the II Corps staff in action). 12 Drove to Mayence [Mainz] for General de Monsabert’s farewell review of his 3rd DIA. It was fine and I was the only foreign VIP which was flattering. General Koenig was very cordial as always—saw many old friends. General Sevez,204 Dubizier, also Schuler and Durand of my class at the École de Guerre. (General Koenig says Brynes speech OK except we are pardoning the Germans too soon. I agree but we may be forced into it.) Returned after lunch. General de Monsabert seemed genuinely pleased to have me there. He is very sad at leaving. Leila’s first dinner party at the Villa—a nice crowd—a nice time. 13 AFN [Armed Forces Network] says General Eisenhower will attend the Nuremburg trials on the 23rd to hear the sentencing! I declined my tickets—will go if ordered. 14 Leila and I attended the opening of the Heidelberg Radio Studio at the Stadt Theater. Later we visited the Heidelberg Red Cross Club. Leila jr laid up with croup or something similar. Plan shaping up for de Monsaberts visit and also Ike’s if he comes. New currency plan announced. Editor’s Note: Due to the difficulties inherent with both the western Allies and the Soviets printing Allied military currency and its cost to the United States, the American position on currency reform was based on solely printing the new currency in the American sector of Berlin. In doing so, the United Stated offered to turn the currency-printing establishment into an enclave under the direct control of the ACC. This offer was rejected by the Soviets.205 The plan for developing currency reform was proposed by a commission composed of two American economists (Gerhardt Colm and Raymond M. Goldsmith) and Joseph Dodge, president of the National Bank of Detroit, financial advisor to General Clay. The C-D-G Report called for the reestablishment of the German economy by devaluation of the total money supply to 10 percent of its face value; second, mortgage of 50 percent on all property in land and goods, and the establishment of a war loss equalization fund; and third, a graduated capital equity. The plan indicated a change in American policy in that it created the conditions for German economic viability.206

258  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

15 A year ago today I attended 12th Armored Division ceremony at Heidenheim—Hank Holbrook. Leila jr still laid up—reports loss of three pairs of shoes! Huebner again brought up plan of 3rd Army remaining and constabulary HQ phasing out. Geoff came for lunch and spent the night. White says verdict and sentences in the Nuremburg trials to be announced September 24 instead of 23rd. 16 Secretary Wallace’s speech has everyone in a turmoil. Sentences at Nuremburg postponed till the 30th. Visited the Officer’s School at Seckenheim—shows continued improvement. Editor’s Note: Following serving as vice president, Henry A. Wallace was appointed secretary of commerce. He resigned following a controversial speech in which he advocated a more sympathetic understanding of the Soviet Union.207 17 Flew to Munich—lunch with Gays. Upon return CofS reported that McNarney had disapproved his staff’s recommendations and the 3rd Army will phase out 1 July 47. Can’t understand how both Bull and Huebner could on their own be so convinced of desirability of retaining 3rd Army and NcNarney so opposed. Miss Hodge special services called re Officer’s Mess privileges. 18 Monthly conference at Frankfurt—rather dull meeting except McNarney announced the plan for phasing out in 3 steps Dec 1, Feb 1, and July 1. Can’t understand how McNarney never calls me in for a preliminary discussion or to give me advance notice on such major matters. Clay touchy again on his personnel. 19 Monthly ceremony of Headquarters Commander’s award of drivers’ certificates. Malitch leaving today for USA. 20 Senior commanders’ conference. Informed them of the new phasing out plan which came in this a.m. from USFET. Although here today for first time, General Frank William Milburn208 has been in command of 1st Division since about June 1st. Harmon says he is planning to go home next June and possibly retire. I doubt it very much. Wedding at the Schmidts (Rising-Carey). 21 Leila jr’s birthday and birthday party. Despedida for the Norrises (Secretary General Staff). President asked Wallace for his resignation overdue but better late than never. 22 Beautiful day. Took in the country fair at the Red Cross Club.

The Occupation of Germany  259

23 Another good day. Hope and pray for one tomorrow. White phoned Ike won’t have time to visit any place but Frankfurt and Berlin (and of course England and Scotland) 24 Ceremonies etc for General de Monsabert a huge success. Threatening weather finally cleared. The General and Mme very touched and flattered. I forgot a word in my French speech which was passed off with a laugh by everyone. The Ballet at Schwetzingen fine. Mme de Monsabert very bitter at de Lattre for retiring de Monsabert—says it is jealousy. 25 Kodachrome prints returned from Eastman. Required 3 weeks. Yesterday Stars & Stripes reported “Love Nests” in Heidelberg. 26 Flew to Regensburg in C-47 then Darmstadt in L-5 to inspect 16th Infantry Regiment (Colonel John Heter) and the Jewish transient camp. Des telephoned Jackie—Letter from Ginge, all ok. 27 Almost solid week of perfect weather. Cable from Les from China, arrived safely. 28 Frankfurt—lunch and briefing for Eisenhower—looks fine—very affable. Not a simple personal note! As far as I can see he won’t see any troops except the guards of honor at Frankfurt and Berlin! 29 Perfect weather continues. (Indian summer). 1st football game today—3rd Army won over 47th Infantry Regiment, 20-0. Ray and Miriam Marsh came to dinner. He is stationed near Frankfurt. 30 IMT [International Military Tribunal] closing out—judges summed up today and will complete verdict and sentences tomorrow. Don’t know any VIPs who are attending. I declined my seat. Geoff still at Karlsruhe but is returning to Regensburg tomorrow. Dinner at the Ritter with Miss Rae (ARC). October 1946 1 Verdicts and sentences announced. Hjalmar Schacht, Franz Von Papen and Hans Fritzsche not guilty—Karl Dönitz 10 years. Erich Raeder life. Wilhelm Keitel and Alfred Jodl to be hanged along with 9 others. The 3 acquitted remained in our custody for fear of Germans and no place to go. Russian judge dissented on acquittals and some sentences. 2 Great difference of opinion on verdicts and sentences. The 3 acquitted still with us. I issued orders that they are to be protected as long as under our jurisdiction. The Jews moving from Landshut transient camp to Badenhausen refused to get off the train yesterday because they

260  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

3

4

5

6

7

didn’t like the looks of the new camp. Had been told they were to get nice houses of Germans. By today most of first train load had gotten off but 2nd train arrived and something happened. I drove up there with Henry Perrine209 and talked to them and inspected their camp which is all that we have promised or can provide. All but 30 out of 1000 left the train and went into camp. Jewish representatives agreed Army was ok but that their own advisers were to blame. Dorsey 2 years old today. Up to our necks in plans for Ike’s return visit. This time he wants (or someone wants him) to see some troops and a Rest Center. Murphy sick. Last night we had a birthday cake dinner for Deems and Howe. 26 years old today. Stars & Stripes says I smelled a DP riot! Inspected the Salis Commissary. GI party at the Schloss. Left at 2300 by train for Garmisch. The Schmidts, Miller, Whites, and Barbara Fallon ARC were the non-family guests—6 WAC’s + 5 GI’s. Monsignor Carroll and his brother Father Carroll stopped in for a couple of hours en route to Frankfurt–Berne–Paris from the Vatican. Arrived Garmisch—weather dubious. Visited Riessersee [Lake] in a.m. After lunch Bill Schmidt and I flew to Bad Tölz for 3rd Army vs 39th Infantry Regiment football game. 39th won deservedly. Had to drive back to Garmisch—bad weather. Meantime remainder of party went to Oberammergan to shop for wood carvings. After dinner we all went to Post Hotel and another Officer’s club. The Casa Carioca was closed because of rain. Mass at 58th General Hospital. Leila got a dizzy spell but recovered in time for lunch at Eibsee. Bad day for Cadillac driver—scraped a tree and ran over a dog. Whole party visited Linderhof Castle. After dinner we boarded train and started for Heidelberg—fine trip except for weather. Schacht and Fritsche were released for night and are in Nuremberg preparing defense against arrest by Germans. Von Papen still in jail (free to leave) waiting action on his request for entry into British Zone. French refused him. Drove to Baden Baden for General de Monsabert farewell party. General and Mrs. Juin there from Paris. A fine dinner followed by some Tableaux Vivants and then a supper dance. We left after 1 a.m. and were first to go. General Juin very cordial as usual. General de Monsabert presented me with Vol. 1 of history the 3rd DIA; a beautiful job. I got copy No. 7 of the super de luxe edition. The de Monsaberts very happy as he received his 5th star and the Medaille Militaire. Thus he remains on the active list another year but not in command.

The Occupation of Germany  261

8

Weather continues bad. Von Papen still our guest at Nuremberg. Ike’s plans changed—he will not visit Garmisch. 9 Several visitors. The Oberburgermeister of Heidelberg to pay his respects and present me with 4 beautiful etchings of the Schloss over 100 years old. Miss McNamara—ARC. She was attached to II Corps in Italy in charge of distribution of clothing to the war refugees. General Dalbey210 en route to 1st Division. I told him why no one wanted or at least hesitated to take him. Claims his relief from Berlin was purely routine! Went to opening of EM lounge and bar at Patton Barracks. 10 Geoff’s temporary promotion to First Lieutenant per SO 244 HQ 3rd Army 9 Oct 46. Unpacked some of the boxes returned from US. My best overcoat and lining to my trench coat must be in box in storage. Allied Control Council refused clemency to the Nazis. 11 Graduation of Company Grade officers at Seckenheim; whole plant shows steady improvement. Flew over Darmstadt CIE [Civilian Internment Enclosure] 91 and the Jewish camp at Badenhausen. Both calm and quiet. The riot at 91 last night was merely tearing up some fence ports for fuel! Beautiful day. 12 Continued fine weather. Editors and Publishers to arrive this p.m. Dinner at Schloss Hotel. Football game—fair. 13 Dinner and Stardust party for Editors was apparently successful. McNarney phoned me at 10:00 that Eisenhower was arriving 24 hours early—could we set up our schedule—of course we could so I alerted all concerned. Left by train at 2200. General Stilwell211 died. 14 A beautiful day. Everything went off well. The Eisenhowers—McNarneys arrived by train. Review of Constabulary. Briefing and lunch and exports exhibit by Military Government. 2 DP camps (McBride). Drove to Tegernsee and spent night in Ammen House as the Gays’ guests. After dinner Ike made some amazing statements. He practically accused Devers of lying to him re replacements in Italy. Apparently they are not buddies. He also said that he had tried to bring Truscott to the ET but “they wouldn’t release him in Italy.” McNarney said “He was in the ET, he came in in the southern landing.” Ike said, yes but I wanted to keep him for the 15th Army but got a letter from Marshall asking me to release him for the 5th Army as there was no one down there for that job I had to let him go!!! That doesn’t sound like Clark’s story at the time or Churchill’s letter that Clark showed me. He also spoke very glowingly of Simpson which surprises me. He apparently is suffering from bursitis in his left shoulder.

262  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

15 The review and inspection of Bad Tolz was excellent although weather not good. The VIP party left by train at 1130 for Salzburg. After some 30 hours with him in my area and after seeing my troops and installations the only personal remark he made was as he said goodbye was to the effect that things looked ok!!! However McNarney never even said that much! Both Leila’s and I went back to Tergensee had lunch and supper with the Gays and took the train for Heidelberg. Geoff came down from Regensburg for the afternoon. Shrimp Milburn says Geoff is doing fine. On train we heard the final World Series game; St. Louis Cardinals 4, Boston Red Sox 3. 16 Morning broadcast announced and described the execution of the Nazis condemned by IMT at Nurnberg. Goering committed suicide by poison 2.5 hours before hour of execution. The other 10 were hanged between 0130 and 0300. Editor’s Note: Those individuals executed included Hans Frank (governor-general of Poland), Wilhelm Frick (Reich protector of BohemiaMoravia), Julius Streicher (founder and editor of the anti-Semitic weekly newspaper Der Stürmer), Alfred Rosenberg (Reichsminister for Occupied Eastern Territories), Ernst Kaltenbrunner (responsible for exterminating European Jewry, 1943–1945), Joachim von Ribbentrop (minister of foreign affairs), Fritz Sauckel (chief commissioner for utilization of manpower), General Alfred Jodl (chief of operations of the Oberkommando der Wehrmacht [OKW; Armed Forces High Command], Field Marshal Wilhelm Keitel (head of OKW), and Arthur Seyss-Inquart (Reichskommissar of the occupied Netherlands).212 17 Spent entire day at Frankfurt. Regular monthly meeting in a.m. Lunch for Eisenhower. McNarney’s press conference. Ike didn’t know the Army Commendation Ribbon was authorized! The recent change balls things up. Long talk with Huebner. Not a word from Ike or McNarney about our show at Munich and Bad Tolz! 18 Monthly retreat formation—Awards of decorations. 19 Another wedding. Ex WAC and a Major Fritz QMC [Quartermaster Corps]. Anniversary at the Stardust club—a fine show. Lieutenant Johnson my train commander promoted to Captain. Flew to Bad Mergentheim (65th Signal Battalion, a Constabulary Platoon and a PW Hospital) was looking for Robert Dwan but he evidently has gone elsewhere. 20 Nothing special

The Occupation of Germany  263

21 Harmons, Milburns, McBrides, and Townsley came to dinner. 22 Monthly conference of Division and Constabulary Commanders meeting. Townsley has big ideas—may be a problem. 23 Took a steam bath treatment—6 baths and a rub down! 24 4 years ago today we sailed from Newport News on the USS Augusta. Drove to Schwetzingen inspected 15th Constabulary Regiment. Leila upset over possible further delay of Jackie. 25 Another bath treatment—visited 3rd Army school and 3517th Ordnance Company. Left for Chiemsee—Huebners and Samuels. 26 A beautiful day—Train stopped at Prien am Chiemsee and we took a boat across the lake to Ludwig’s large castle (1876–88) a gorgeous imitation of Versailles. Had lunch at the 3rd Army Rest Center and boarded train at 4 p.m. and proceeded to Berchtesgaden—a fine dinner party and the Bavarian shows. Huebner and I visited the GI night club. 27 After mass we did the Eagles Nest (my 8th time!). Had lunch at Koenigssee and a tour of Salzburg including Heilbrunn castle where some archbishop built a whole series of exhibits operated by the water of the many springs. A marvelous exhibition of mechanized toys and strange humor as the guests were always subject to surprise sprinkling from a concealed jet! Left by train at 2200. Long talk with Huebner who still feels that the 3rd Army should be retained in the set up. 28 Arrived Heidelberg 0800. General Robinson Earl Duff arrived for duty as G5. Second steam bath—went down to 80 kg. Left at 2200 by train accompanied only by Murphy. Birthday letter from Jackie. Leila not feeling well. 29 Inspection of troops and installations Bamberg—Bayreuth and Hof. Weather foul—first snow. Colonel Hamilton CO at Bayreuth. Left by train at 1830. 30 58 years old! Met at train at 0800 by Gay and Colonel Lynch. Inspected Community set up in Munich—UNRRA Depot—DP camp and proceeded to Freising 2nd Constabulary Regiment—Inspection and lunch including huge birthday cake surrounded by 58 candles! 2 more DP camps and then to Bad Wiessee for UNRRA school graduation and dinner and another birthday cake! McBride and Gay accompanied me throughout day. Phoned Leila—who said she is feeling fine. 31 Returned to Heidelberg at 0700. Found several birthday messages. Leila having a postponed birthday dinner for me!

264  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

November 1946 1 Party last night a grand success—the two Leila’s gave me a fine enlarger. Dr Bosch presented me with a “perfect” compass. The gardeners made a huge A out of evergreens with Good Luck reading Luck Good! Graduation exercises at 3rd Army School. McNarney attended and presented diplomas. Afterwards in his car when I brought up the subject of McBrides’ assignment when 9th Division goes out he told me that yesterday he had received a cable from Ike asking if I could be made available in 30 to 60 days to take over from Clark in Austria! Well that is news. I told him I couldn’t claim to be a diplomat and would have a time trying to fill Clark’s job but I’d tackle anything except a job in the Pentagon. He is considering Harmon to succeed me and McBride to succeed Harmon in the Constabulary. I think that’s a good move. Took another steam bath and lost 1 Kg which I had picked up on the trip. Mass at 5 p.m. (All Saints Day) Dinner at the Schloss for the No 1 WAC Colonel Westray Battle Boyce.213 2 Back giving me trouble—may be teeth or kidneys? Leila, Murphy and I drove to Karlsruhe for the 3rd Army HQ vs 1st Special Services Regiment football game—3rd Army won 20-7. Heard Army-West VA game by radio after supper. 3 No further word on the Austrian deal—wonder whether Clark proposed me? Can hardly believe it was Ike’s idea of even McNarney’s. I have had too many similar proposals go sour to give this one much credence till I see the orders in writing. My back is worse than it has been for a couple of years. 4 Went to 130th Station Hospital. (Colonel Keller CO and Captain Lee MD) gave me a thorough going over with spinal x-rays—teeth— blood pressure etc etc. Report on Thursday. So far it looks like the old sacroiliac. Hopping’s KT party. Am leaving by train to visit 1st and 9th Divisions—will return Wednesday night or Thursday. 5 Spent most of day inspecting units of 1st Division at Regensburg. Flew to Augsburg in p.m. and inspected one Constabulary Caserne. 1st Division units and installation ok. Presented safe driver awards. Geoff detailed to accompany me. Both Leila’s continued to Munich by train. Had lunch with Mrs. Mueller and visited the Nymphenburg china factory [Munich porcelain factory]—later rejoining me at Augsburg. 6 Spend all day with 9th Division units and installations—also a Polish repatriation center which was operating in a splendid fashion.

The Occupation of Germany  265

7

8

9

10

11

12 13 14

Inspected a Repatriation train just before it pulled out. Left Augsburg at 1600 and arrived Heidelberg 2115. Things in good shape at Augsburg. Returns from yesterday elections indicate Republican victory [Republicans gained control of both congressional chambers]. Now the Army will again take a beating. Some kind of a Red Army day—I declined invitation to Russian Liaison Office dinner in Frankfurt. Farewell party for Hopping at the Molkenkur. Went to 130th Station Hospital to hear results of Monday’s checkup—x-rays show some arthritic condition and blood count indicates Hay Fever, sinus, or worms! As I’ve never had either of first two I have to take further tests for worms! Teeth ok. I’m having a back brace made. 4 years ago this afternoon Generals Patton, Gay, Cannon, and I strolled about the deck of the USS Augusta as on a Mediterranean or Bermuda Cruise waiting to head for the Rendezvous area for the landing at Fedala! Lots have happened since then!! Fourth anniversary of our landing at Fedala and the naval battle off Casablanca. Saw film of Polish Repatriation by UNRRA—very good. Left by train at 2200 for Garmisch. Inspected POW Enclosure at Garmisch where some 300 German Generals, Admirals, and General Staff are confined. Headman was a Field Marshal on the Russian front. Main complaint was scurrilous articles in German press against them. Dinner at the Dodds where we got the returns of the Army-Notre Dame game direct. Score 0-0. Another cloudy and cold day. Lunch at Riessersee. Left Garmisch at 2300 for Sonthofen to spend tomorrow at Oberjoch. Weather still bad. Guests this trip included the Lashleys, Jessie Campbell, Geoff and 2 EM’s with their wives. Armistice Day—General Patton’s birthday. Last year Willems and I drove to Bad Nauheim to attend GSP’s birthday dinner and to spend the night. A fine day at Oberjoch—everyone delighted with it. Leila and I drove over the Austrian border in a M29 Weasel [track vehicle]. Only light snow. Left at 2215 for Heidelberg. Back again—checked with Captain Lee at 130th Station Hospital— still can’t find anything wrong but wants to make one more test. Another steam bath. Weight at last session 78.5 kg. Dinner and reception for the Brewers given by the Heidelberg Area Command. Colonel Hayden Sears called—He is on a trip from Knox. I talked to Board of Governors of Molkenkur and Stardust re excessive drinking—especially as more criticism is developing at home.

266  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

15 Monthly Conference at Frankfurt—As usual not one good item was put out! Everything is cited as a “command failure”! Many of their staff have never commanded anything. McNarney never mentioned the Austrian detail and Huebner did but knew nothing. Not once has McNarney ever discussed informally any subject with me either before or after the conference. Flew back to Heidelberg—Another steam bath—am back to 80 kg! 16 Gave entire staff (heads of sections) and local commanders a talk on liquor—discipline—economies etc. Football game—wedding. ArmyPenn Game on radio. 17 Dull day. Leila, Murphy and I went to Movies. 18 Call from White (USFET) re assault on British Consul at Munich— Detailed McBride & Gay to call on and apologize. Offenders caught and are in the guard house. Thank goodness they are Air Corps. McBride, Milburn and the Townsleys came to dinner. They are here for tomorrow’s conference. 19 Monthly conference with Division Commanders. Nothing of special interest. Alzina Gay phoned to say the passengers on the C-53 that crashed near Grenoble this afternoon included the McMahons,214 Mrs. Tate and a General Haynes all from USFA [US Forces Austria]. 20 First reports of yesterday’s crash states 5 are seriously injured. Burress down from USFET—says Kronberg Castle scandal not yet over— intimates Bevans worried. Another steam bath—with enforced lunches have hard time reducing. Howe and Freeland notified of new assignments. I told them I felt it in their best interests. Chaplains Martins and Dreiling (?) for dinner. Father Martins is somewhat of a bore—he is returning home next week. Rescue party has not yet reached the C-53. Editor’s Note: In August 1946, Colonel Francis P. Miller testified before a US Senate special committee concerning widespread thefts by US forces stationed in Occupied Germany. At Kronberg Castle, a Hesse family home served as an officer’s recreation center under the management of WAC Captain Kathleen B. Nash. Through a series of events, the Hesse crown jewels were found and stolen by Captain Nash, her future husband, Colonel Jack W. Durant, and Major David N. Watson and smuggled out of the country in late 1945 and early 1946. The theft was discovered and those responsible identified, arrested, tried, and sentenced to prison.215 A portion of the stolen objects was recovered and returned to the Hesse family in 1951.216

The Occupation of Germany  267

21 Went to 130th Station Hospital to have my back baked. Conference with Army Troops Commanders on various matters. 2 letters from Les the first in about 6 weeks. The perpetrators of the StuttgartEsslingen bombing have been apprehended. Editor’s Note: On October 29, 1946, the Esslingen denazification office was bombed. On November 21, 1946, twelve youths between the ages of seventeen and twenty-three were captured.217 22 Graduation exercises at 3rd Army school at Seckenheim for AUS [Army of the United States]. Collins up from Salzburg. Mr. Goldthwaite “Goldie” Dorr [special assistant to Secretary of War] from Secretary of War office here on UNRRA inspection. Good show at Stardust. Indications rescue of the C-53 would be successful. Plane located in Interlaken [Switzerland] area. 23 Rescue party reached C-53 about 1500 today—all alive. Loaned the train to the Schmidts for the weekend. Called Huebner reference increase in ration authorization for Buresses. As usual McGruden (G-4 USFET) recommended it but to commence Dec 1—overlooking Thanksgiving and other factors. Leila and I attended Special Troops dinner at the Schloss. 24 Nothing to report 25 Another letter from Les. Chaplain Martin brought in his successor Father Magee and said goodbye after 54 months overseas. Harmon phoned re Gay’s house at Tegernsee. It must go to Milburn. Mr. Fry from Secretary of War Office called on PX future. Very interesting and not a politician or a fault finder. 26 Tried to check up on Patty Bull but she is on leave in Czechoslovakia. Des brought Captain Brier to dinner as a prospective aide. 27 Another steam bath—down to 78 kgs. Inspected Officer’s PX considerable improvements since Leila began her drive! Supper party at the Jacksons. 28 Thanksgiving Day—first one with the family since 1940. Geoff couldn’t join us. Visited HQ Company mess and WAC mess. Leila went with me which pleased all concerned. Visited the opening of the ski lodge. Des talked to Jackie and she received her port call for December 9 which should get her here by xmas—all in all a wonderful day! 29 Going to Munich tonight to attend finals of boxing tournament tomorrow night. Went to Stardust club before boarding train. Des and McChristian plus WACs and GI’s accompanied me on trip.

268  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

30 Munich—spent a.m. going thru the German map plant that makes relief maps from contoured maps etc. Visited the Post Exchange and the Commissary—both inadequate. Lunch with the Gays at the VIP house. P.M. at Dachau inspecting the cages, plant, messes, and hospital. Remarkable artificial limbs. Dinner on the train and then the Golden Gloves finals at Jubilee Hall. Some excellent fights but others mediocre. Results of Army-Navy game announced 21-18 a close shave for Army. December 1946 1 Our 32nd wedding anniversary. Leila met me at train en route to mass and told me Ginge’s baby had been born dead on Thanksgiving Day. Ginge in good health and spirits. Anniversary dinner family affair—KT party at Benfords almost our celebration. 2 Still hovering around 80 kgs but often a little less. Leila and I drove to Frankfurt for dinner in Kransberg Castle given by Colonel de Brayne (Belgian Liaison officer) in honor of General GustaveGeorges-Felix Fromont who will command the Belgium Corps of Occupation. Miserable drive up but ok home. 3 Stuttgart for German Export Exhibit a very fine exhibit—Bad trip due to weather. 4 Steam bath—down to 77.7 kgs—but of course gain most of it back by next day. Senator and Mrs. Henry Cabot Lodge Jr. [reelected US Senator in November 1946] arrived—Came to house for dinner. (Schmidts, Perrines, Carlos Brewer and Miss Ray). According to him the next congress is going to be tough. 5 Lunch for General Staff. Harmon, Risden, Willis, Crittenberger and Senator Lodge who left at 1600. He visited a DP camp in Mannheim, the ARC, Stardust and Harmonie Clubs. 6 Caldwell-_______ wedding. Bob Walsh called—Stationed at Bad Kissingen. 7 Miss Wood ARC called. Football game, wedding _______—Vogt and Nixon dinner at the Europa—a real coal crisis on. G4 USFET had to turn distribution back to Quartermaster. Editor’s Note: The winter of 1946–1947 was extremely harsh, resulting in a European-wide coal shortage, with coal still rationed in Great Britain. Due to inadequate food availability for miners, Ruhr coal production dropped and was only increased slowly throughout 1946. Importing coal from the United States was prohibitively expensive, so increased coal production in the Ruhr was essential to European recovery.218

The Occupation of Germany  269

8 Captain Michael Musmanno (US Naval Reserve) judge of Tribunal No. 2 [Einsatzgruppen trial] at Nuremberg drove over to ask for recommendation for job as presiding judge. Was with AMG in Italy, a judge from Pittsburgh. 10 Caught cold somehow. Dinner at the Farrang. 11 Word that Jackie and children flying over this week! Huebner phoned that Austria job is on—effective about Jan 1st! Top secret! Mr. Ira Hirschman,219 LaGuardia’s Jewish representative called complaining of Funk Kaserne again. Cold worse. 12 Jackie’s birthday—can’t understand yesterday’s message from Chief Signal Officer as Jackie’s name is not on the sailing lists for next two planes. Clark phoned from Vienna. Suggests I come see him about the 21st–22nd. Wants my recommendation for a replacement for Tate220 who is Deputy Commissioner and is going home 13 First reading of Theater Commanders Conference notes—main problems, coal, CI. Community football dinner at the Schloss. Jackie cabled she is flying over—leaving NY today. 14 Excitement all day. No word as to arrival of Jackie’s plane—weather bad all over Europe and Atlantic. Finally at 1900 cable from Jackie saying not fly but sailing by USNS Henry Gibbons—now it is a race for Xmas. 3rd Army horse show—fine but I caught more cold. Left by train at midnight for Metz—Farrands with us. 15 Metz—clear but bitterly cold—full day of ceremonies—wreath on graves of FFI’s [French Forces of the Interior]—welcoming ceremonies lunch. Dedication of monument. Prefect Tuaillon, Maire Hoeguard, General Gilliot,221 General Laurent. The ladies drove to Luxembourg where we joined them for dinner. Bob Hyatt represented the Embassy—I guess he hasn’t aged any more than the rest of us but it looks that way! Bad night with my cold. 16 All of us visited the cemetery at Hamm and put some flowers on General Patton’s grave—the cross with stars and rank is in place. Farrand, Brier and I drove to Metz and then to St. Avold to put flowers on graves of Bill Grimes and Ned Almond. Still bitterly cold. The two Leila’s, Mrs Farrand and Murphy stayed in Luxembourg to shop. All the Metz notables including guard of honor came to train to see us off at 1800. The Maire brought Leila some beautiful flowers. Colonel Lucas of the 146th Regiment (guard of honor) presented me with a framed shoulder patch and a regimental insignia pin. Yesterday the Maire gave me a bronze medallion of Metz.

270  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

17 Back at Heidelberg—Preparations for tomorrow’s conference— Hope to get some dope from McNarney or Huebner. 18 Spent all day in Frankfurt. 3rd Army got a scolding on several counts but I believe we can explain most. Clay and I got in a wrangle which is usual. This time it was over increasing the food allowance in the CI camps to prevent malnutrition deaths—we have 647 in one hospital alone. He claims that is ok as they shouldn’t get more food than the average German civilian—of course the latter gets extras that are not rationed. Lunch with McNarney discussed new set up—Harmon to 3rd Army until inactivation about Mar 19th, McBride to Constabulary—Districts with Major General in each. He talked me out of my letter on mis-conduct. Thinks press reaction at home will be unfavorable. Don’t agree but of course won’t publish the letter. Thinks job in Austria will last 6 mos to a year at least. Long talk with Huebner on Public Relations. Believe he realizes there are two sides to this question. Under new set up McNarney will probably go to Berlin and NcNarney says Huebner will be ground force commander—I support that if the Austrian deal hadn’t come along I would have gotten that job which would be easier but the Austrian one is a distinct boost. 19 Decoration ceremony. Nixon gets OLC to LM. Phoned Clark re visit there Saturday. He won’t be in. May go Sunday. Huebner said since no orders have been received from WD he suggests I drag my feet until after the holidays. Dinner at the Brewers. 20 Graduation Exercises 3rd Army School at Seckenheim Officer Candidate Class 355 including about 50 WACs. Milburn and McBride with me. Regular monthly conference of Division and district commanders. Geoff phoned he was to go to the US to guard prisoners. He said he wanted to go so I said ok. Later the G-1 section had it cancelled in view of his Temporary Duty orders for here. Arrangements made to fly to Vienna tomorrow. 21 Anniversary of General Patton’s death. Flew to Vienna had lunch and dinner with the Clark family (including 4 dogs). Talk with Clark. He is to hang on to his job with USFA until March or April and in the meantime he goes to London January 14 as Deputy to Secretary Byrnes and probably on to Moscow. He sure runs an independent league! He regretted taking or seeing go home some of his old timers but frankly I am delighted as I wouldn’t want them. Left at 2100 by train as weather conditions looked bad for flying. Saw the McMahons222 and Ladue.223

The Occupation of Germany  271

22 My train met me at Salzburg at 0800 and I returned to Heidelberg at 1700. Leila laid up with cold and report on USNS Gibbons is she won’t get in till the 24th. 23 Clay’s gang reported we are evicting Germans in Munich unnecessarily. McNarney and Huebner get up in the . . . and start screaming. When I called Huebner this morning he admitted that the affair had been greatly exaggerated. Attended 3rd and last of the Xmas parties for German children given at the Stardust club. Over 2000 at each party. A fine job by all concerned. Xmas letter from McNarney. I still believe the regular Xmas card would have been more appropriate. The USNS Gibbons is in port but some question as to the disembarkation of passengers. Editor’s Note: “Housing was an extremely scarce resource in occupied Germany. In cities such as Würzburg, three quarters of the housing stock had been destroyed due to Allied bombing; the average for all four occupation zones was about 30 percent [destroyed]. Millions of refugees and expellees from the former German territories in the east and the gradual return of German POWs further stoked demand for housing. Therefore, it is not surprising that Germans perceived housing requisitions by the occupation army as a severe burden.”224 24 Answered McNarney’s note. Phoned others wishing them Merry Xmas. Huebner now recognizes we are in the clear on the Munich housing. Jackie is on the train so will get here tonight. Geoff arrived for the holidays. The St. Ignatius’ Boys Choir and a group of WACs and GI’s serenaded us with Xmas carols. Leila gave all the servants their presents in the afternoon. All seemed appreciative. Leila and Geoff (also Leila jr and her date) met the train at midnight and I had to go to midnight mass. Jackie and kids arrived pretty well worn out. 25 A great day! Spent a.m. visiting messes. The Desobrys, Murphy, Brigham and the Keyes had a fine Xmas dinner. Loads of presents— including A4 Kodachrome film! Almost 2 years supply. Nearly everything Leila got me, someone else duplicated but they were things I really wanted so that made it all the better. Dr. Bosch gave us a very handsome specimen of Malachite. Mrs. Patton just flooded us with nice things. The children are as cute as buttons. Jackie looks tired and too thin. Went to Risden’s Eggnog party. 26 Called Huebner re McBride’s request to go home. Bixell’s anniversary party. Left by train for Garmisch with extra-large crowd of GI’s

272  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

27

28

29 30 31

and WACs. Both Leilas, Geoff, Murphy, Brigham, Flynn, Miss Hay (school teacher), Captain and Mrs Wilkinson whose 2 year old boy was killed in a jeep accident several months ago. (Helen Schmidt and Kitty Clayton also on trip) Lots of snow and little or no sunshine. Leila and I went sleighing— rest went skiing. Ski jumping exhibition at night—spectacular— McNarney’s present. More snow. Inspected 1120th Engineer Group at Murnau. Not too good. Ice carnival a fine show. I’ve left Garmisch at midnight for Oberjoch. Still snow and no sun. Leila is laid up with bad cold. Mass in p.m. Sun finally peeked out about 3 p.m. Left by train for Heidelberg at 2230. Everyone seemed to have had a fine time. Beautiful day at Heidelberg!! New Years Eve party of UNRRA students also at Molkenkur. Snow storm started near midnight—several accidents. Huebner and Clark said there would be a slight delay in my move to Austria as per WD cable—no one knows why. Clark said Gar Davidson not available. Other WD list not acceptable.

January 1947 1 Mass and breakfast at the WACs New Year’s party at Brewers. Our own at home—about 125 guests seemed quite successful. Roads very slippery. Jackie and Des came to dinner. 2 Geoff returned to Regensburg. Fine to have had him so long. Clark phoned re replacement for Tate,225 no other news. Visited the Commissary and G-4 warehouse. Needs bucking up but help is inadequate. President’s statement that war is over (issued New Years Eve) has everyone guessing. 3 Miller White phoned that my orders would issue on or about January 10th. That is inconvenient but can’t be helped. Bought a Speed Graflex ($157.50) from PX at Giessen. Murphy wants to go to duty with troops in Italy (88th Division). He is entitled to it and it will be good for him. However I’ll really miss him. Jackie now says all her silver and war bonds are in the missing trunks which should have arrived as hold baggage! 4 AFN [Armed Forces Network] radio last night announced that McNarney is to go to UN and Clay is to succeed him as Theater Commander! Also that I am to replace Clark in Austria and he is to go to London January 14 to be Byrne’s deputy. This morning Huebner said the first part is news to him and apparently to McNarney!

The Occupation of Germany  273

5

6

7

8

9

That the release was from Washington but unofficial. Everyone uneasy about Clay and Military Government taking over. P Wood arrived and of course 1.5 hours late for lunch so he is just the same old P. Looks fine and is much more relaxed and contented. Two more unofficial broadcasts on the pending moves. Cold and clear again. First chance to use my color film. P Wood returned to Frankfurt after lunch. Attended Captain Desloges’ farewell. KT party for Lieutenant Colonel and Mme (countess) de Forceville at the Europa. Later Leila and I took in the Stardust shows. Clark says WD release is today and that he had made a few changes in the proposed release—can imagine what those changes are! He is leaving the 9th and suggests I come down the 10th or as soon thereafter as possible. Tentatively I am eyeing the 12th. Miller White says USFET should settle on a plan this afternoon. However it may have to meet Clay’s ideas. He, White, thinks Harmon will continue as the Constabulary and as “acting” 3rd Army commander to close it out. Then Schmidt, Milburn, and General John E. (Jack) Lewis226 will each have a district. Harmon has ants and wants to come over tomorrow and talk personnel etc. Huebner phoned tres inhumanes [very cruel, Fr.]. AFN at 2100 last night came out with the official announcement and today’s Stars and Stripes goes into details—my orders are effective the 10th. McNarney’s new job is AAF [Army Air Forces] Representative of Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Military Advisory Committee of the United Nations. It is effective in March. Lots of visitors today. Rabbi Bernstein, Mr. Davis a personal representative of Secretary of War Patterson, and Harmon. The latter all steamed up over personnel etc. I’ll probably have to open an employment agency. Fletcher phoned from Frankfurt wanting to go with me. Captain Farrand (WAC) wants to go. Bill Schmidt says USFET wants some kind of a ceremony here for me Thursday. McNarney and COS are coming down. Busy day—Annual Physical examination—no serious defects as far as I know. German hospital for fitting up a brace for my back. Lunch at the opening of the CP lunch room. Drove to Frankfurt pour faire mes adieux [to bid farewell, Fr.]. McNarney unlaxed—first real talk I’ve had with him. Huebner, Burress, and even McGruder are worried about Clay taking over. Leila had nice supper party for the General Staff Section, Jackie and Des’ friends and some of Leila jr friends. A big day. At a very nice ceremony in the CP area McNarney presented me with the 2nd oak leaf cluster to my DSM. A very flattering

274  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

citation! In addition to McNarney the distinguished guests included Miller White, Harmon, McBride, Milburn, Townsley,227 Dalbey, Bresnahan (CBS), Edwards (Air Corps) and Banfill.228 Clay sent regrets! At the luncheon following NcNarney insisted on making a speech and he really spread the butter! The French Generals couldn’t come because of bad roads etc. General Sevez tried to make it. A farewell reception was held at the Schloss Hotel—about 800 attended. 10 Relinquished command of Third Army! Dentist, inoculations, etc. Cleaned out my desk. Have notified Martin, Bixel, Farrand and Nixon that I’m going to take them with me—will complete the list later. Huebner assures me I have first call on 3rd Army personnel. Harmon was at USFET Wednesday. Probably trying to get some of my personnel. 11 Finally got my back brace—looks like a gay nineties corset! Finished up at the office, Packed—KT party at the Martins and final visit to the Stardust—the entire staff lined up to say goodbye. 12 Mass and breakfast with the WACs for the last time. Finished packing. Jackie, Des and Dorsey came to lunch. Susan Ments, Leila’s guest taken ill—hospitalized. Started for station and no car! Colonel Hurless (Provost Marshal Section) arrived and drove us to station. Band, Guard of Honor (17th Cavalry) and huge crowd. Military and civilians all lined up—a wonderful send off—terminated as the train pulled out by Jimmie the bar tender at the Europa rushing down the platform to serve me a final martini! Farrand, Brew, and Lieutenant Carlson (WAC assigned to USFA) and Brigham the new train CO and I were the only passengers. Also Sergeant Clifton my driver. Brigham produced a 2.5 hour movie.

8

High Commissioner for Austria January 1947–October 1950

Editor’s Note: During the fall of 1945, US troops in Austria faced the daunting task of “disarming enemy forces, caring for DPs, establishing order and security, and preventing starvation and the spread of disease.” These activities were carried out while at the same time redeploying the bulk of the American forces. Major activities included providing for the security of US troops, dissolving the results of the Anschluss, and carrying out denazification.1 At their first meeting on September 11, 1945, the Allied Council (AC) announced that it had assumed supreme power for all of Austria. It confirmed the Moscow declaration that a free, democratic, and independent Austria would be established. “The most pressing tasks were described as the unification and economic restoration of the country and the elimination of the consequences of war.”2 Freedom of the press and assembly were essential to holding free elections. From September 24 to 26, an all-party provincial conference was held to approve a national government under the leadership of Karl Renner.3 During October, the AC approved the formation of the government and the election law excluding former Nazis unless they had been politically persecuted. On November 25, the People’s Party, Communists, and Socialists competed in the national election, in which 93 percent of the electorate voted. The People’s Party won eighty-five seats in the legislature, the Socialists seventy-six, and the Communists forty-five. Due to the poor showing of the Communists, the Soviets were displeased by the result. The provisional government resigned to be replaced by a coalition government headed by Leopold Figl. On December 20, the Federal Assembly elected Renner president of Austria.4 As 1946 opened, a severe shortage of food and fuel continued. During this period nearly three hundred laws and decrees of the Austrian government were considered by the AC, and most were approved. In June of 1946, a new Control Agreement was approved 275

276  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

by the AC, with the structure of the AC remaining the same and with each of the four occupying powers being represented by a high commissioner. “The Allied Council had powers of supervision over the whole administration, but was to exercise it through the Central Government or the Austrian authorities concerned.”5 The Austrian government resumed control of customs and the national frontiers. With the restructuring, only constitutional laws required unanimous AC approval. Occupation costs and confiscation of so-called German assets burdened the country economically. During 1946, the strength of the occupying forces dropped from 700,000 to 120,000.6 January 1947 13 After more or less uneventful trip arrived at Vienna at 1307 met by Tate, Hickey, senior member of the staff. Guard of Honor and band. Oh yes and Grogan (Clark’s PRO [public relations officer]) and the press—Insisted I go to the hotel (Bristol) for a press conference. My first in 51 months overseas! Phoned Heidelberg but Leila was out with Mrs. Harmon and Alzina. 14 Spent entire day talking to General Francis F. Hickey,7 Chief of Staff, who impresses me very favorably—General Ralph Hamilton Tate,8 Deputy Commissioner, John George Erhardt9 political advisor (State Department), and Colonel Stanley J. Grogan.10 What a watertight set up Clark has established here! Louis XIV had nothing on him. Am living at the Bristol and have my meals in my “suite” with Farrand and Brier. Housing situation is not too good. 15 Most of the day spent on personnel matters. Harmon [acting commanding general 3rd Army in Germany] as usual is proselyting and violating completely our understanding. Reports from Heidelberg indicate he has thrown everyone and everything into turmoil. Am sorry I haven’t one more chance to submit an efficiency report on him. 16 Phoned Huebner about Harmon and Huebner [chief of staff, USFET] said he had told Harmon definitely that I had priority on 3rd Army personnel regardless of what he Harmon said or offered. Harmon has kicked out Carlos Brewer [CO Heidelberg Area Command] so I offered him a job. Drove through the Vienna woods, must be beautiful in good weather. Talked to Clark in London. He is willing to release General Jesmond Dene Balmer.11 Talked to Leila in Heidelberg. They are all packed and ready to come. Had a talk with General Holmes Ely Dager12 re drinking. McBride offered to come here if I wanted him to.

High Commissioner for Austria  277

17 Dry run for Editors visit. Tate very tactfully offered to take over the briefing! It had a subtle touch of Clark in the background. Cable announcing death of General Daniel Isom Sultan the Inspector General and proposal to appoint General Ira Thomas Wyche and give General Horace Logan McBride Wyche’s present job as CG of 1st Service Command at Boston. Am delighted for McBride and told him I wouldn’t think of interposing. Now I will take General Robinson Earl Duff if Balmer is unavailable. Leila phoned all worked up over my asking for Carlos Brewer. 18 Farrand and I drove to Vienna woods to take pictures but weather not good. Long afternoon and evening. 19 Sunday. General Henry Pratt Perrine [PIO, US Constabulary] arrived. Flo not well. Mass at Holy Trinity—no heat. Posted my photo album. Long dreary afternoon. Dinner at the Paxons. Cable received that Balmer is coming to replace Tate. 20 What a day! 1100 accompanied by Erhardt I went to call on President Karl Renner—a grand old man 74 or 75 who talked of US friendship and help. 1230 Erhardt brought Chancellor Leopold Figl and Foreign Minister Dr. Karl Gruber to call on me and to have lunch. 1500 President Renner returned my call and talked about hunting. (considered a high honor to have return call made so promptly). 1600 accompanied by Tate I went to call on General Sir James Stuart Steele the British High Commissioner and had tea (2 cups!) He is very nice but typically British in spite of being Irish. 21 What another day! The Russians held up the special train with editors at the border on a technicality and after the whole of USFA was in a turmoil they arrived 7 hours late which of course disrupted the schedule. Mr. Forrest Davis, a self-styled representative of the Secretary of War, had joined the party, had been drunk and obnoxious most of the time and claimed he was not being shown the deference and courtesy due him as the Secretary’s representative. Thought I should send my car for him and call on him first—I didn’t do either. KT—dinner (at which were invited 2 Negroes—a EM and wife—a WAC and some civilians including Chancellor Figl and wife, Emmy and Loos and Kurtz of Vienna Opera). Later the Bristol Club and floor show. Editors very nice and no gripers amongst them. 22 Briefing of the editors—KT party. Later I went to a KT at the Snaveley’s. Nice house, saw numerous old friends. More Davis trouble but I talked to him and he seemed quite mollified—decided to stay over another day.

278  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

23 Spent all day preparing for the Allied Council meeting tomorrow. Final lunch for Editors who left at 1600. KT at Press Club. Leila phoned she is bringing Dorsey and Virginia with her. Jackie is in the hospital. 24 This was a day!!! Not only attended the AC [Allied Council] but was chairman and it was a day long battle as the Soviets agreed to nothing. Not a single item received approval although French, British and ourselves agreed on all but 2. Quite an experience and I am glad I insisted on taking my place. General Vladimir V. Kurasov13 at lunch and at tea was extremely friendly. Am calling on him next Tuesday. Commissioner General Voizard14 was the French member—met him in Casablanca and later when he was aide to General Juin. Upon return to HQ—held a press conference on the AC meeting. Now I am free to welcome Leila and the kids. 25 Word received that 3rd Army becomes inoperational 15 February and transferred to ZI 15 April. Heidelberg train due 1430. Leila and rest of crowd arrived and installed at the Bristol—a hectic afternoon with Dorsey and Virginia but that is natural. 26 Long day with the kids shut up but things are improving. 27 Stars and Stripes (Sunday) with account of my first Allied Council meeting had headlined “Keyes Bow Marred by Discords.” Implication that it might not have happened had Clark remained. 28 Went to make my first call on General Kurasov the Russian—went at 11am so as to escape lunch but we had lunch and vodka just the same. A very friendly if lengthy visit—1100–1430! 29 McNarney phoned saying he and party would like to come down Sunday afternoon and stay until Tuesday. Strange he has never come here while Clark was here! Grogan, Clark’s PRO and campaign manager returned from London Monday afternoon. Clark wants him to get home and “case” the 6th Army so Grogan is leaving here by February 14. Now I have to find a PRO as Henry Perrine is out [not available]. General Ralph A. Snavely15 left today. Tate will leave about March 1st. Balmer arrived Monday with Grogan from London. 30 Learning now about Clark’s attitude on USFET. McNarney had planned once before to visit Vienna but Clark phoned him he would not be here and didn’t want him to come unless he were here. Also he told his COS never to ask anything that might be refused. Briefed by various USACA [US Allied Commission for Austria] section chiefs. Received call (courtesy) from Dr. Otto Sagmeister, Austrian Food

High Commissioner for Austria  279

Ministry. Leila revisited Snavely house and better pleased with it. Also pleased with Jackie’s apartment. Plans for McNarney’s visit very elaborate—wonder what Clark’s reaction will be. 31 McNarney’s coming tomorrow instead of Sunday. Long talk yesterday with Erhardt—he is a practical diplomat. Leila took Virginia to the hospital—cold, ears, upset stomach—nothing serious. Bright sunny day but cold! Briefing continues. Murphy’s last day as aide— he reports to G-1 tomorrow—will certainly miss him. February 1947 1 Brigham to duty as aide relieving Murphy. Drew June, July, Aug, Sep, Oct, pay (i.e., undrawn amounts) amounting to $1073.15. Kept $509.40 for current expenses and sent $563.75 to Central National Bank. Will now ask George to invest $3000 for us. McNarney’s due soon. McNarneys arrived—dinner at the Bristol—included Robertsons16 and Sullivans.17 2 KTs at our house then the Opera which was the first I’ve ever enjoyed and then dinner at the Bristol—the McNarneys—Robertsons—Martins, etc 3 McNarney visited CP—lunch—Reception and dinner at Bristol. McN not pleased with Clark’s plan to ship all DP’s to Germany 4 McNarney left—seemed pleased. He said he had made up his mind he would never come to Vienna while Clark was here—hence took advantage of my being here! Robertsons unable to leave for Sofia. 5 Milburns arrived for decoration ceremony—Presidential Unit Citation for 1st Battalion 16th Infantry Regiment—took place in a snow storm. Lunch and KT for the Milburns. Jackie and Des arrived. Executive Council meeting lasted until nearly 3 a.m. 6 Dinner at Erhardts—mostly State Department and Austrians. 7 Concentrated briefing for Allied Council meeting lasted from 1430 until 2430. I left at 2345 to catch train for Salzburg. Only 2 papers were up and Soviets filibustered and obstructed all the way. A grueling meeting—British were in the chair and General Steele took worse beating than I did 2 weeks ago. Left at midnight with large party headed for 42nd Division reunion. General Paul D. R. Cherriere18 had missed his train so I gave him a lift on mine. 8 Spent a.m. inspecting 16th Infantry Regiment—community set up and CIE (Marcus Orr Camp) billeted at General Collins villa which was my villa in summer of 1945. Reunion party held at the Cavalier House—a fine party.

280  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

9 Mass at the villa most of the guests as well as the household were Catholics. Left by train at 0915 and arrived Vienna 1700. A nice trip. Dinner at the Dagers. Hope the first round is almost over. Now home to get ready for Mr. Hoover’s [President Herbert Hoover] visit scheduled for Wednesday—Thursday—Friday. Editor’s Note: Hoover, at the request of President Truman, undertook an economic mission to Germany and Austria and issued a report on Austrian agriculture and food requirements and economic reorganization on March 8, 1947, detailing why Austria needed US assistance and why its land and industrial equipment must be freed for production. The report stated: “There is the illusion that the New Germany left after the annexations can be reduced to a ‘pastoral state.’ It cannot be done unless we exterminate or move 25,000,000 people out of it.”19 The reports were credited with ending the execution of the Morganthau Plan as found in JCS 1067 by providing additional support for General Lucius Clay’s effort to increase the food supply in Occupied Germany.20 10 Joint US-British decoration ceremony at the Schönbrunn Castle. General Steele and I officiating—3 US and 3 British officers one of the British (Brigadier Cooke21) I knew in Italy when he was on General McCreery’s staff. General Steele very friendly. Both Leilas sick—ptomaine? 11 Most of guests on the train Sunday have been sick—either food or water. Clark now wants to take Hickey home as his Chief of Staff. Hickey wants to go in order to help get his son into West Point so I said OK although I shall hate to lose him. New list of permanent makes [promotions] out—most of them I approve of. 12 Mr. Hoover and party arrived at 11:15 on my old train! Very affable and alert—lunch, conference and dinner with guests including President Renner and Chancellor Figl. 13 Mr. Hoover had conference with Austrian ministers. I listened in very interesting as well as informative. Everyone took a swipe at the Russians—including Mr. Hoover. A fine luncheon at the Chancellery. Mr. Hoover caught cold, went to bed and fell out on President Renner’s dinner. Snow storm still on. Haven’t seen the sun for over a week. Erhardt told me State Department told Clark to continue London conference even over opening date of Moscow conference if necessary to get either agreement or at least discussion of major issues! Clark won’t like that I’m sure.

High Commissioner for Austria  281

Editor’s Note: Meeting in New York, the Allied foreign ministers decided in December 1946 that their deputies should meet in London and “join together as a drafting committee for the Austrian State Treaty, and that the drafting exercise should begin in January 1947. The Deputies were instructed to compile a report for their principals by March 1947, listing the articles of the treaty and describing the level of agreement or disagreement that had been achieved on each of them.”22 14 An interesting meeting of the Allied Council—as usual the line up generally speaking was 3 to 1. The Soviet is against the present Austrian government and also deem all Nazis to be war criminals which the other elements do not do. It being impossible to reach unanimous agreement we adjourned early and sent in separate reports. Hoover party left in snow storm. Hoover, very bitter against Russians (also against FDR). He seemed to think our food situation not too bad and seemed against too much financial help for Austria until treaty is signed and Russians pull out. Cable—McKinley [son-in-law] left China for home Feb 8th! 15 Leila and several others still sick from the Salzburg trip. Drew first name in the AES [Army Exchange Service] theater car lottery at the Clam Gallas AR Club. 2KTs at the Bristol—Press Club and one other. Patricia Ann Clark [General Clark’s daughter] in an L-5 accident the other day—not hurt—everyone keeping mum. 16 Still snowing. Servant crisis calming down. First time I’ve spent at home since moving! KT late in afternoon 17 Weather breaking. Tax expert figured my income tax for total time overseas—$7000!!! 18 Hickey went to the hospital—some of the Salzburg party still sick! Saw the Army football movies shown by Colonel Jablonsky—they were fine. 19 Ceremony of turning over 47 million Schillings worth of gold to the Austrian Government—much speeching and picture taking. Lunch afterwards included Figl, Adolf Shaerf, Georg Zimmerman and several others [Austrian government officials]. Another talk with Erhardt on not so much show off by us. Ash Wednesday—mass at 1700 at Holy Trinity. 20 Attended Russian Art Exhibit at the Vienna museum—Invitation from Kurasov. Kurasov and other Russians there as well as many Austrian notables and Cherriere. Dinner tonight at Cherriere’s. Book by Margaret Bourke-White [American photojournalist] received

282  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

from Mrs. Patton. A visit from Miss Helen Kirkpatrick. News correspondent—letter of introduction from Bill Bird from Paris. 21 Leila’s 53rd birthday. Party at Cherriere’s last night very nice. Kerdavid and Chretiennot [French government officials] and their wives were also there. Kerdavid’s daughter an airline hostess was severely injured in a crash at le Bourget—the lone survivor—still in hospital. Reports indicate only meager agreements reached in London. My first attempts with flashbulbs! 22 Spent most of day with pictures and cameras. KT at Erhardts followed by dinner at Bristol (Hickeys). 23 Soviet celebration of Soviet Army Day—huge reception and KT at the Imperial Hotel. After eating downstairs the VIPs were invited upstairs to General Kurasov’s private suite and we ate all over again! Fortunately not too much vodka was forced on us. Party lasted from 5 to 8. We then went to the Samances for a supper party. 24 Plans for Clark’s return shaping up—much pomp and ceremony. Willems phoned from Rome—principally re job for Colonel Dasher. Letter from Carlos Brewer—he is returning to ZI for 3 months hospitalization and Grace is going with him. Intimated not returning—won a Leica on the PX raffle—($75.00) will give it to Geoff. Leila still not recovered from Salzburg trip—Jackie says her Ginger’s ears are acting up again. 25 Now I’ve started a cold!! Leila goes to the hospital for a day or two for treatment. Erhardt is laid up with a cold so I have to take Mrs. Erhardt to Vice Chancellor Adolf Scharf’s dinner tonight. 26 Party last night was very pleasant. The head protocol man had everyone seated according to rank but without regard as to ability to converse with one another! Dinner was held in the Burgermeister’s apartments in the Rathaus. After much phoning word came that Clark would arrive by air so Hickey, Tate, and I took a made up train to Tulln and met the party. Clark looks tired but is satisfied with what they accomplished in London—says he will rest here, go to Moscow by March 9th and if treaty is not completed by 15 April, he will return here and then leave for US. Says I am to take full charge here (except of course he retains command and will retain his villa although he said if necessary he’d move to the hotel). Leila still in hospital! But is apparently recovered and will come home tomorrow. Editor’s Note: The foreign minister deputies meeting in London submitted a report to the Conference of Foreign Ministers, who met in Moscow

High Commissioner for Austria  283

from March 10 to April 24, 1947. Discussions on the Austrian State Treaty did not progress beyond the German assets issue, on which there were severely conflicting views between East and West. 27 Attended Clark’s Press Conference which was very frank and very interesting. Clark leaving for his hunting lodge tonight and will be gone till Monday. Briefing for tomorrow’s Allied Council meeting. A couple of hot points will come up on Soviet’s stand on Extraterritorial rights. Leila and I going to a “Hurricane” (?) given for the Tates by Chancellor Figl. Am making official call on General Bethouart, McNarney phoned to say he had told Huebner to issue instructions on relocation of GSP’s grave at proper time. Editor’s Note: General Patton’s initial burial plot was located in the American Cemetery at Hamm, Luxembourg, surrounded by five vacant burial sites. It was later moved to a site at the base of the flagpole at the entrance to the cemetery. 28 The “Hurricane” ( . . . ) was a fine party—typically Austrian—Cold cuts and unlimited wine and music—speeches and singing. Part of the party was staged in the wine cellar with the Chancellor tapping the corks with a glass siphon affair where Mrs. Tate and Leila tried with limited success. Allied Council meeting—significant as it dealt with Soviet attitude on “German assets.” Kurasov refused to discuss the matter so other elements recorded their views. Farewell dinner for Father Rush. March 1947 1 Long conference with Rabbi Phillip Sidney Bernstein on Jewish problem here. He still wants to move them to Germany. Letter from Kurasov suggesting turnover of alleged war criminals. Editor’s Note: Rabbi Bernstein served as an advisor on Jewish affairs to the US Army in Occupied Germany and Austria. The issue for Jewish DPs revolved around their desire to immigrate to Palestine and the British refusal to allow them to do so.23 Individuals accused of war crimes were held in custody in Salzburg, and many of them were facing an extradition request by a foreign government. “The United States surrendered a prisoner only if a country offered prima facie of the person’s identity and guilt.” Soviet authorities were required to have convincing, supporting evidence in order to have access to suspects.24

284  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

2 A really beautiful day. Talked to Geoff on phone—party at Bristol— They are too numerous. 3 Another beautiful and spring like day. Talked to Huebner on phone re GSP’s grave. I had a hunch he wouldn’t see the point—he proposed moving it to a nearby walk so adjoining graves would not be desecrated. The main objective is to relocate it near the flagpole. He promises to look into it further. Also said they expected Leila and me to come to Frankfurt on the 13–14–15th for McNarney’s farewell ceremonies. Within 3 hours of our talk I received letter from Mrs. Patton again urging locating the grave at the flagpole!! 4 Clark’s final decoration ceremony about 40 received various awards. Talked to Huebner again and he seems finally persuaded to relocate GSP’s grave at the flagpole although he anticipates repercussions. Clark insists only way to deal with the Russians is to snarl and fight them all the time—says he has no use for Balmer and sent him here to get rid of him in London—says Balmer doesn’t believe in being tough with the Russians! I told him he had shown the opposite attitude here. Balmer and I had discussed the matter upon his arrival and we agreed to not yield but at same time not to continue to needle and goad them unnecessarily. Found sufficient excuses to decline Russian and French dinner parties for Tate’s. Last week’s pace too much. Informal dinner at the Clark’s—Hickeys—Balmers and ourselves. 5 Talk with Erhardt. He agrees with me on attitude toward Russians— also about some of the old guard here. Clark received letter from WD stating Hickey not available to go to 6th Army with Clark due to short Foreign Service credits. Am glad to keep him. Dager talked out of turn at a Colored EM Club last night—looks like too much liquor. 6 Clark left a memo in the office to the effect that he planned to sail on the SS America April 17th but if he couldn’t make it he would sail on it on its next trip May 17th!!! Sure hope he makes the April trip. He also intimated he would have turned the IG loose on Dager yesterday and intimated he should be sent home and busted—(all without hearing Dagers side). Fr. Nuwer came up to intercede for Dager and I insisted he go first to Clark. Invitation to Bethouart’s for Legion of Honor presentation to Tate. Dager came in and broke down completely. Final farewell party for Tates. Saw them and Paxons off on the train. Several old timers expressed pleasure (and surprise) at our being at the train. Saw last half of 3rd Army-USAFE company level basketball game. A lot of 3rd Army rooters there and 3rd Army won.

High Commissioner for Austria  285

Dope now seems to be that Clark may not leave finally before May 1st or 15th; that is bad news! 7 Conference on currency change—cable from WD that State Department suggests we defeat Austrian restitution law up for approval. Apparently Jewish Groups at home are at work! We favor the law and even Rabbi Berntein agrees it should be accepted with modification later. Have ordered IG to investigate Dager episode for the record primarily. Editor’s Note: In February 1947, the Austrian legislature passed several laws concerning the restitution of art seized during World War II and under the control of governmental or private institutions.25 In March 1947, the Ministry of Finance attempted to enact legislation that would require all bank funds blocked in December 1945 be transferred to the Treasury. Although the legislation would ease the monetary stabilization issue, the People’s Party caucus rejected it.26 8 Attended final basketball game—3rd Army lost so will have to play off tomorrow. 9 At last a fine day. Took Desobry to basketball playoff. 3rd Army lost again. Basketball banquet at the Bristol. 12 Left by train for Frankfurt—2 hours out of Vienna generator in Radio-Auto train car caught fire and practically destroyed the radio and one jeep. Cadillac almost lost before fire finally put out by Amstetten fire department. Parkers accompanied us as well as Colonels Duncan and Hayne. Before leaving attended farewell review for Colonel . . . of VAC [Vienna Area Command] held in Vienna Riding academy. 13 Picked up Geoff at Goeppingen. Arrived Frankfurt at 1515 in rain. Stayed with Huebners. Huge farewell reception and KT at Kronberg Castle—like old home week. (Jackie & Des accompanied us as far as Munich and then went on to Garmisch). Met Governor Harold Stassen and arranged for time to accompany me back to Vienna Saturday. Also saw Harmon who finally came around to say he had tried to take care of 3d Army anniversary in Heidelberg. 14 Flew to Luxembourg to visit Hamm, Luxembourg and place wreath on GSP’s grave as this is the last day of Third Army in Europe. At 0001 tomorrow its name is transferred to Seventh Army in Atlanta. Geoff & Brigham accompanied me. Mr. Waller met me. Work has started on relocating the grave at the flagpole. Huebner fears reaction

286  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

but says he’ll risk it. I offered to share all responsibility. Both Leilas drove to Heidelberg and had a fine time. Dinner at the Huebners. Parkers and Clay also there. 15 Clear Day. Final ceremony of McNarney turning over to Clay followed by reception. Left by plane at 1300 with Stassen party joining me. Arrived Tulln at 1515 & met by Hickey and Balmer. West Point dinner at the Bristol. Sullivan, class of ’17 toastmaster. Shultz Class of ’08 oldest grad. Murphy Class of 1945 youngest. The Leilas, Geoff, and P Wood returned from Frankfurt by train. 16 Leilas and P Wood arrived 0900. 17 Governor Stassen left. P Wood for lunch and dinner along with Fr. Magee, who is staying with the Desobry kids. Correspondent for CBS Pat Frank in drunkenness spree in Linz and Salzburg. Received letter from Eisenhower saying wave of criticism is coming on soft and immoral living of occupation forces. Cited Saturday Evening Post story by Captain’s wife in Berlin. Carl Fiddler, my former butler in Salzburg was arriving to take a job. Editor’s Note: On March 3, 1947, General Eisenhower, the US Army chief of staff, wrote Generals Keyes and Clay concerning reports “sharply criticizing conditions in the US zone in Germany.”27 The criticisms included soft living by the officers, “high profits from the black market or barter transactions with the Austrians . . . use of government transportation for personal business by officers and their families .  .  . unmarried officers’ quarters swarming with frauleins . . . and the moral tone is very low. . . . Along with the above come vague reports of maladministration involving such things as excess numbers of employees and the employment of others who have no ability whatsoever and are there merely as loafers. . . . I realize of course that the vast bulk of this sort of thing is entirely without foundation. I pass it on to you because periodic examination into such matters is always valuable in assuring a commander that man’s natural laziness and habits of self-indulgence are not breaking out in such a way as to embarrass a vast and serious effort.”28 Keyes replied on April 12, 1947, stating that “with very few exceptions officers in Austria were enjoying no higher standard of living than officers in the United States. The government paid for only one servant per individual billet. None were fed from army rations. Servants were free to quit, but the jobs were attractive in light of the economic situation. Officers were living in good homes (though very few in ‘country homes’) because Keyes only requisitioned houses owned by Nazis. He was vigorously attacking the

High Commissioner for Austria  287

black-market operations. United States personnel and their dependents paid for their gasoline, but did use government transportation because the only alternative was the badly overloaded streetcar system. He defended the conduct of his unmarried officers.”29 18 Display of new uniforms—not much improvement over old. P Wood left. Clay and Huebner each receive another star—either Austria or myself apparently not of sufficient importance to warrant promotion! Flew to Linz for brief look-see. Started orders for Geoff’s assignment here. 19 Mrs. Clark and party left Italy in car from my (?) train. What a story Drew Pearson could make out of that! About 40 CI’s broke out of Marcus Orr last night—riot ensued. 20 Hickey visited Dager in hospital yesterday and talked over his (D’s) retirement. Dager is receptive. 21 I addressed over 350 officers, WACS, nurses and key War Department Civilians on discipline and conduct. Conference of Senior Commanders on same subject plus Ike’s letter and Secretary of War letter. Also Austrian youth activities. Attended 1400th anniversary mass— death of St. Benedict. Went with Chaplain Nuwer. Cardinal _______ was the celebrant. Fr. Nuwer came to house for dinner. The Hickeys with other General Staff officers left on CG’s train for weekend at Kitzbuhel. 22 First Saturday on new 40 hour work schedule. Clark phoned from Moscow re erroneous press release on German Assets. Thinks we should have corrected it here earlier. I pointed out both error and proposed correction were from Moscow. Actually we corrected it yesterday. Balmers and ourselves dined with Chancellor and Mrs. Figl—a fine informal party. At 11:30 p.m. as we started to leave the Figl’s insisted we had to stay and have some Vienna Sausages. 23 Jackie laid up—Des and Dorsey & Lieutenant Stevens (Leila jr’s friend) for Sunday dinner. KT at the Buntings of the State Department. 25 Huebner phoned re trading 16th Infantry Regiment for an MP Battalion. Said Harmon going home in June and Burress to get Constabulary. Am delighted. Cabled Willard Paul for replacement for Dager. 26 Planning trip to Kitzbuhel for weekend. 27 Decoration ceremony. Briefing for tomorrow’s AC Meeting. Dagers, Balmers, Colonel Harry H. Critz and Samouces30 came to dinner. Dager spoke freely of going home. That is the best solution by far.

288  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

28 Allied Council meeting—several agreed papers for a change. Soviets opposed Austrians’ planning for future authorized army (already agreed to in principle in London and Moscow). Also postponed turning control of production back to Austrians. Left for Kitzbuhel at 2045. Balmers (3 + aide), Shaler (3), Fr. Magee, 3 Keyes and Brier. 29 After ride in cable car and a one mile walk through snow arrived at hotel. Fine set up now under supervision of Lieutenant Brinley formerly of Stardust Club Heidelberg. Restful day—younger set skied. 30 Mass. Balmer’s birthday. Weather poor until late afternoon. Boarded train again and started back to Vienna at 1830. 31 Arrived Vienna about 0600. Breakfast on train. Back on the job by 0830. A fine weekend. Mrs. Clark and party returned Saturday from Italy. April 1947 1 Geoff arrived via Mozart [Mozart Express, a daily train between Vienna, Tulln, and the American zone, carrying American personnel31] and reached house about 0700. Assigned to Allied Secretariat. He, Murphy and Brigham came to dinner. Leila and I talked to the Jennings and McKinleys at Fort Knox yesterday. 2 Radio from Paul recommending General Alex O. Gardner as replacement for Dager. Radioed back OK. Indications of skullduggery at Tulln Air Base. Frank case [military infraction case] drawing to a close. Looks as if we have a strong case against him. A lot of visitors due this (Easter) weekend. 3 Hickey riled up over State Department bypassing us. Everyone seems to want to come through this weekend as VIPs. Clark is sending a sizeable party from Moscow—most are purely tourists. Hickey planned to put them in the CG’s suite but I said it was for the Military Government party from Germany. Now some possibility of Clark getting the April boat—what a relief that would be. 4 Good Friday—Stations of the Cross at Holy Trinity. Declined 2 KT parties. Newman and Edwards arrived from Germany—Lunch. 5 Rehearsal for the Clifton-Schlig wedding and luncheon at our house for the wedding party. 6 Easter Sunday—Last Easter was spent at Bâle [Fr. for Basel] and Lucerne. This time have 5 of us together—only Ginge and Les absent. Mass at 110th Station Hospital. Jackie, Des, the children and Geoff came to dinner. Clifton-Schlig wedding at 1800 followed by reception at the Turken Club.

High Commissioner for Austria  289

7 Army Day—Holiday. Finally captioned snapshots in my album. All our facilities overtaxed by unexpected visitors—mostly State Department and civilians. Reception for Mr. Harvey Gibson—ARC representative. General Anson Conger Goodyear, Secretary of War’s personal representative [in Germany and Austria in 1947]32 grounded in Munich. Dinner with Hickeys. 8 General Goodyear arrived—a fine old character. Had him and Chancellor Figl to lunch. Conference with Figl on DPs and CIs. Word from Clark. Looks like May instead of April! Rankin (State Department) KT—a very mixed crowd. Interesting. Dager left for ZI via 98th General Hospital Munich. His replacement, Brigadier General Alexander Oscar Gorder33 due in about 10 days. This was Figl’s 2nd anniversary of his release. At 2:30 p.m. he had irons on him and ordered shot; at 5 p.m. he was freed! 9 Reviewed Frank [CBS representative] case. He deserves shipping home but on advice of Hickey and Personnel will give him a reprimand and another chance. Cliff Lee and party will be here over weekend. Robertson due in from Sophia tomorrow. Party (dinner) at our house. General Goodyear, Mrs. Clark, Mrs. Erhardt, the Roses, Hickeys, Lloyds and Lieutenant Colonel Cushing (with Goodyear). Clark due in tomorrow from Moscow on a weekend visit (incognito!) 10 Starting Sunday the coming week will be strenuous. Lee Party, Edwards (USAFE) and finally the Theater Welfare Board! Not much business for the AC meeting tomorrow. Goodyear left—seemed pleased. Clark arrived from Moscow but everyone seems to know it. I did not go to Tulln to meet him. 11 Both radio and press announced Clark’s visit!! Allied Council meeting. Some agreements for a change but Soviets still blocking civil aviation. At my press conference, Frank (tight as usual) and 2 other members pressed for information in release on Marcus Orr [DP camp] and the trial of Lieutenant Davis. Collins apparently following old policy has refused news. I promised easing up of policy. 12 Robertson and several others came for lunch. Leila and Mrs. Robertson went to Bristol for lunch. 2 KTs later. Weekends are terrific. Weather beautiful. 13 Lee and party arrived 0700. Had breakfast on train with them. Spent day sightseeing. Lee driving his own convertible Buick with top down—a sight for the populace! We met Clark at the station on his arrival from Hinterstoder. He loves impressiveness. Wondered why Figl wasn’t at the train! His usual line of blast at the Russians. Lee is

290  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

going to 6th Army as Deputy pending his retirement. Estimated period of 2–3 months. Lee has invited me to Anzio for May 30th. Also wants me to bring family for a visit before he leaves which may be in May. KT party for Lee et al and then Opera (Rigoletto) and supper. His train left at midnight. He is a grand fellow. 14 Clark left for Moscow. Hickey saw him off. He thinks the conference will last or rather end about the 22nd or 23rd of April with chance of an Austrian treaty slim but still a chance. 15 Letter from Huebner with pictures of Hamm cemetery with General Patton’s grave relocated near flagpole. This is fine and should please Mrs. Patton very much. Planning to take a party to Berchtesgaden for the weekend. Everybody and his aunt is coming here this weekend. Long conference on finance. WD has frozen $23,000,000 of our funds to cover an error made with their approval way last year. Note from Huebner with pictures of GSP’s grave relocated. 16 Inspected several GI messes—2 excellent—one not very good. Signed reprimand to Frank, CBS representative. More visitors coming this weekend. News from Moscow indicates approaching showdown. 17 Press and Radio announce Molotov as stating Soviet not opposed to completion of Austrian treaty at this conference and would strive to that end! If sincere it means a treaty but there are weasel words there just the same. Inspected PX, Commissary & Red Cross. Dinner at Martins for the McDonalds from Berlin. 2nd Anniversary promotion to lieutenant general. 18 Theater Welfare Board here for monthly meeting. Conference with Bevans and also Collins. Bevans says WD is reviving a sort of B board [a secondary promotion board]. No one in Austria on the list so far. Mrs. Clark intimates she being omitted from official dinner tonight! If so no one knows about it. Nearest thing to it is the UNRRA dinner in the British Zone. Leaving tonight by train for Berchtesgaden. Party includes about 15 officers and 12 EMs (including 2 married and wives) and 6 WACS. Official KT this afternoon for the Welfare Board. Edwards and Bresnahan.34 Beautiful weather continues with fruit trees all in bloom. Dinner at Brigadier Reginald H. R. Parminter (British) head of UNRRA for Rooks and Gale. 19 KT yesterday a huge success—like old home week. Dinner at Parminters very nice. Long talk with Rooks35 and Gale. They were hostile toward Morgan—ex UNRRA who got in row last year over Jewish questions. Arrived Salzburg 0700—Collins, Geoff & I left train and drove in open car to Zell am See to inspect NCO school.

High Commissioner for Austria  291

Beautiful ride but chilly. Remainder of party detrained at Berchtesgaden. Usual fine time—delicious dinner—Bavarian show—Visit to GI clubs. Collins and Krafts had dinner with us. Beautiful day. 20 Trip to Platterhof. Mass—then lunch on Koenigsee. Entrained at 2000. Everyone had a fine time. 21 Returned to Vienna on time. Prepared for visit from businessmen. Edwards still here—came to see me—says his dope is that if there is no merger with separate Air Corps, McNarney will become Chief of Staff; otherwise he will replace Spaatz as head of the Air Corps. Erhardt returning from Moscow sick. No definite word on conference. Still faint hope for a treaty. Mrs. Clark flying to Moscow tomorrow. 22 Businessmen arrived—I gave them a briefing and received many compliments. KT for them at the Bristol. They claim they never realized the importance of the Austrian problem. Some of members—Creighton, Millsops, Weeks (Sinclair) an old beau of Leila’s. 23 Dinner for businessmen. They seem much impressed with our job and surprised at general lack of knowledge at home on importance of Austria. Treaty for Austria out! Editor’s Note: The fourth meetings of the Council of Foreign Ministers occurred from March 10 to April 24, 1947. The major issues considered at the conference included the political, military, economic, and financial situation of Germany and its economy and the creation of a central government, reparations and how they would be created and disbursed, the boundaries of Germany including the cession of the eastern portion of Germany to Poland to replace that east of the Curzon line acquired by the Soviet Union after its 1939 invasion of Poland, and the development of a peace treaty procedure for both Germany and Austria. “The Foreign Ministers agreed that their task was to lay the foundations of a central government for Germany, to bring about the economic unity of Germany essential for its own existence as well as for European recovery, to establish workable boundaries, and to set up a guaranteed control through a four-power treaty. Austria was to be promptly relieved of occupation burdens and treated as a liberated and independent country.” However, no agreement was reached by the end of the meeting.36 24 Four and a half years ago today we sailed from Newport News! A year ago today returned to Frankfurt from Milan to be offered the Third Army job! Briefing for tomorrow’s Allied Council meeting.

292  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

25 AC Meeting (Zheltov in the chair for Kurasov) Soviets 1-3 on nearly every item. Few agreements reached. Clark returned and gave to Press a very complete and blunt statement charging Soviets with blame for lack of success in effecting treaty. 26 Guard of Honor for Clark (another so called Saturday holiday shot!) Attended his press conference in which he elaborated last night’s statement. Also his interview with Figl in which he tore into Gruber, the Austrian Minister of State who weakened in Moscow according to Clark. Leila had Clarks and few friends at the house for KTs before the Clarks left by train for Hinterstoder for 4 or 5 days. Clark told me confidentially that he had turned down Ike’s offer for 1st place on UN Security committee which would carry 4 stars permanently. 27 KT at home for Brien’s parents and a few others. 28 Busy day. Monty Glass arrived yesterday from Furth Air Depot. Chief of Chaplains arrived (Dinner at the Bristol). Speech by Dr. Gruber saying Austria was sold out by Allies at Moscow and that she didn’t owe any gratitude to any one of them as well as the statement that if Austria gets her independence it will be in spite of the allies and not because of their help is quite a different picture from what Figl painted Saturday. It may be just political talk or it may mean a serious split in the Cabinet as well as in the Austro-American relation. Balmer and I have decided we must adopt a policy of not shouting so loudly all we are doing for Austria but to help and then let Austria have full credit for what she is doing for herself. Of course that is the reverse of Clark’s policy. A long talk with Colonel Blakeney (G-2 WD) on military importance of Austria. Conference with Brown and Rienan, Trades Union experts from Berlin and US. They think unions can be effective means against communism. Brown put out some interesting ideas on Russian tactics and our errors for example in agreeing too soon on the Saar question. Brown thinks Soviet stand on ten billion [dollar] reparation is a cover for long range domination of Germany. Thinks we ought to demand anti-communist returns from France in return for aid. 29 Lunch & Conference with Chief of Chaplains General Luther D. Miller who departed for Salzburg. Conference, KT and dinner for General Floyd L. Parks (chief of Public Information Division, US Army). Clark may return today because rain has spoiled his fishing. A year ago today Bull, Porter and I took off from Frankfurt for the U.S. 30 Parks Conference—same line. Had serious talk with him afterwards. Lunch for Parks who left soon afterwards. No engagements tonight

High Commissioner for Austria  293

thank goodness. Kretzman reported an interesting conference with Adoph Schaerf37 who wants to know whether Clark’s policy will be continued. May 1947 1 Clark’s birthday. Band at 0800—Large KT and supper at his villa. Figl & Gruber there. Clark took a dig at Gruber over his recent radio talk. Gruber flushed but said wait till the Parliament meeting May 7th. Large workers parades all morning—no incidents. Letter from George. 2 Party last night huge success. Clark received degree (Political Science) from University of Vienna. His speech reemphasizes our policy and reason why Soviet proposals at Moscow were unacceptable. Figl gave a huge dinner party in the Chancellery for Clark. Among other entertainment were several stars from the Vienna Opera. 3 Final review and decoration ceremony for Clark at the Votive Church [Votivkirche]. Loud speaker refused to function! Final dinner party at the Bristol given by Hickey. In the afternoon the Clarks visited the Red Cross Club and the 110th Station Hospital. Both places put up a fine showing. 4 Mass at 0700 at Grinzing then to Clark’s villa to accompany him and Figl to the railroad station where a Guard of Honor and a good sized crowd saw him leave Vienna for the last time. I accompanied them on the train as he was still in my area. Figl, Gruber and several other Austrian officials were at the train. First stop was Linz where Clark made a talk at the town hall. After lunch we continued to Salzburg stopping at Wels and Vöcklabruck where he made speeches. The speeches were about the same and stressed the same points; i.e., Soviet blame for no treaty at Moscow—Soviet stand on reparations, boundary, German assets, etc. He introduced me each time as his successor. Nice reception in Salzburg but no ceremonies. Quiet dinner at Collins villa where I occupied my old room. Leila did not make the trip and I am glad as it would have been a strain as well as physical effort. 5 Final ceremonies at the Mozarteum. Speeches by Clark and the Landeshauptman (Governor), dances and songs by Austrians—lunch at the Kavalier House—Dinner at Collins’ and final farewell at the train at 2200. I spent the night with Collins. It has been an impressive 5 days and historically important. Clark has done an outstanding job for the Austrians and they appreciate it. His speeches have helped the present government and united the Peoples and Socialist parties.

294  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

6 Flew back to Vienna in the C-47—55 minutes as against 7 hours by train! Riot yesterday at the Chancellery—Gruber called for allied troops! We refused because police had not all been used and matter calmed down in a few hours. Soviets backing communists at the bottom of it all. 7 Parliament addressed by Government and won out. Figl, Schaerf and Gruber made speeches on Moscow Conference and as clearly as they dared, blamed Soviets. Only dissenters are the Communists but they are too weak. No mob demonstrations and fears of general strike have disappeared. Generals Clayton L. Bissell, Stephen J. Chamberlin, Robert L. Walsh and Willard G. Wyman [senior Army officers attending American zone intelligence conference] came in from Frankfurt. Conference—lunch—dinner. 8 VE Day (2nd Anniversary). Inspected villa Clark has vacated. We’ll move in by the 1st of June. Balman and his crew worked all day to locate WD error in regard to Food Stocks—WD claimed we had available for Austrian people 128,000 tons bread grains which we do not have. It is their error not ours. Our situation is becoming critical in spite of our repeated warnings to WD. Dinner at Bristol—General Schultz. 9 Hickey still in hospital with malaria & Secretary Marshall says State Department should take over administration of occupied zones of Germany, Austria & Japan. State Department must think all the headaches are over now! Staff is drafting cable to JCS stating that to carry out US policy as emphasized by Clark we must have tangible evidence in way of loans to Austria which we have been trying to get for 6 months! 10 General Thomas J. W. Winterton (British Deputy Commissioner) came to discuss the recent riots and the failure of the Austrian Police. Governor Dutheil (French) came to see Balmer ref. Jewish infiltration into French Zone. 11 Lowe (PRO) brought out article written by Ross of NY Times criticizing us for not putting US Austrian Treaty Commission into the Bristol and stated that since change of command military was pushing political side of occupation job into second or third place! The Desobrys and Geoff came to Mother’s Day dinner. Mr. Joseph Dodge and party arriving from Berlin. Mr. and Mrs. Dodge, the Erhardts and Balmers came for cocktail. Dr. Dodge, a banker from Detroit knows George and Ray well. He is optimistic over commission and thinks he has a new and better approach.

High Commissioner for Austria  295

12 Hour’s conference with Mr. Dodge and 3 of his advisors—David Ginsberg, Raymond Goldsmith and Covey Oliver. I opened the Zone G-2 conference—delegates from Italy, Poland and several Balkan States. Lunch with senior members. A mixed KT party for them at the Bristol. Editor’s Note: At the final meeting of the Moscow Council of Foreign Ministers, the decision was made to establish an experts committee in Vienna to deal with the German assets issue and Austrian reparations. The Austrian Treaty Commission met from May 14 to October 12, 1947, during which Ginsberg, the American legal expert on the commission, developed a compromise proposal, which was presented by the French commissioner, Paul Cherriere. The compromise, known as the Cherriere plan, required the Austrian concession of part of the Danube shipping and their oil assets. The remaining German assets would be redeemed by a lump sum to be paid over a number of years. “Coming from the French this made the proposal more digestible to the Soviets.”38 13 Allied Council meeting—1 hour—shortest on record. I was chairman. Supper party at home for Captain Muriel M. Moran as going away party. She is last of the Seventh Army three WACS who were part of the group at Heidelberg. 14 Leila and I attended WAC 5th Anniversary party. Editor’s Note: General Keyes formally assumed command of USFA and the duties of the US high commissioner for Austria on May 17, 1947, having served as deputy commanding general, USFA, since January 10. As US high commissioner in Occupied Austria, he was the highest ranking American official serving as a principal member of the Allied Council, chairing it in rotation with the other three high commissioners (British, French, and Soviet). He was responsible for carrying out the policies of the US government for the occupation of Austria and for the safety of all US personnel stationed there. He reported directly to the Joint Staff as high commissioner and to USEUCOM as the commanding general of US Forces Austria. 17 Flew to Salzburg for lunch I gave at the Kavalier House for Czech Minister of War and CofS General Bocek. Telephone Conversation with WD (General George J. Richards39) re new policy in Austria— lasted until 1:30 a.m. This will be an important step politically and diplomatically but will curtail much that has been enjoyed to date.

296  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

Editor’s Note: Occupation policy was at a crossroads, as the Austrian government wanted the withdrawal of US forces even without a State Treaty in place, deeming that doing so would provide greater flexibility in dealing with the Soviets. State Department officials preferred to consider the proposal, while General Keyes rejected it outright. Keyes’s position was based on his conviction that the Soviets planned to use Austria as a springboard into Western Europe.40 18 KT party by Mrs. Eleanor Lansing Dulles—sister of John Foster Dulles. Many Austrian and State Department personnel present. 19 Party of editors arrived—Dinner at the Bristol. 20 Briefing for Editors—Lunch and KT for them with representatives from other 3 elements and Austrians present. Joe Cannon came in for an hour’s visit en route to Germany. 21 Flew to Heidelberg for Suzanne Schmidt’s wedding. The Roses and Farrands and both Leilas went too. Fine trip and lovely wedding. We stayed with the Burresses in our (now their) old house—Villa Bosch! 22 Spent morning taking pictures of the garden and visiting old familiar places including the Stardust Club. Flew back to Vienna after lunch. 23 Another telephone conversation wanted by WD—we suggested Sunday. 25 Telephone conversation all afternoon. WD will accept our plan which will simplify the problem enormously and will greatly benefit Austria starting July 1st and not at some future date! Bethouant asked me to dinner informally tonight. Thought there might be some reason other than social but there wasn’t. He and I and our two aides had a fine supper on the terrace. 26 Letter from President Truman appointing me as US High Commissioner on the Allied Council. Policy cable received from WD which is OK—it intimated that Clark had been speaking out of turn since his arrival in US. Virginia (Desobry) has to go in the hospital for penicillin treatment for her ears so Jackie & Des can’t make the trip to Italy with us. WD won’t let us make any press releases yet. 27 Lots of visitors. Mr. O’Connor ARC; the Turkish Minister, Chancellor Figl and Collins. I asked Figl to come so as to acquaint him with the new US policy of paying our way. He was overcome and promised all kinds of cooperation to meet difficulties which are bound to arise. Huge KT party given by ARC for Mr. O’Connor. We had dinner party at home for General Cherriere, the Kerdavids, Chretiennots and Farrands. A fine party.

High Commissioner for Austria  297

28 Colonel Bourgin, French Liaison Officer in Salzburg called. Also Messrs. Selden and Dowrick of American Express Company re opening an office in Salzburg. Left Vienna about 1800 for Italy. Observation car is with us and is proving more and more of an asset. 29 After an interesting train ride through the Brenner Pass and the Po Valley (Verona–Bologna) arrived Florence about 1900. Met by Ken Blood. Put up at Excelsior Hotel in de luxe style. GI’s put up in a Rest Center. All “for free” as Father Nuwer puts it. KT and dinner which included a party of Swiss officers and other officials and wives. 30 Drove to Castelfiorentino for Memorial Day ceremony at the US Cemetery. About 5000 buried there. A beautiful ceremony and setting. Returned to Florence for lunch and while the rest of the party went sightseeing and shopping, General Kenneth T. Blood and I accompanied General Terrence S. Airey (British) to a British cemetery to lay wreaths. KT and dinner with the Bloods. 31 Took Father Nuwer, Major Chambers and Geoff on an all day trip over the trails of II Corps–Ponte de Sieve–Scarperia–Monte Altuzzo– Monticelli–Giogo–Firenzuola–via Highway 6529–Pietramala– Raticosa Pass–Monghidoro–Loiano and Livergnano and returned via Traversa and Futa Pass. What memories it brought back—Monte Beni, Monte Canda—Monterumici—Monte Grande and Monte Adone and Monte delle Formiche all looked as forbidding as ever and what II Corps troops accomplished appears even more miraculous. Geoff and I went shopping and we ended the day with a KT for the Bloods, Hickeys, etc. and dinner. June 1947 1 Mass at 0600. Left by train at 0700. Spent an hour at Pisa and then continued along the shoreline to Rome via Leghorn, Cecina, Piombino, Orbetello–Civitavecchia. Met by Major Wood—Cliff Lee’s aide. Put up at the Excelsior which is even more swanky than in Florence. Lee gave large KT and dinner for Swiss party and ourselves. Monsignor Carroll and Willems among guests. 2 Took most of party down Highway 6 to Cassino and visited and inspected the ruins of the monastery. Still adhere to my opinion and recommendation of 1944 to not bomb the monastery as it served no purpose. View impressive. Hickey amazed what we fought over. Reduced party continued to Cervaro–San Pietro–Venafro–Presenzano–Minturno–Formia–Fondi–Terracina–Anzio. Got back to Rome near midnight. Both here and north of Florence much has been done

298  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

3

4

5

6

7

toward restoration but much remains to be done. Greatest change is in appearance and attitude of the people. The old look of discouragement and fear has practically disappeared. The whole party had an audience with the Pope—Pius XII. First Leila, Leila jr, Geoff and the Hickeys and I were taken in to his office where we had a 15 minute informal talk. Then the rest of the party came in and after another 5 or 10 minutes of conversation, blessing of rosaries, etc. we knelt and received the Holy Father’s blessing and left. He remembered my other visit with my staff June 1944. Monsignor Carroll took us around the Vatican and then the Keyes, Hickeys and Father Nuwer had lunch with Monsignors Carroll, Brennan and Hemmick and Father Kilian. The Hickeys and Leila jr and I went to see St. Peters. Dinner given by General Archelaus L. Hamblen for the Huebners and us—a fine party. The Vienna party boarded the train and departed at 2400 for Florence. I returned to the hotel for the night. Returned to Vienna in B-17 in 2½ hours. Beautiful trip. Mrs. Jane Balmer, Colonel Carns and a Miss Loyd (UP) with me. Spent day in the office. Dinner at Balmers for Wedemeyers. Figls and Dodges also there. Al Wedemeyer very complimentary and said I would do better than Clark—that he had the entre to Ike and General Marshall and to call on him any time. Dodge said he has made practically no progress. Met Assistant Secretary of War Howard C. Petersen at Tulln and spent day and most of evening with him—conference—lunch (including Figl and Gruber) at Hueragan Restaurant all afternoon put on by Figl—a KT and dinner at the Bristol. Patterson seemed quite pleased and complimentary. He was accompanied by Mr. Madigan, Colonel Harris from OMGUS. Patterson’s impression might be summed up briefly as Figl being a tough little scrapper and Mrs. Gruber very attractive! Left Tulln at 0805 in C-53 with Jackie and Des and landed at Lido Venice at 1020. Met by Leilas, Hickey and the British area commander. All officers of our party are billeted at the Hotel Daniele on the Grand Canal. The GIs and WACS are at the Lido. Everyone still having fine time and buying everything on sale. Leila, the Hickeys and I had dinner at an Italian restaurant—Taverne (?) and then all boarded train for Trieste. Murphy sick and left him to fly back to Vienna tomorrow. Arrived Trieste about 0700. Met by General Bryant Moore who is CG of TRUST [Troops of the US in Trieste] Guard of Honor at Cas-

High Commissioner for Austria  299

tel Miramare built by Maximilian. Rapid trip to Gorizia and Morganline and visit to detachments of 350th Infantry Regiment now commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Ralph Haines—ex II Corps. Inspected 15th Tank Company—of old 752nd Tank Battalion (II Corps) which Woodbury led so well. Present Company CO is Captain Baird. Lunched at Dvino with Lieutenant General Sir John Harding—an old friend. Last lunched with him there in June 1945 with Clark and McCreery and Geoff. Leila and I rode about the harbor of Trieste in a Police launch. Big dinner party and reception. 8 Mass in the chapel of the Castel. Leila, Jackie and I drove around Trieste where the whole gang had shopped yesterday. Boarded the train and left at 1310 via Udine–Tarvisio–Villach–Spittal–Salzburg. Everyone tired but happy. 9 Arrived Vienna 0700 and found a near crisis in the Austrian Government. Figl last Thursday had attended a dinner where he discussed with Ernst Fischer [a leading Austrian Communist] and another near Communist what the Communists wanted. Later he told Gruber who enlarged the story and released it to a US correspondent. The Socialists are furious that Figl should have talked to the Commies without being in on it; the Commies are mad; and the People’s Party see they have pulled a boner. 10 Geoff’s birthday (23 years old) and a son to be proud of. Family party. Telephone conversation WD (Richards BOWD [Budget Office, War Department]). Everything progressing to our satisfaction except as regards making some announcement. 11 Tea at the Belgian Embassy—Figl, Gruber and Schaerf present. Figl said laughingly that he wished he had stayed at the Hueragan Restaurant in Grinzing last Thursday (Mr. Peterson’s party) instead of going to the Communist dinner! However things are blowing over but there will be some damage as a result. 12 Ginge’s birthday (30 years old) and another one to be proud of. Leila and I talked to her on the phone. She is delighted at going to Panama. Attended a British Exhibition of the History of the City of London. Very interesting and cleverly done. All elements represented. President Renner told me the crisis is over and that nothing will be allowed to upset the government. 13 Huebner called to say I could keep observation car from Third Army Train. I called Clay and invited him to visit us next weekend. Word from Washington indicates someone coming early next week to arrange settlement with Austrians so we can start fresh next month.

300  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

Allied Council meeting. British laid it on the line ref. Soviet dealings in Austrian coal and oil. Soviet refused to enter the discussion. I concurred in British stand. Bethouart (French) merely said “no comment.” We moved to Clark house and our first night was without water as the main broke in the street! 14 Joint decoration ceremony at my HQ. I present LOM to General Steele. Small but select party present. Lady and Miss Steele—Brigadier & Mrs. Cooke—The Hickeys—Balmers—Farrands—Dodges— Rankins, etc. Dodge last Wednesday said his Commission was on the verge of an agreement and hoped to get under way at last. Today he said the Russians had balked again and they are back at the start again. Editor’s Note: The Austrian Treaty Commission, composed of the four Allies’ deputy foreign ministers, was tasked with drafting the Austrian State Treaty. Their report was due by March 1947 in time for the Moscow Conference of Foreign Ministers. Due to severely conflicting views over the German assets available for reparation, no progress was made and the deputies continued to meet in an effort to resolve the differences.41 15 Spent day at home for a change. Swimming pool and tennis court very popular with Jackie’s crowd and their children. Editor’s Note: Keyes provided a framed copy of his mission statement to all USFA commanding officers and heads of important staff offices, which stated that the mission was “to re-establish a free, independent and democratic Austria with a sound economy capable of insuring an adequate standard of living.” His purpose was to remind his officers of “their positions of special responsibility, why they are in Austria and what their Government expects them to be doing.” Keyes believed that the United States had “a moral duty in Austria.” His personal project involved getting “the Austrian children off the street and providing for them healthy recreation facilities.”42 16 Colonel Moore and Mr. Naylor from BOWD arrived in connection with the pay as we go agreements with the Austrian Government. KT at Swedish Legation. 17 Inspected local units all day. Conference with Moore and Naylor. 18 Continued the inspections. KT at General Wintertons in the British Sector. Left at 2030 by train for Salzburg. Carns and Brigham with me.

High Commissioner for Austria  301

19 Inspected in Salzburg area including Camp Marcus Orr. Medical setup there remarkable. In over 2 years only 26 deaths including 6 suicides. Some unbelievable surgery. Flew back to Vienna to welcome and have dinner with Generals Daniel Noce43 and Maxwell Taylor.44 Rapid progress being made in the agreements and I am to pass on final draft tomorrow. 20 OK’ed final draft of [Austrian relief grant] agreements. Flew to Hoersching and inspected wells—Linz units including Youth Activities. Returned to Vienna at 1730. Signing set for 1700 tomorrow. Notified WD and asked OK on news release. Had KT at house for Taylor, Peckham (new head of GRS [Graves Registration Service] in EUCOM) and Collins and then took in the opera with supper at the Bristol. Leila, Brigham and I left by train at 2330 for Hinterstoder. Am to fly back tomorrow for the signing. 21 Longest day of the year. Arrived Hinterstoder at 0900. Fine comfortable lodge but with usual Clark touch has 5 telephones which rang all morning. Balmer phoned asking me to return early as there was a hitch in the plans brewing. Flew back to Hoersching by [Piper] cub— then by C-53 to Tulln and then by cub to Vienna (2 hours). WD now wants me to submit drafts of agreements before signing and wants no publicity. Also wants telephone conversation this afternoon. Telephone conversation got under way just one hour before specified time for signing. In meantime Figl had almost let cat out of the bag by announcing at a party meeting that he would have something very important to say over the radio tonight! We put a stop to it until we cleared with WD. The Soviet Radio called ours to learn what the announcement was to be—said they understood it was occupation costs!! I notified WD by cable and telephone conversation that I could not defer signing and that I considered their instructions had given me that authority. They finally agreed and OK’d a release just 15 minutes before the designated hour. Figl and Zimmerman signed for the Austrians. I signed for the US. After a drink I hastened back to Hinterstoder where I found Leila full of enthusiasm—she had been trout fishing and had the time of her life but no trout! Editor’s Note: The cost of the occupation of Austria was a source of discord among the Allies. France and Great Britain did not have the resources to pay the costs they incurred, with the result that in 1946 the cost of the occupation reached 35 percent of the Austrian budget. By 1947, the occupation costs were capped at 15 percent of the annual budget.45 To assuage

302  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

Austrian sensibilities, the United States assumed its own occupation costs, but the British and French governments were under intense pressure to reduce defense costs and so refused to join the Americans. “The issue of occupation costs was a reflection of growing friction between occupiers and occupied.”46 22 Raining Sunday a.m. Drove almost as hour to go to mass where they promised the service would be 1 hour instead of 2 at the nearby church. Net time just the same! After lunch Leila, Brigham and the Fischmeister went fishing, and each caught one which with the others caught by the GIs we had for dinner on the train. 23 Back in Vienna. Press reaction on agreement to pay occupation costs very favorable. 24 KT at Czech Legation. Cherriere said he did not get my latter ref. the agreement until yesterday (I sent each High Commissioner one an hour before the signing Saturday). Several others at the party made reference to it but not the Soviet! All set now to sign the relief grant ($85,000,000) tomorrow at noon. Editor’s Note: The relief grant of $85 million was a part of the Congressional Relief Resolution of 1947, with the agreement between the United States and Austria being signed on June 25, 1947.47 25 Quite a ceremony for the signing of the Relief Grant—Radio—photographers—Press, etc. etc. Figl and Gruber signed for the Austrians and I signed for the US. Schaerf was also present and everybody was happy. After a drink the party broke up and I spent the rest of the day getting briefed for Friday’s AC meeting. 26 Flew to Linz for inspection of Enns and Steyr installations [DP camps]. Spent an hour sightseeing at St. Florian monastery (Augustinian—1000 years old). Upon return—dressed—stopped off to say goodbye to the Halsteads and went to General Steele’s to dinner for Lord Packenham [Frank Packenham, Earl of Longford, British Labor Government minister]. Mr. Dodge and I the only Americans. Steele and I had a long talk—He thinks the Soviets will give in before the end of the year. I said I couldn’t see what he based that on. 27 AC meeting got off to a sticky start but finally got rolling after an “all out” luncheon by the British presumably for Lord Packenham who was a guest spectator. At lunch his sallies to the Soviets were typical of a typical politician so he went down considerably in my estima-

High Commissioner for Austria  303

tion. The three US-Austrian agreements were reported to the AC by the Chancellor and the AC simply noted the fact. No discussion at any time. Following the regular meeting the 4 Commissioners continued the discussion on the amount of occupation cost; Schillings to be requested of the Austrian Government. No agreement was reached as the Soviets (General Kurasov this time) wanted 131,000,000 total with him getting 50,000,000. Afterwards Bethouart told me he had plenty and didn’t care whether an agreement was reached or not! I told him I had to pay for mine anyway so I was in no hurry for a settlement. General Steele told me last time he had plenty so it looks as if we have Kurasov over a barrel At Press conference Ross of NY Times tried to bring out the source of the Schillings to be the Black Market dealings in 1945 & 1946. As I released complete texts of all three agreements he couldn’t press me too hard. After the Hickey KT at the Bristol, Leila and I and the Balmers, Farrands, Bixels, and Ulmers and the usual quota of WACS and GIs left by train for Gmunden for the weekend. 28 Beautiful day. GIs put up at the Swann (former mess of 11th Armored Division), the WACS at another place and the rest of us at the Villa Traunblick and Villa Vienne (?). Boating, fishing, sailing, swimming. After dinner a half dozen of us got stranded for an hour on the lake when the boat broke down. 29 Another beautiful day. Leila and I went to mass at Traunkirchen—a beautiful and picturesque little church right on the lake (Traunsee). Colonel Henning Linden phoned from Salzburg that the Jewish DPs refused to move out of Franz Joseph Kaserne [transient DP camp] to the new camp. As this was only part of a well-studied plan I assured him of our backing. They are the most uncooperating group we have to deal with and their committee and Rabbi Bernstein are of little help in crises. After a fine dinner and afternoon we boarded the train at 1800. Supper on the train included trout caught by the Balmers and Gorder. At Linz the Haynes came aboard to ask us to stop over for supper and a swim but it was too late to change plans. 30 Back on the job. Rabbi Berstein phoned Balmer suggesting postponing action on DPs at Franz Joseph until he visited them Wednesday. I sent him word to come Tuesday and to come here first. There are professional agitators who are stirring things up. Clay now wants to inspect troops on Saturday! What a weekend breaker up he is! He and Murphy spent Saturday & Sunday at Berchtesgaden as Murphy announced he wanted to talk to our Military Government in

304  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

Salzburg. I sent Erhardt down to be present. Can’t understand their attitude. Clergy arrived. Briefing and tea at Bristol. July 1947 1 Big supper party at Balmers—Official. Figl cornered me and told me how appreciative the Austrians are for US aid and friendship. Rabbi Bernstein arrived. Will see him tomorrow. French are having trouble in France over a plan to overthrow the government. The French— UK—Soviet ministers meeting over the Marshall Plan has broken up with Molotov walking out. Same attitude—same pattern. Editor’s Note: On June 6 at Harvard University, Secretary of State George Marshall announced what became known as the Marshall Plan, stating that the United States would assist the European countries in their reconstruction. From June 27 to July 2, Molotov, Bevin, and Georges Bidault met in Paris to discuss the offer. By July 2 the meeting had failed: the USSR refused to join the Marshall Plan and started a virulent campaign against the American initiative. In France, the Communist Party initiated strikes.48 2 Long conference with Rabbi Bernstein. He really is no help since he sees only one side—the Jewish and his only advice is habitually to do nothing the Jews don’t want to do. He says we shouldn’t move them out of the hotels at Bad Gastein unless we give them something better (the only thing better in Austria would be the Bristol!) His policy would be the same as not moving, after 2 years, emergency refugees from the Waldorf unless something better were offered! He is leaving this afternoon for Salzburg ostensibly to get a compromise on Franz Joseph but I expect little to come of it. Final conference with clergy and dinner with them at the Bristol. They all seemed pleased and impressed. Clay’s aide phoned at 1800 that he had to cancel his visit this weekend. That ends it as far as I am concerned. He will have to initiate the next invitation. 3 Clergy left. As expected Rabbi Bernstein phoned Balmer his recommendations which were to delay Franz Joseph move a couple of weeks and the other moves until next year! Collins is back and I phoned him to check Bernstein’s statements that the new camp is inferior and will be overcrowded. 4 Morning spent on phone with Collins who recommends setting a deadline of 10 days on voluntary moves out of Franz Joseph. Says Rabbi is wrong about his claims. He told the Rabbi that on the final

High Commissioner for Austria  305

date he would have the Press present to get the true facts and the Rabbi really got worried—said it would kill the Stratton Bill (to let 400,000 DPs into the US). I think it is a shrewd move and may get action. I had already had our PIO prepare factual statements for publication. [Editor’s Note: US Representative William G. Stratton (Ill.) proposed to admit 400,000 DPs at a rate of 100,000 per year using unfilled wartime quotas.49] The big 4th of July reception at our villa was a huge success over 600 guests. The British, French and Russian High Commissioners and staffs and practically all the ministers were present. Kurasov brought his whole first team which is considered quite an event. Captain Turner the new candidate aide arrived. 5 Another nice day spent relaxing. Jackie and Des are at Chiemsee for the weekend. Leila and the Lowe girls had their British beaux out for tennis and a swim. 6 Clay’s aide phoned proposing next Sunday & Monday for his visit. 7 Collins phoned to say the “Affaire Franz Joseph” is practically settled—after conference till midnight by the Jews and their committees and a conference with him this a.m.—the move will go into effect and promises to be completed by the end of the week. Evidently Collins proposed to have the Press present turned the trick! The collapse of the Paris Conference on the Marshall Plan is apparently loaded with dynamite. The Austrian Government is seeking a proper move for them to make. Definitely pro. They must nevertheless not bring Russia down on them at this moment. It is a delicate situation. Balmer is going to Berlin to scout around. 8 Lunch at French Embassy. Met Mme de Monicault—very French— very nice. Sir George Rendell [British member of the Austrian Treaty Commission] also here. He is a stuffed shirt if I ever saw one! Carl Hardigg arrived—is to be supply head of IRO [International Refugee Organization]. Says he doesn’t believe the US will let in DPs. 9 Hardigg had lunch with me and came out to villa for dinner. Refreshing to talk to him. Balmer back from Berlin—says OMGUS both hostile and insulting. However believes conference ended on better key. Clay et al accuses us of trying to despoil Germany and double-cross OMGUS. It is more a question of ego than fact. 10 Long talk with Balmer on his trip. We must assemble the data to refute all Clay’s charges when he arrives Sunday. His arbitrary action in shutting off coal deliveries from the Ruhr was unjust and indefensible and he caught the devil from the British and has rescinded his order. Dinner at Jackie’s—the kids grow cuter and cuter.

306  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

11 KT party at Brigadier Ronald Cooke’s (General Steele’s Chief of Staff). Long talk with Figl concerning Austrian decision to attend the Paris Conference on the Marshall Plan and Czechoslovakia’s sudden about face. He said that if Austria had done otherwise it would have meant the definite division of Austria into East and West. Later talked to Gruber re Soviet attack on the US at today’s Allied Council meeting—Gruber advised ignoring it. At today’s meeting Kurosov read a paper charging US with taking advantage of Austria’s economic plight to gain a stranglehold on her also that we were violating Control agreement and the agreement of 13 December 1946 and demanded rescission of certain articles of the Agreement. Editor’s Note: At the Allied Council meeting of July 10, 1947, the Soviet high commissioner launched a vigorous attack on the US-Austrian Assistance Agreement whereby Austria would receive approximately $100 million. He stated that the Austrian economy would come under US control and that the agreement violated the Moscow Declaration and the New Control Agreement.50 12 Preparation of papers on the OMGUS row. Had we realized how serious it was and how arbitrary Clay has been we could really have sent a cable to the JCS that would have burned him up. 13 Clay, Murphy and Hickerson (State Department) arrived at Tulln at 1100. Erhardt and I met them. Lunch—drive around Vienna and then VIP reception at our home. French represented by the Bethouarts. British by the Cookes, Russians by General Georgii Karlovich Tsinev51 and the Austrians by Figl, Schaerf, and Gruber. Dinner at Bristol. Clay very conciliatory and receptive of any suggestion for delineating line of demarcation between EUCOM and USFA. 14 All morning on inspection tour with Clay. He expressed pleasure and surprise at appearance of troops! Promised to see why we didn’t get our share of paint and supplies. Lunch at CGs mess and put him and party on plane at 1500. Am sure his visit was beneficial. That is the first time either he or Murphy had been here since before the war. They as well as McNarney and Eisenhower had never been here during Clark’s regime! Clay said the man Marshall referred to as possible successor to him as Chief of Staff was General B. B. Somervell [commanding general, Army Service Forces in World War II] but he didn’t know what the disqualifying trait of character was. Bastille Day—big garden party reception at General Bethouart’s villa. Had

High Commissioner for Austria  307

talks with Bethouart, Renner, Gruber and Kurasov. Kurasov was very cordial and subjects were purely social. Bethouart and Renner were apprehensive at Soviet attempt next month to cause trouble through Communist party. Gruber not too worried. Erhardt still burned up over Clark’s whispering campaign against him. Says Hickerson as well as others discount Clark and say he has hurt himself by his loose talk. 15 Big news is Kurosov’s letter to Figl on the US-Austro agreement— charging him with selling out the sovereignty of Austria and holding him responsible for the consequences. Flew to Munich to see the Gays. Lunch with them at Starnberg Lake (Frick home). Hap looks well. Gave me the leather valpak [B-4 bag] I’ve been trying to get for nearly a year—it is a beauty. Telephone Conversation with WD subject DPs. WD backs us up—that IRO is responsible. We have trouble with the Jews. 16 Congressman Augustine Bernard Kelley (Pennsylvania) and family arrived. Came out for dinner. Son graduated West Point—daughter at Georgetown visited with Leila. During dinner SGS [secretary of general staff] phoned. General Bethouart’s aide phoned to ask an appointment for Bethouart for tomorrow. Something is up. 17 Bethouart arrived at 0930. He urged me not to bring on a row in my reply to Kurosov at the next AC meeting feeling that it would encourage the Soviets to separate their zone and force us into a division as exists in Germany. He said it was vitally important we keep Allied Council in being and functioning and for that reason it would be politic to yield occasionally to the Soviets. I agree to our objectives but couldn’t agree to yielding unless the Soviet reciprocated. Also that while I would not intentionally precipitate a row I could not let Figl whose forthright reply to Kurosov showed guts stand there alone to battle the Soviets. Bethouart feared the Soviets would stir up trouble in August when they are in the chair and the French, British, and Americans should be on the alert and stand together. He said there could be no doubt as to where he personally stood in spite of what he had been forced to do by governmental instructions the past year. I told him not only would I maintain order in my zone but that I’d move into the International sector (1st Berzerk) to protect my interests and prevent one element from wrecking our combined mission in Austria. Ex-General Wild Bill Donovan [director, Office of Strategic Services] came in for a talk and lunch—interesting but always have to discount him after my experiences with him in North Africa—

308  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

Sicily—Italy, etc. Congressman Kelley also for lunch. Hickey and others of staff flew to Salzburg for conference with Zone Command. Have approved guest list for festival. Clark certainly sets his sights high. Every ambassador etc. in Europe. I can’t drop it this year but I can limit it where obviously he reached down for a personal political reason. 18 Long conference with Balmer and Erhardt. Erhardt is vague like State Department but I told him I must have better cooperation and that Legation cannot operate separately as it must function as an advisory agency of the High Commissioner (me). He laid most of blame on Rankin. Soviet has now offered Austria coal from Soviet occupied Germany for US Dollars. That puts everyone in a spot as a refusal on any but strictly business grounds will permit Soviets to shriek that their charges of our interference in Austrian economy are proven. Left by train for Hinterstoder—Leila jr going under protest. 19 Arrived lodge 0900. Weather cold and unsettled but cleared in the afternoon—went trout fishing in afternoon and Leila caught the only one caught. Leila jr finally tried her hand and after supper went out with aides and caught 2 much to her delight. 20 Weather not too good. Leila went out in afternoon and caught 4 trout. Aides and Mess Sergeant also caught a large string. Usual distribution of candy to local children at the train (40–50 kids—all ages). Left at 2000. 21 Back in Vienna. Professor Thomas A. Bailey (Stanford University) came in. He is on faculty of National War College. Cable from Washington. OK for Austria to buy Soviet coal with US dollars of the Relief Grant. That eases things up. 22 1st draft of reply to Kurasov—prepared in Erhardt’s office by Mellen—absolutely colorless and innocuous. I insisted on new attempt. Erhardt and Professor Bailey came out for dinner. Bailey is supposedly an authority on foreign policy but Erhardt thinks he is too opinionated. An incipient crisis on Romanian Jewish DPs is about to break. They continue to come into Vienna and we no longer can take responsibility for either feeding or housing. 23 Spent a.m. on briefing for Friday’s AC meeting. Most of afternoon on second draft of reply—proposed draft still far from satisfactory— everyone seems too conciliatory. Spent 3 hours after supper trying to think it out. My prescription of yesterday: a. not wreck the relief measure, b. not leave opening for endless discussion, c. maintain our rights to make such an agreement; and d. not leave Figl out by him-

High Commissioner for Austria  309

24

25

26

27

28

self to oppose the Soviets—still holds but today’s draft missed at least two counts. Erhardt and others too appeasing. Mr. Traube (AJDC [American Jewish Defense Council]) came in ref. Rumanian Jewish DPs—while technically I am not responsible I cannot afford to have a serious problem unsolved right in my area. Practically whole day spent completing reply to Kurasov. Final draft stands on our rights, gives Soviet full opportunity to cooperate, denies ulterior motives and puts in plug for Austrian Government. Also a subtle suggestion that Soviet discuss all matters of general interest to Austria. Invites other elements (including Soviet) to send observers with mine. Now if Soviet continues to buck the responsibility is clearly theirs for failure of Austrian relief. Radio from Noce saying ASW agreed to invite George Harrison to visit Austria as advisor. George will decide after trip to Washington. Sent him a cable urging him to accept. General Gorder gave wedding anniversary dinner at the Bristol. Today Erhardt predicted that in 6 months the Soviets will have declared their intention of administering Eastern Austria separately. In other words we’ll have a division here as in Germany. AC meeting much interest in my statement answering Kurasov’s of last meeting on the US-Austrian Relief assistance agreement. Kurasov said he would study it carefully before commenting; Steele said it was very frank and should satisfy everybody; Bethouart as chairman merely said it would be noted. Steele really went to town on Kurasov on the oil question but Kurasov said it was not on the agenda and he would not discuss it! VAC farewell dinner for Samouce. Telephone Conversation with WD on method of payment for coal. Spent entire a.m. in the office although a holiday. Conference with Mr. Henry Rutz AFL Labor advisor. He said he had finally wakened up to the importance of Austria and our problems here. The AFL through Trades Unions are bending every effort to defeat Communism. We left for Salzburg at 10 p.m. Balmers—Hickeys—Dodges— Erhardt and Gorder—Roses & Kretzman. Salzburg—clear and hot. Mass then lunch at Schloss Klessheim and then to opening ceremonies for the Music Festivals. Sweltering. Speeches by Landeshauptmann, myself and Chancellor Figl. All candles in chandelier drooped. First performance was Jedermann (“Everybody”—Ger.) outdoors in front of Cathedral. Very fine and very impressive. Party spent day sightseeing and golfing. Some went to opera (Marriage of Figaro), the rest of us went to Collins’ for dinner. Bill Rose

310  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

had a sort of heart attack at the opera and he and Mildred returned to the Schloss. The rest of us boarded the train and departed for Vienna. Mr. Dodge and I visited the Harvard Student Seminar in the Reinhardt Villa. Radio announced James Forrestal as new Secretary of National Defense [effective September 17, 1947]. Visited Heilbrunn castle with all the water tricks. 29 Letter from Tom Handy saying Assistant Secretary OK’d George’s visit to Austria. Also that he had shown my letter to Ike who would drop Clay a line on our “independence.” At French horse show yesterday, US won 1st Place. Leila and I attended in Bethouart box—a nice show. French won 1 & 3 and we won 2 & 4th which was very good. Leila got sick. 30 More trouble with OMGUS stopping shipments into Austria—this time it involves food as well as coal. Drafting telegram to Clay protesting and which will serve as basis of protest to JCS if necessary. Balmer is a steady plodder but awfully sluggish and little initiative. Talk with Kretzman on Austrian matters. Interview with Mr. and Mrs. James Reston. NY Times (She is Scott Fulton’s niece). 31 Robertson52 arrived from Frankfurt en route to Sofia. Long conference with Rabbi Bernstein and his successor Judge Harold Leventhal. Rabbi not pleased at our decision to move Jews into Ebelsberg. Final draft of telegram to Clay. Now OMGUS wants to charge us dollars for relief shipments across Germany! After plans all made for long weekend at Hinterstoder word arrived Secretary of War Kenneth C. Royall will arrive Salzburg Saturday and leave Sunday and I am to meet and stay with him. Samouces left for ZI. Our train left just ahead of Mozart (Both Leilas and both aides—Geoff will join us tomorrow or Saturday). August 1947 1 Fine day. Leila sr caught 8 trout—3 undersized. Party at Salzburg growing now includes Lee from Italy, Livesay from Greece and Milburn from Bad Tolz. Carns flew in from Vienna with draft of command directive. 2 Still beautiful weather. Geoff arrived by L-5 and Tauber and I flew to Salzburg. Collins met me—Lee, Livesay and Milburn all there. We met Secretary at 4:30. He seems pleasant but inclined to tell you about his army rank! [Brigadier General] Spent most of his time in huddle with Lee and Livesay over proposed British withdrawal of troops from Greece and Italy. That has implications for me if they extend that pol-

High Commissioner for Austria  311

icy to Austria. Band at Guard of Honor ceremony tried to play the General’s March and Hail to the Chief at the same time—the result was terrible! Whole party spent night at Berchtesgaden. 3 Secretary left at 1000; Lee at 1015; Livesay and Milburn 1030. Only talk (serious) I had with Secretary was riding to & from the airport! While he admitted importance of Austria and its difference from Germany, he apparently wasn’t too interested. Says he is friend and great admirer of George L. Harrison. Also that George is coming over soon. Collins and I went to mass and then I flew back to Hinterstoder with Tannler (aide). Left Hinterstoder by train at 2200 with usual gang of kids lined up for candy or chewing gum. 4 Back in Vienna. Letter from Kurasov informing me that Soviets had taken possession of the Lobau oil refinery as a German asset. This is almost highway robbery as the plant is US-British owned. We must reply. A year ago today Leila & Leila jr arrived in Heidelburg. Mr. Sims Scripps-Howard called. Mr. Allen US Supervisor of Relief [US Department of State] came in. Friend of GLH [George Harrison]. Thinks we can adjust to meet Russians’ objections to the Relief Agreement. Cable from Noce saying George can’t come over due to business. Glad haven’t told Leila anything about it as she would be heart broken. Jewish DP problem getting more and more critical. Two bomb explosions in British Hotel here—suspect Jews. Anti-Semitism in England and world increasing as result of murder of 2 British sergeants in Palestine last week. The Dodges had a large KT party at the Bristol. Heat wave is sure here. 5 Still hot. British have announced they are pulling out of Greece and reducing in Italy. That will leave US holding the bag which is normal when dealing with the British. Clay replied to my protest over car stoppage by promising to give us full warning in future; that last stoppage was unauthorized and that everything is now OK. However he won’t help Austria at expense of Germany! Soviet seizure of Lobau oil refinery still top item. I have had to prod Balmer and Erhardt into doing something. One is slow and the other with State Department tradition avoids the issue as long as possible. Radiogram from George regretting inability to make trip. Geoff came to dinner. Editor’s Note: General Keyes protested the Soviet seizure of the Lobau oil refinery near Vienna since the installation was owned equally by American and British interests and was not a German asset available to be used for reparations under various four-power agreements.53

312  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

6 General Alden H. Waitt Chief of CWS [Chemical Warfare Service] arrived with son barnstorming—had them for lunch. Most of day spent in prodding Balmer and Erhardt on reply to Kurasov. Press insist we are to make a reply! Must have gotten word from either Erhardt’s office or Dodge’s crew. DP question still hot and I have had a long talk with Balmer on his attitude that it is not our problem. He has a good approach now that I have dragged it out of him. He just lacks initiative and speed. UN Committee on Palestine due in this weekend. Also Judge Harold Leventhal due Friday. Sir George Rendell the British member of the Austrian Treaty Commission read a protest on the Lobau seizure at their meeting and then gave it to the Press. 7 Signed and dispatched letter to Kurasov and released it to Press. At Erhardt’s recommendation concurred in by Hickey and Balmer we left an out for Kurasov to say it was seized in “trusteeship.” Of course that is not true and he won’t say so. Warned the staff of importance of not drifting in to a change of policy without clearly stating it for guidance of all concerned. Balmer irked with Legation—we are now working IRO into the UN Committee’s visit which is postponed until Sunday. Letter from Bev Powell saying General Oliver “Ollie” Haines is available. Clark is apparently cleaning house. 8 Still cool. More Rumanian Jewish DPs pouring into Vienna. However British & French are letting some into their sectors. Radio and Press are playing up the Russian seizure of the oil refinery with stress on my reply to Kurasov. The next AC meeting should be interesting. Judge Leventhal—new Jewish advisor—arrived from Frankfurt. Just as elusive as Rabbi Bernstein but being a lawyer he is smarter. He proposed a scheme which involves getting Germany to accept certain Jews. Of course they won’t do that. Balmer “threw” a heuriger in Grinzing—usual routine of eating, drinking of new wine, singing and visiting the wine cellars. Figl and Gruber there. Figl still optimistic. Gruber inclined to trade with Soviets. 9 Spent all of a.m. on DP radio call to JCS. Mr. Dodge called to show me cable from State Department recalling him to US for instructions as a protest to Soviets for seizing Lobau refinery. That is strong medicine for State Department. Gays arrived. Dinner at Bristol with Hickeys—other VIPs. Brigadier General Arthur G. and Mrs. Trudeau of WD G-1 office.54 10 Most of day watching the younger set swim or play tennis. A small KT for Gays, Trudeaus, etc. UN Special Committee on Palestine arrived in Vienna.

High Commissioner for Austria  313

Editor’s Note: The United Nations Special Committee on Palestine (UNSCOP) was created on May 17, 1947, and at the request of the British delegation was established to investigate and report on the future of Palestine after the termination of the British Mandate. The committee operated from June to August of 1947.55 11 Clay phoned me he was asking Secretary of War to send someone over to investigate the allegations made in my letter of July 23 which he said was the most insulting letter he had ever received! I told him he was welcome to get someone over from the US—that the data furnished was at his request and to claim insult he had to consider the intent and there was no such intent in the letter. He claimed we were backing Austria at the expense of Germany and the American tax payer! Also that we were ignoring the overall US policy. I told him he couldn’t have stated our views more clearly that we had claimed all along that he was ignoring the US policy! He said he never dodged a fight and that he could not take my letter without doing something. I told him go ahead that I’d be glad to have an investigation. My covering letter was friendly informal and conciliatory and not one person in 100 would construe it otherwise. Gays returned to Munich. 12 Press reports my DP officer McFeeley said only solution to Jewish DP problem is Palestine. That is TNT! McFeeley denies he made statement as quoted. Having difficulty pinning Erhardt down to anything definite. He reminds me of P Wood. My statements on the Lobau seizure and the Relief Agreement for Thursday AC meeting slow coming in and mediocre in context. Leila, Jackie, Mrs. Scott and Mrs. Roseborough left on Mozart for Salzburg. Leila jr flew to Trieste with the Trudeaus for week’s visit. 13 Briefing. Balmer returned from Salzburg. I told him things were too slow in his office. Final drafts of statements for tomorrow’s AC meeting. Everyone but myself optimistic that Soviets will accept my explanations on the Relief Agreement. Dodge recommended to State Department that he not go home yet. The “widowers” (Des, Scott, Roseborough) Geoff and Tannler came to dinner. Someone derailed British train and set off bomb at their Corps HQ. Jewish terrorists suspected. 14 What a day! Last night the Steinhardts apartment in Schloss Klessheim was robbed of all their clothing and possessions! The AC meeting was tough as Kurosov rejected completely the proposals for the Relief Agreement. This is truly serious as it may be the first move

314  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

in dividing Austria. He did say he would study further my additional proposals. Unfortunately the law is specific and should never have been passed in that form as it was impossible to carry out in Austria whereas it could be done in other countries. This country is controlled by a quadripartite Commission. On top of all that orders received relieving Farrand at once and now he doesn’t want to go! Editor’s Note: “On August 14, 1947, the Soviet High Commissioner stated in an Allied Council meeting that he would not permit the [Relief] Agreement to go into effect in his zone despite expressed U.S. willingness to have all elements inspect the implementation of the Agreement. In the meantime, the local Communist press continued to charge that American monopoly capital ‘was trying to control and divide Austria.’”56 15 Feast of the Assumption. 24 years ago I sailed from Cherbourg for the US [following graduation from the École Supérieure de Guerre]. Leila returned from Salzburg full of her visit with all the Ambassadors and details of the robbery. Tried to impress Hickey, Balmer, and Erhardt how serious our position is ref. the relief measure and our relations with OMGUS. Hickey is the only one with energy and who will get up steam. Balmer is really sluggish and Erhardt is too general. Left by train at 2040 for Hinterstoder. 16 A beautiful day. Loafed all day. Leila went fishing—caught two. 17 Another perfect day. Tannler and Brigham went Chamois hunting— got one! 18 Returned to Vienna. More efforts to solve Relief measure. Erhardt not going on leave. Jewish DP confessed participation in bombing British train last week. No solution in our DP problem. Another conference with Erhardt and Balmer. Balmer conference with Winterton and Erhardt with B. Henry Mack.57 Neither British nor French are giving much help. Arranged with Collins for KT party for artistes and celebrities of the Festival. Colonel Tully and Lieutenant Colonel Doherty from Personnel office in the WD came in to make arrangements for the Congressional committees due next month. Note from Clay dated August 9 saying they could not come to the Festival. (His famous phone call was on the 11th). 19 British element opposed to giving Austrians authority to issue transit visas. Afraid it will involve Jewish DPs en route to Palestine. Working on new solution to Relief problem. Left on train for Salzburg. Erhardts with us.

High Commissioner for Austria  315

20 Visited Camp Truscott and war crime enclosure. Most of old Camp Marcus Orr liquidated. General & Lady Steele and daughters Rachel & Isabel also at the Schloss. Minister of Brazil and family at the Kavalier House. Attended symphony concert Sir John Barbirolli British conductor. After concert we gave a KT and reception to all the Festival celebrities and stars which was a huge success thanks to Collins. The Schloss was a fine setting for it. Our party left at midnight for Vienna but the party continued till 3 a.m.! 21 Returned to Vienna. General Steele flew to London for important conference. 22 Jackie and Des’ 5th anniversary. Picnic supper at our place. 23–24 Fine Weekend at home! Spent it almost entirely on photos. Leila developed a little blood pressure which doctor said was not at all alarming. Letter from General Steele announcing his departure from Austria in September. 25 Leila better. Doctor thinks it was caused by medicine she has been taking. Farewell party given by the Franks (J’townites) for the Sholars. Judge Leventhal again recommends not moving Jewish DPs from Bad Ischl and Braunau am Inn. 26 Decorations awarded Colonels Kretzman, Pomeroy and Snowden. Erhardt received State Department cable re Gruber’s moves toward bilateral settlement with Soviets. Erhardt conferred with Gruber and Austrian minister to US Dr. Ludwig Kleinwaechter. 27 An hour’s conference General Steele. He leaves September 20 and his successor will probably be General Alexander Galloway a former Chief of Staff to Monty. He also said Atlee may soon be out and Bevin in his place. Thinks it advisable we continue the present food plans for at least one more period without rupture with Soviets over Austro-US Relief Agreement. Continue Balmer-Tsinev talks. Thinks Soviets will eventually yield and doesn’t see indications of Soviet setting up separate zone yet. Still thinks Soviets will give up and withdraw about first of the year (1948). Bases this on cost of occupation—restoration of Russian Embassy—troops disposed for withdrawal. British recognize importance of Austria but are impotent to help. He is suspicious of Schaerf who he says is a wily politician and a sly mischief maker. Thinks Gruber favors treaty at any price—Bethuart a complete straddler, but better than last year; France is essential to the western Bloc! Erhardt brought Kleinwaechter to see me. Long talk with him. He thinks Gruber is honest and trustworthy but a little impetuous. Erhardt later saw Gruber and has Gruber’s

316  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

assurance that he’ll do nothing without approval of the US. Hickey, Nixon, and Gorsuch are to fly to Washington on fiscal matters. Erhardt continues his tirades against Clark. Says Clark did not give him a boost on departure. Mr. McCauley new representative for INS [US Immigration and Naturalization Service] called. 28 Hickey and party left at noon. Briefing for tomorrow’s AC meeting. Letters from Les and Ginge. Les & Jimmy going to Panama about October which delights everyone! Bob has quarters at Fort Sherman for present. Darkroom equipment has begun to arrive. Received quite a bouquet from State Department in cable through Erhardt. Austria is like a loose tile on a roof: If not firmly secured it will let the rain in and destroy the ceiling or the wind which will shake loose all the other tiles and destroy the roof hence the building. The minefield may be in Germany but the tripwire is here along the Danube in Austria. 29 AC meeting one of our longest 1100–1820 with only 1 hour out for lunch. Same main stumbling blocks—turning over of alleged war criminals and arming of Austrian Police. Also Soviet now wants to completely control all planes coming into Vienna area which French, British and US refuse to accept. The Desobrys, Leila and younger set left via Mozart for weekend at Salzburg. Leila, aides and I left on our train for Hinterstoder. Editor’s Note: Arming the Austrian police and gendarmerie was an issue from the beginning of the occupation. Because of Soviet resistance, they were armed with a handful of pistols, rifles, and carbines and did not constitute a dependable security force. The British were particularly interested in forming a reliable police force in order to reduce the strength of their own military forces. They also argued that denazification was successful and that the Austrians should develop a Ministry of Defense and an armed force. Given the likelihood of a Soviet veto, the Americans, British, and French concluded that an Austrian security force could only be established covertly using the gendarmerie.58 30 Fine day—spent in loafing. 31 Leila, Brigham and I drove to Salzburg—3 hours 10 minutes. Mass— lunch at the Schloss and later whole party attended final presentation of Jedermann and Haydn’s Harmonie Mass. Letter from Clay re the so called insulting letter—won’t read it till return to Vienna.

High Commissioner for Austria  317

September 1947 1 Labor Day. Drove back to Hinterstoder via the lakes. Long talk with Leila about Leila jr. Leila thinks I am too severe and unreasonable. 2 Returned to Vienna. DP situation easing up. Clay’s letter reasonable. First lesson in developing. 3 Dry run on briefing for Congressional Committees. Judge Leventhal recommends delay in moving Jewish DPs—same stall. My advisors including Jewish Chaplain say go ahead and I so decided. 5 Congressional Committees changed plans—will now arrive Sunday. Erhardt entered hospital—infected hip. Telephone Conversation with WD (Hickey—Nixon—Gorsuch). 6 Spent all day in the new darkroom much to Leila’s disgust. 7 Subcommittee of Herter Committee [US House of Representatives Select Committee on Foreign Aid] arrived—Chairman August H. Andresen (R) Minnesota. 8 Congressmen left. Press interview—Pisco, Christian Science Monitor—says Communists smart in Hungary. Lieutenant General Joseph Magnan, French Army called. My class at École de Guerre—last saw him in Casablanca after his release for supposed treason in favoring US landing in Morocco. Now commands in Dakar [commander in chief of French West Africa]. Erhardt still in hospital. Talked to General Louis Craig59 who is now in Berlin. 9 General Omar Bradley now coming 24 hours late. All plans changed. Baroness Steindl-Rast and 3 sons (about whom Francis Dorriat wrote) came to tea. Very nice people. 2 youngest sons going to US to School. Leila & I went to General Steele’s farewell KT party. 11 3 changes in Bradley’s arrival! Went to Tulln early to meet the Robertsons and landed from my L-5 just as Bradley circled the field—30 minutes ahead of time! Long talk with Bradley who is the same as ever. He of course is to be new Chief of Staff but announcement will not be made yet. KT party and dinner at the Bristol. General Joseph J. O’Hare from WD G-1 with Bradley. 12 A hour inspecting 16th Infantry barracks with Bradley there. I left for AC meeting and he left for Tulln. 13 We gave farewell KT reception and supper at the Villa for General & Lady Steele—a great success. 15 Austrians out of liquid fuel—Soviets and Black Market. Situation critical. We can no longer help out with Military Government stocks.

318  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

Editor’s Note: Fuel shortages, including gas and coal, occurred regularly due to rising consumption by the Austrian economy, the development of steam-driven power stations, new iron and steel works at Linz, and the requirements of the occupying forces. A lack of foreign exchange restricted the Austrian ability to import either gas or coal.60 18 Case Commission arrived. Briefing—KT Party. 19 Erhardt gave lunch for Case Commission—[Congressman Everett] Dirkson committee arrived at 1300. Lunch, briefing. Fulton committee arrived 1430—briefing combined with Dirkson. Erhardt made very bad showing at briefing and Dirkson is for his recall. 20 Leila et al left via Mozart for Lee’s wedding. Lunch Millers— Fulton—Dr. Pfeiffer. Anti-semitic scandal of Jewish kids. 21 Hickey reported. Dirksen adamant about Erhardt. KT for Congressional Aide. Leila jr’s birthday. 22 Dirksen Committee left. Long talk with Erhardt. Reminds me of GSP. Now that it is over he thinks he is guiltless. 23 Leila et al returned from Munich wedding. Chaplain Ryan. Chancellor re finance and newsprint. 24 Prep for AC meeting. Visited ISB [Information Service Branch, USFA]. Miss Wood Red Cross & Jackie came to dinner. No newsprint. 25 Briefing—Joint Committee. Senators Howard A. Smith, Alben W. Barkley, Carl Hatch, Congressman Karl E. Mundt. Dinner—Figl, Gruber, Schearf (Linz). 26 Briefing—AC Meeting. Austrian Press re Linz trial. No Wiener Kurier [newspaper]. 27 Office. KT for Congressmen. Reaction Austrian press on Linz trials. Erhardt (McCormack) ditto. 28 Congressional Committee left. Piano recital. 29 Congressman John Taber House Appropriations Committee—Chief of Plans. 30 Taber Committee lunch Schoenbrunn. KT. October 1947 1 Taber Committee departed. Record of Linz trials. Lieutenant General Galloway,61 Major General Eret (Marack), Shultz dinner. 2 Soviet propaganda in Press becoming much more active and vitriolic. We reply with facts. Haus and Max Steindl-Rast came in to say goodbye—Photos. 3 Senator Millard Tydings—Briefing—Dinner.

High Commissioner for Austria  319

4 First weekend free for over a month. Communist Youth Parade— Anti US speeches. 5 Mission started, Gruber speaker. 6 Conference—Erhardt, Balmer, Hickey re ISB—propaganda—future policy, etc. General Williston B. Palmer I&E. Colonel Spalding AES [Army Exchange Service]. Clay gone to Washington. 7 Miss Rea arrived. Started draft of reply to Clay—sent letters to Noce & Porter re expert propagandist on psychological warfare. These are critical days. Austrian press (Socialist) are reporting Soviet Military Court trials and severe sentences. 9 Final review and action Linz (Bad Ischl) cases with drastic reduction of sentences and reply to Figl. News released about 1700 and caught a Communist rally flat footed. Editor’s Note: The trial of the eight leaders of the Bad Ischl riot against a Jewish DP camp on August 20, 1947, was held on September 8 and resulted in their conviction.62 Chancellor Leopold Figl and Foreign Minister Karl Gruber requested that the sentences, ranging from ten to fifteen years for the four men convicted, be revoked.63 Keyes reduced the sentences to a maximum of one year, and one defendant was exonerated.64 10 AC meeting Lieutenant General Galloway in chair. His first meeting. Finished by lunch. Usual stalling and inconsistent—an illogical stand. 12 Last day of Mission. 3 priests came to house for a snack. Father Gibson a raconteur par excellence and believe he is actuated in much of his uncooperating attitude by instructions from above. At KT Friday at Seymour Freidin (New York Herald Tribune Reporter) Figl came up and profusely thanked me for my action in the Bad Ischl cases. 13 Pleasant. Then the Chancellor came in all out of breath over Soviet highhanded removal of Police Chiefs of St. Poelten, Weiner Neustadt and Baden and the embargo on the US, French & British sponsored papers. Figl really alarmed. Special cabinet meeting. Protest to Kurasov. Editor’s Note: During the fall of 1947, the Austrian government transferred the Moscow-trained Communist chief of the Vienna State Police to Salzburg in the American zone in an effort to ensure the loyalty of the police as a whole. “Within six weeks the police chiefs of St. Polten, Baden, and Wiener Neustadt, three of the most important towns in the Russian zone, were dismissed by the Soviet authorities on what the Austrian government considered to be unsubstantiated grounds.”65

320  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

14 Political atmosphere still tense. No report on result of Figl visit to Kurasov. Sent Brigham to Italy. Mrs. McKinney came to ask change of station. 17 Interview by Mrs. Bacon and daughter! Congressmen Michael Kirwan and Herman Eberhalter finally arrived a day late at 1800—40 minute conference (briefing). We left by train for Salzburg via Wels— MacMullins, Lees, Fields, 2 ARCs, 2 nurses, 2 WAC officers, 6 WACS, 6 GIs. Also Leila’s friend Hansen and aides and both Leilas and myself. 18 Fine weather. Special horse show by the Vienna Spanish Riding Academy. Colonel Alois Podhajsky; Chief. Welcoming committee of Landeshauptmann (Dr. Heinrich Gleissner from Linz), the Burgomeister, etc. Haynes, McClelland, et al. A wonderful exhibition. First saw it with General Patton at St. Martin in August 1945. Visited Youth Activities, PX, etc. Lunch at Hoersching and continued to Salzburg by train. Some of us attended light opera—“Student Beggar.” We stayed at the Kavalier Haus. 19 After mass I had an hour’s talk with my Jugoslavian classmate Younguitch. He looks undernourished. Gave me some good information on Jugoslavian situation. Our party drove to Berchtesgaden for lunch and ride on the Lake. Sir Sholto Douglas66 and wife there, Leila jr had KT with them. He is leaving as British High Commissioner in Germany to head RAF in England. Believe he is a stuffed shirt. Also saw Mr. Kirwan and Mr. Eberhalter—both loud in praise of our briefing and courtesies. Entrained after dinner and started back for Vienna. 20 Beautiful day. Complications in the Austrian coal deals Soviets doing just what I suspected in the Linhart case—now trying to make a new case out of it. Mr. Joseph Alsop (Columnist) here. Joe Collins warned me to look out for him as he is very critical. Pinned Medal of Freedom on an Austrian Resistance patriot named Fritz Molden. Long interview with Alsop—an affected bird. Finally signed and dispatched letter to the Austrian Trades Union—it should have a good effect in the coming elections. Letter from Eisenhower acknowledging birthday cable. Editor’s Note: On June 6, 1945, President Harry S. Truman issued Executive Order 9586 establishing the Medal of Freedom to be awarded to individuals who, “on or after December 7, 1941, has performed a meritorious act or service which has aided the United States in the prosecu-

High Commissioner for Austria  321

tion of a war against an enemy or enemies and for which an award of another United States medal or decoration is considered inappropriate.” The medal could be awarded by the Secretary of State or one of the Armed Services secretaries. In 1961, it was redesignated as the Presidential Medal of Freedom with different award criteria.67 21 Cable from Jack from El Paso stating “Bev died yesterday” (Friday October 17). Also letter from Ethel [sister] from El Paso postmarked October 15 stating Bev [sister] suffered cerebral hemorrhage in Chihuahua and Paul Anderson had had her brought to El Paso in an ambulance. Ethel stated there was no hope for recovery. Bev is almost 78 years old. She must have had a lonely life all these years but she was independent and uncomplaining. Secretary Marshall announced that State Department would not and could not take over control of occupied countries from the War Department. Reason given was lack of personnel, etc. Phoned Gays—they are leaving for home tomorrow. 22 5 years departed from Washington. Austrian Parliament to protest Soviet removal of Police Chiefs. Chile followed Brazil in breaking with Soviets. The Desobrys—Geoff to dinner pre birthday and gave me a gold Swiss watch. Leila jr gave me much needed socks. 23 Desobrys, Geoff & Leila left by plane for Switzerland via Heidelberg. Movie. Huebner—EUCOM personnel irritating. Turkish Ministry KT. LHK Flu. 24 AC Meeting. Hinterstoder with Dorsey—Ginge. 25 Hinterstoder 26 Returned to Vienna. 27 Bridges Committee. Rooney KT. Galloway re COPRA [Comparative Postwar Recovery Analysis]. 28 Senator William Chapman Revercomb—WD revamp EUCOM or rather is issuing change in assignment. IRO dinner. Richards re aviation. 29 OMGUS anticommunist. Clay to retire 1948. Letter from Fry. LHK Flu. Turkish KT. AC—Moscow. Figl ready to move Government to US sector of Vienna. By night some of the above died out. Embargo apparently lifted and Figl, Schaerf, and Gruber called on Kurasov. Schultz came to see me about his relief. Thinks he has done a fine job! 30 Birthday—60. Glad to have so much of family with me. Erhardt gave me some dope on Clay. Conference in Washington rough and Clay

322  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

tendered resignation. Patched up till 1948. Wedemeyer probable successor. Cole Committee of Congressmen 4 hours late arriving. Leila still laid up. Birthday messages from Eisenhower, Eugene and Sophia (German servants in Heidelberg) and others. 31 Figl—Sagmeister—Dinner. November 1947 1 All Souls Day. All day in darkroom. Jones for dinner. 2 Leila better. My cold worse. Erhardt to hospital. 3 Cold no better. Sagmeister conference with Balmer. 4 Last of Congressman Albert Thomas from Texas. Opinionated but we agree on some of his theories so we got along fine. Kretzman reports Austrian Government intends to announce calorie raise to 1800 even if AC disapproves. Worked all afternoon on cable to JCS. Attended AustroSoviet ceremony. Kurasov made an anticapitalist speech and applauded. Leila’s cold worse. Editor’s Note: The Austrian food crisis continued into the winter of 1947, and the Austrian government attempted to increase the caloric food ration even though it had difficulty providing an inadequate basic ration of 1,600 calories. From the spring of 1946 to June 1947, UNRRA provided a substantial portion of the food supply. By November the food crisis had grown worse, following UNRRA’s termination.68 5 The Swiss tour arrived—had a fine time. Another hard day on the Austrian food crisis. I advised Figl not to go ahead now and intimated I would not associate US element from the move if he did. Promised to let me know at KT tonight. Erhardt has Bell’s Palsy. He has good ideas on present crisis but he never comes up with them in time. Looks as if EUCOM is boiling up over our persistence for independence. Letter from Jack. 6 After meeting long conference with Kurasov at his request. He complained that my recent letters implied threat or ultimatum. I countered with some of his and after each expressing desire to continue past friendly relations we shook hands and called it a day. Am really surprised at his conciliatory attitude. 7 30th anniversary of Soviet revolution. Left for Salzburg. Decided Balmer to go to US. 8 Salzburg—rain. 9 Brier wedding.

High Commissioner for Austria  323

10 Talk with Erhardt. State cable saying increase ration to save Austrian Government. Collins returned. He & P Wood to dinner. Editor’s Note: On November 10, 1947, General Keyes in a note to US Army European Command championed the importance of Austria to Central European security. “From the military viewpoint, if occupied Germany is considered a bridgehead in Europe pending the peaceful settlement of our current political conflict with the USSR, it appears unwise to withdraw occupation forces from Austria until the treaty is concluded which will give reasonable assurance that the south flank of our occupation forces in Germany is not being exposed by creation of another potential Soviet satellite.”69 11 Funeral (Regular mass) for Red Cross girl. Vienna vs. Salzburg football game. KT—dinner at Gruber’s. Balmer left for US—delayed in Frankfurt. Leila cold worse. 12 Conference Mr. William H. Tuck, Sir Arthur Rucker, Carl Hardigg, P Wood, etc. on IRO. They want Army to get back in the DP business. Joint US—French decoration ceremony—Bethouart, Cherriere, Chretiennot, etc. Bethouart says French will soon split with Soviets. Must be prepared for war. Bidault says no hope for solution in coming London conference. 14 AC Meeting: Food—Coal—Rye changes 1700 calories. 15 Office. Erhardt. Brazil KT. Kelly KT. Cable re London. 16 Sunday. Billiards—Darkroom. 17 Cherriere party. Leventhal. 18 Prep for London. Kretzman, Havor Ekern. 19 Carns, Dr. Kirste. Editors—Gruber, Yost. 21 About 5 p.m. Erhardt came in very jittery saying that the political situation was bad and the timing of the currency law was a blunder, etc. & that John MacCormac (NY Times Reporter) said it was terrible in view of the CFM—Congressional debate on interim relief, etc. Consequently he wondered if he shouldn’t remain in Vienna. I told him I disagreed very much with his estimate—that it was a courageous thing for the Austrian Government to have done—it had deflated when everyone else tended to inflate—it had defied the Soviets and had kicked out the Communists and since it was unanimously backed by the cabinet and both large parties it couldn’t lose! As for his remaining it was up to him. I had no objections to his remaining over weekend but from then on he was on his own (He doesn’t want

324  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

Secretary Marshall or the others to see him before the whole effect of Bell’s palsy has disappeared.)   Nixon reported no excitement at the Executive Committee meeting. The Soviets agreed to discuss the currency law in Wednesday’s AC meeting and in the lower echelon starting this Sunday. The Desobrys and Geoff came to dinner. Linda phoned about 11 p.m. that Dorsey had croup. Had to get the MP to notify Jackie at a party. 22 Kretzman, Ekern, Gannett, Tannler and I left Tulln in the USFA B-17 at 1015 for London. Uneventful trip of 5 hours due to headwind. Met by Bissell and taken to Grosvenor House on Park Lane. Ginsberg, Oliver, Williamson are at the Dorchester. Rainy weather. 23(Sunday) Mass at 0800 at a church on Barclay Square. Saw Mrs. Cooke and her mother formerly from Vienna. Kretzman, Ekern, Tannler and I rode around on buses sightseeing. Had dinner at Dorchester with rest of Austrian group plus Riddleberger and Humphrey of Germany Group. The latter seemed to question Ginsberg and his solution quite critically. Riddleberger seemed resigned to partitioning of Austria which I don’t like. 24 We have offices in No. 5 Grosvenor Square next to the US Embassy. Informal conference with Secretary Marshall, John Foster Dulles, Clay, Bedell Smith and Bohlen, the Chief of Staff of the US delegation. Dulles did most of the talking. Lunch with Secretary at Ambassador Douglas’ residence. Dulles, Clay, Smith, Murphy, and Charles E. Bohlen also present. Conversation general. Little hope of success but agreed must give that impression. Editor’s Note: The fifth Council of Foreign Ministers, and the last that was to occur for eighteen months, was held from November 25 to December 16, 1947, and was generally recognized as a failure. The changed international climate as a result of the Marshall Plan meant that by the summer of 1947 there was no serious expectation that the Allied Council could conduct profitable four-power discussions on Germany. The Moscow Council had exposed the ideological gap between East and West. To bridge the gap required goodwill and compromise on all sides, or a dramatic reversal of policy by one of the Allied powers.70 25 Long conference with Secretary present. Douglas, Smith, Clay, Dulles, Murphy, Dodge, Hickerson, Riddleberger and myself. Also Carlisle H. Humelsine, secretary to Mr. Marshall. Discussion on tactics at opening session re agenda and attitude toward Soviet mudslinging.

High Commissioner for Austria  325

At end of conference when asked for comment I stated Austria should not be considered as being ransomed from Soviet—that we have her and our attitude should be different. Also that she should be considered in the light of our policy on the ERP (Marshall Plan) and not just a liability on Germany. Also that our discussion on Soviet mudslinging was all defensive—that we should ask him some questions that would embarrass him to find answers. Marshall agreed. After meeting Clay, Murphy, Dodge and I started a talk that developed that Clay doesn’t want an Austrian treaty before a German one—he is afraid it will jeopardize German Treaty and thinks we should keep US troops in Austria!!! Only last week a cable from him advised withdrawing US troops to Bavaria. Our discussion developed clearly a change of policy so first Hickerson and then Bohlen were called in and it looks as a real face about is in the making. Dinner in the hotel dining room—fine 3 course dinner—ample for anyone.   3:30–6:30 First meeting of the CFM. Usual Press photographers. Held in Lancaster House. Bevin Chairman. Long wrangle on Austria being first on agenda. Molotov insisted on German treaty first. Finally agreed on 6 items but not order. Each element had 6 seats at the table—US represented by Marshall, Douglas, Dulles, Clay, Smith (Murphy) and Bohlen. 26 Dodge opposed to change of policy regarding Austrian Treaty. At Secretary’s conference he raised the question. Bohlen agreed it was a question to be settled and asked for my views. I explained the change in policy and attitude since summer when Marshall Plan began to develop into an overall plan of operations and to give up something now that fitted into the big plan might be a mistake. Clay and Murphy backed me up but not too vigorously or even as vigorously as they had yesterday. Dulles and Smith admitting they knew nothing about Austria opposed any change merely on grounds of Psychology and adverse propaganda. Decision was to strive for treaty. Believe an element of doubt has been raised so that a treaty at any price will not be acceptable. Gruber asked to see me so had him for lunch at the hotel. Figl wired him to ask my help in moving the new currency from Vienna to the Zone. Zimmerman had asked this before I left and I said it might lead to a very embarrassing situation. I told Gruber this and he agreed and wired Figl to that effect.   Second session of the conference. Molotov got off his usual blast about imperialists, etc. The other three said in effect they were bored with the same old line and wanted to get down to work. The French

326  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

compromise of keeping Austria in first place but sending it to the Deputies and then go on to German question was accepted which gave Molotov a partial win with the German Treaty coming up No. 2 and ahead of other subjects the US, French, UK had proposed. Meeting ended in 2 instead of 3 hours. I went with Bissell to the Great Britain vs Danish amateur boxing matches at the Empire Pool in Wembly. An amazing exhibition. Crowd of 10,000 and no yelling or booing—good hard boxing all around but blood in only two matches and only 1 KO and only 1 knock down. Only 2 men in ring. We were guests of Sir Arthur Elvin the manager or director of the Pool. KTs and dinner were served in 3 tiers in the balcony while the first six bouts were on. The ladies remained in the balcony and the rest of us went down to ringside seats for the remaining bouts. Britain won 5-3 in the competition and 2-2 in the supporting matches. 27 Thanksgiving Day. Weather still cold but clear. Lunch at Dorchester Hotel—American Society—Sat next to a British Major General BCH Kimmins who has been in Burma and Ceylon with Wedemeyer and knew Tierney very well. First meeting of Deputies on Austria—my presence wasn’t needed—also due to lack of seats I wasn’t urged to attend the CFM meeting so I loafed all afternoon and then Kretzman, Elvin, Tammler and I went to the Marble Arch Theater to see the US movie “The Best Year of Our Lives.” Fred Marsh—Myrna Loy. First first class movie theater I’ve been in in 2½ years! 28 Morning conference with Secretary developed general discussion on broad policy but again excluded Austria. Lunch with General Steele— his family is away. He made a sly dig or two at Galloway for being up here so frequently. He still thinks Soviet may settle the Austrian question because of cost of occupation. Willems came in for KT and gave me some very hot dope. Will see me tomorrow if he can’t take off for Frankfurt—Paris. Kretzman & I had dinner at some joint with Williamson—Gruber—Schoener and Oliver. Later a discussion in Gruber’s room with some good Austrian wine to give proper atmosphere. Gruber suggests, in case of no treaty to have a declaration and then dump the matter in the lap of the UN. Of course there are advantages but also serious disadvantages. B-17 came up from Vienna. 29 Almost entire morning conference devoted to preparing Secretary’s speech for Monday session. Clay showed me his reply to Eisenhower opposing “SANAAC” [State-Army-Navy-Air Force Coordinating Committee] proposal to wean us from EUCOM. He claims there are no major difficulties at present and that Principle of Unity of Com-

High Commissioner for Austria  327

mand in Theater should prevail. Of course he doesn’t take into account that that principle has already been abrogated by putting me directly under JCS for High Commissioner job! Willems had dinner with me. Says dope is that Bedell Smith is not going back to Moscow. 30 Cold raw day. Went to mass and spent rest of day in Hotel finishing General Patton’s book War as I Knew It. Williamson came in for tea and to discuss Austrian problem. He is as disturbed as I that none of the senior staff or advisors are taking any interest in the Deputies’ meetings or the Austrian problem as an intimate part of the overall Plan. Kretzman, Ekern, Tannler and I went to see Charlie Chaplin in “Monsieur Verdoux” which was not much good and definitely subversive or something. December 1947 1 Our 33rd wedding anniversary! Phoned Leila in Vienna at 0730. Arranged with Brigham to send her some orchids and play “Years and Years Ago” tonight on the Number Please program. A real London fog today. Attended the Deputies meeting and the Soviet revisited the so called French proposal of a lump sum settlement and went right back to their stand of last January; i.e., the Pound of Flesh of Potsdam. The gang took me to some Spanish (?) restaurant for dinner. Williamson, Dodge, Ginsburg feel there is a definite antiAustrian bloc. 2 Hickey phoned the Number Please program last night a huge success. 202nd MP Company put in $835 and dedicated first piece to me “Anniversary.” 796th MP put up $100 making a total of over $1000. Leila at the Fishers Anniversary Party—surprised at my tune “Years and Years Ago” following hers of “Darling I am Growing Old.” Fishers’ cake had double bride and groom figures. At Secretary’s briefing it was assumed the Soviets rejected the French proposal. Dodge burned up at attitude of the anti group. I had a talk with Salzman— later he came up and talked to Dodge & me. He is not very positive and I believe he is somewhat overawed by Clay—Smith et al. After lunch Mr. Dulles asked to talk with me on proposition of withdrawal of troops. This is the first time anyone of the top flight has shown any interest in getting at the facts. Later called in Dodge, Ginsburg and Williamson. He likes the idea but admits we have something on our side. Kretzman & Ekern prepared good memo on the subject. Austrian question didn’t come before the CFM today. Georges Bidault [French minister of foreign affairs] rushed to Paris last night because

328  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

of strikes etc. there. Erhardt stalling on coming up here because of time currency conversion has taken in Vienna. Soviet has raised their price. Hickerson told Gruber not one chance in a hundred of getting a treaty! Editor’s Note: The Currency Protection Law was highly complex, but its intent was to stabilize the Austrian Schilling by reducing the quantity of notes in circulation and finally allowing the liquidation of the blocked accounts in the Soviet-controlled sector of Austria (60 percent of account deposits prior to July 5, 1945). The law was promulgated on November 19, 1947. However, implementation of the law required Allied Council approval for it to go into effect 31 days after its submission to the Council. To be successful, such currency legislation required unexpected and immediate implementation in order to forestall evasion. In the end, Allied consent to the law was obtained and it went into effect ten days ahead of the normal procedure.71 3 Currency is getting hot. Department in Washington getting nervous. Austrian question up at end of CFM meeting but real discussion left for tomorrow. Meeting ended early to permit attendance at King’s reception 6–8 p.m. Reasonably informal. King, Queen and Queen Mary in receiving line. We all went in by delegations. Saw Churchill who said he’d been to another party (he looked it!) Bevin and many others of the top flight. A detail was run on those to talk to the King, Queen & Queen Mother. I was supposed to talk to the King but to fill in time was given 2–3 minutes with Queen Mary. Her main remark was that Hitler was a dreadful man! Party broke up before I got to the King. Copy of new list of makes includes Hickey, Balmer and me. I am 12 on the new list for Major Generals (permanent) Better late than never. 4 At 2300 last night Kretzman got me out of bed to go to the embassy for a telephone conversation with Washington on currency law in Vienna. Williamson, Martin, Kretzman & I stayed there until 4 a.m. Most of the delay mechanical. Department of the Army and Lovett (State Department) advise US element vote against law. I phoned Hickey about 0330 and reassured myself no change in our views. All of State Department here agreed with us to vote for the law but express no approval of the Soviet deal. Returned to Telecon room at 0830 for 3 way Vienna–Washington–London. Erhardt came through with clear statement for me. So matter was put up to Hickerson—

High Commissioner for Austria  329

Bohlen and latter went to put it up to Secretary Marshall who sent for me. I presented our view. He read Lovett’s statement and Erhardt’s statement then summed up the matter in ½ minute as follows: “We are here as referee—Lovett is concerned with Congressional reaction— The people in Vienna on the ground are concerned with the Austrian problems and the Soviet—I decide in their favor and take responsibility—send Lovett a cable explain why I reversed him!” I am sure such brief and prompt resolution and settlement of problems flabbergasts the State Department persons! I gave the go sign to Hickey and Erhardt over the phone for the AC meeting.   At the Secretary briefing conference, Clay & Murphy continued to bitterly oppose Dodge and Ginsburg on the Austrian Treaty a la French proposal. Everyone on the German side seem to be at liberty to meddle in Austrian affairs but no one on the Austrian side is even permitted to attend the German caucuses. The 3 State Department staff who have an overall responsibility for Austria never lift a finger.   The CFM meeting was quite direct—Molotov accusing the western elements of collusion and with trying to deprive the Soviets of their rights. The usual line—the other 3 repeated their remarks that that was propaganda and a waste of time. Entire 2 hours spent in trying to make Molotov state what his price is or to submit his proposal of a plan of settlement. His repeated reply was Potsdam. Finally he said he would agree to a 10% reduction of his claims but although hard pressed by Bevin and Marshall he refused to state what his claims are other than “Potsdam.” Finally Marshall proposed passing to next item so fate of Austrian item is anybody’s guess. Hickey phoned currency law passed after long debate. We came out reasonably well. Kretzman, Ekern, Tannler and I went to see Oklahoma—a very good show but long. Erhardt finally due tomorrow. 5 Dodge really burned up on hostility of German advisors. I told Hickerson I plan to return to Vienna Monday a.m. Gruber came to see me at 0900. He wants something to show from the conference. I told him I didn’t agree with him on his ability to treat with Russians alone. He says continued occupation will mean a division of Austria in fact. Hickey phoned Erhardt tried to back out of coming at the last minute. He has certainly shirked his responsibility to me since the conference started and his staying in Vienna has not been of any decisive help except his cable yesterday morning which Hickey says should have been sent ten days ago. Sweated out a bad 4 hours when

330  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

the plane from Vienna didn’t arrive and couldn’t be located anywhere in England, France, or Germany. Finally located in Brussels where they landed at 4 p.m. but failed to properly notify either us or Vienna. 6 Plane arrived at 1130. Erhardt and Geoff aboard amongst others. Erhardt at first said he would return with me Monday but later said he’d wait till Wednesday. Had lunch in my apartment for General Steele, Bissell and Erhardt. Also dinner for Gruber, Karl Waldbruner, Dodge, Hickerson, Erhardt, Martin, Williamson, Beam, Kretzman & Ekern. Hope some good for Austria comes out of it. CFM meeting adjourned early on another Soviet refusal to yield an inch. 7 Mass at 0800. Geoff, Tannler went sightseeing. I made a recording at BBC for use at home on CBS on Xmas drive for Austria. Editor’s Note: The fifth meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers took place in London from November 25 to December 16, 1947. The two major issues facing the Allies were the reunification of Germany and the completion of an Austrian treaty. The three western Allies were interested in completing the Austrian treaty as the first order of business, with the economic principles to govern the treatment of Germany as an economic whole coming second. The Soviets preferred to deal with a German peace treaty first and the economy of a reunited Germany second. However, German reparations quickly took precedence. The Soviet delegation under Foreign Minister Molotov opposed virtually all of the western Allies’ proposals. As a result, the meeting concluded without reaching any accord.72 Editor’s Note: A gap occurs in General Keyes’s diary from December 7, 1947, to March 28, 1948. Editor’s Note: During early 1948, clashes between the Allies and the Soviets intensified, with quasi-economic combat and the refusal of the Soviets and their Eastern European clients to participate in the ERP. The Berlin Airlift was in full swing, and on February 23, 1948, President Edvard Benes of Czechoslovakia was forced to accept the resignation of his ministers and their replacement by Communists. “To Keyes, the Putsch in Czechoslovakia and the establishment of a Soviet client regime demonstrated that Stalin could not be trusted. . . . Even Erhardt, in the wake of the Czechoslovakian affair, supported him.”73

High Commissioner for Austria  331

March 1948 28 (Easter Sunday) Mass & communion with Leila, Jackie, Des & Geoff at Station Hospital chapel. 1130. High mass at Holy Trinity with Leila jr. Father Flanagan sang mass and preached. Shortly after mass he collapsed from exhaustion and was put to bed. The Desbrys, Rodgers, Tannler, P Wood, Broughton and Geoff had dinner with us. 29 Williamson came in for talk before returning to London and had lunch with me. They expect to terminate the conference after two sessions. 30 7 Negro editors arrived—3 are definitely mixed white, 2 look like crossed with Indians or Mexicans. After briefing—lunch—KT party. Stag except women correspondents. Several Austrian ministers and foreign press included. 31 Editors left. Apparently well pleased with their treatment. Soviets have closed rail and road traffic to Berlin unless checked. Papers and radio full of it. Clay has taken firm stand but I can’t see how he can continue indefinitely. Soviets in London proposed $150 Million—6 years to pay. April 1948 1 Hickey to Zone re moving Jewish DPs out of camp New Palestine. Much commotion of Soviet offer in London—Conference must continue. A smart move on part of Soviet. Situation in Berlin getting tense. Family dinner at Figl’s. After 5 course dinner we had to have a hot dog snack at midnight before departure. Cable from Paul asking how soon I could release Collins! Zheltov gave Balmer a rough going over over our refusal to extend time for Soviet DP mission in our zone. 2 ERP is agreed by joint committee with Spanish clause deleted. What a stupid thing that clause was! After annual West Point dinner tonight we are leaving by train for Salzburg and Blumbach (?), the Krupp estate for the weekend. Father Flanagan, Mr. Norton, Mr. Wenrick and the Lowe’s are going along. Editor’s Note: The European Recovery Program (Marshall Plan) contained a clause that excluded Spain from participation, the sole Western European country to be so treated. “In February 1948, Marshall declared that the U.S. had no objection to Spain joining the ERP as long as the 16 ERP countries agreed. British trade unions and the British Labour government’s foreign secretary protested against that decision. . . . The

332  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

British government considered it politically impossible to cooperate with Spain within the Marshall Plan.”74 Editor’s Note: There is a gap in the diary from April 3 to July 31, 1948. Editor’s Note: On June 24, 1948, Soviet forces blockaded all road, rail, and water routes into Berlin’s Allied-controlled areas, stifling the vital flow of food, coal, and other supplies. Due to the Allied reduction in troop strength, there was little the Allies could do militarily. However, the US immediately initiated the airlift of vital supplies, including food and fuel, to the beleaguered city.75 July 1948 6 Original telegram sent. 13 Nixon, Dodge, Henderson version B. State Department version A. 14 Version A sent from Washington. 31 McCauley for lunch and then Kendall76 and I flew on to Salzburg. Party for the opera. “Fidelio” consisted of Dr. (Professor) and Mrs. Kanders, Colonel & Mrs. Finn (Berchtesgaden), Mrs. McKinney, the Brinleys, Keyes, Tannler. Best part of show was the orchestra under direction of Wilhelm Furtwangler. August 1948 1 The Kanders went to mass with us at Camp Truscott and then left us—she to join other friends for the day; he to return to Bad Ischl. The Farrands and Hoppings & Lieutenant Johnson (WAC) arrived by plane from Vienna and we all went to Berchtesgaden for lunch with the Finns. Returned to Salzburg; attended “Jedermann” [“Everybody”—Ger.], which was very well done; and took the train for Vienna at 2030. 2 Had an hour’s showdown with Erhardt. I spared no words in telling him what I thought of his sending the cable that stirred up the ECA [Economic Cooperation Administration] wrangle all over again and how unnecessary and malicious his act was as well as his deliberate deception in not admitting he’d sent it. He at first tried to justify what he’d done but he ended up by apologizing. I guess that clears up the situation for the time being any way. The Bizonia Economic Experts arrived for conference with Austrians. Had them for lunch. The Hickeys had a nice farewell dinner for the Farrands.

High Commissioner for Austria  333

3 Press and radio announced western representatives had conferred with Stalin & Molotov for 2 hours last night. No release. Our 1100 meeting more cooperative but still in atmosphere of strained politeness. KT today for Economics Conference and Austrians. At Belgrade, Andrei Vyshinsky blasted the Austrians and produced an agreement for Danube navigation that puts entire control in hands of Soviets and Satellites. Editor’s Note: Andrei Vyshinsky, a Soviet statesman, diplomat, and lawyer, was the chief prosecutor during the Great Purge trials in Moscow in the 1930s. He served as Soviet foreign minister from 1949 to 1953.77 4 Mr. William John Logan and Brigadier Robinson the US and UK heads of the JEIA [Joint Export-Import Agency; British-American trade control agency] mission seem quite reasonable and apparently don’t go along with Clay on Barter Trade. Brigadier Edney gave a KT for the party at the Serka Hotel. Leila & I arrived almost with the host and hostess but left early as Jackie, Des and Geoff reported on his leave on the Riviera. 5 Prichard78 came down at my request to discuss eventual plans. He says he is not kept informed by Clay in Berlin. Their plans require a year for completion!! He couldn’t refute my arguments for our plan. Mr. Westmore Willcox, representative of Harriman arrived. Very pleasant and understanding. Hope he will accept the job as ECA Representative. We discussed whole USFA—Legation wrangle and he was satisfied as far as the USFA is concerned. Took him and Prichard to a KT at Erhardt’s and then to a Heuriger in Grinzing given by Figl for the JEIA crowd! A fine party but long. Leila couldn’t go—upset stomach. 6 Prichard returns to Frankfurt. The JEIA crowd frustrated by Clay’s refusal to OK their recommendations. Evening at home—mostly in the darkroom. Leila now favors Leila jr getting married before Barney goes home in October. Dr. Kandler came to give me a treatment. Leaves for England on Sunday. 7 Long talk with Willcox—he can’t take the job permanently but hopes to come back for a period of 3–4 months. He is definitely convinced we are doing a good job and will cooperate. He is also skeptical about Erhardt. Raines-Harrup wedding very pretty. Leila jr left for Salzburg. Dorsey was the flower girl and stole the show. Leila really worked up over the question of Leila’s early wedding.

334  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

8 Mr. Willcox, Father Nuwer, Brinley, Geoff came to Sunday dinner. Jackie and her crowd and kids came out to play tennis, swim, and supper. 9 Spent most of the day in conference. Mr. & Mrs. H. V. Kaltenborn (the commentator), Mr. Bors (Methodist lecturer), Hopkins and. . . . The talks in Moscow continue and all sorts of conclusions are drawn from the duration. Personally I think Molotov’s terms are probably too stiff to be met. Editor’s Note: How the German assets in Austria were defined and the amount of reparations due the Soviets were the principal issues in the negotiations. Soviet occupation forces had seized control of factories, railroads, and oil and shipping concerns, all of which had been under Nazi control during the war. They offered to sell them back to the Austrian provisional government at exorbitant prices. France proposed a compromise, but the Soviets refused the treaty, claiming some Austrian territories on behalf of the government of Yugoslavia.79 10 Mr. Tracy S. Voorhees, Assistant Secretary (for food) for Department of the Army phoned to say he had to return to Washington tomorrow and couldn’t come to Vienna. Dodge returned from Washington yesterday and gave me a blow by blow account of his trip. Lieutenant Whitley my new aide arrived from Fort Knox. 11 P Wood and I signed the USFA—IRO [International Relief Organization] agreement and for a gag had a picture taken of the historic event! He said he had talked to George Hays80 recently and Hays said the Berlin affair was a pushover—that with 10 divisions we could run the whole Russian force out of Germany! Sounds like Hays— where is he to get 10 divisions and what will he use to meet the 50–60 other Russian divisions that would come to the rescue of the present force. The aides and Geoff came out for dinner. Spent day getting briefed for Friday’s AC meeting and drafting a long letter to William H. Draper, Jr. [under secretary of the Army] 13 AC. Left for Heidelberg. 14 Heidelberg—Rain 16 Salzburg lunch—Bethouart—Haze—Leonard—Larkin. KT—Lanbrec. 17 Loafer [General Keyes resting]—lunch. Congressman Cooley. Returned Vienna. Pain in left arm. 18 Went to hospital concerning my arm. Got a thorough examination. 19 Mr. W.B. Willcox arrived.

High Commissioner for Austria  335

20 Conference Willcox. Hospital for heat treatment. Leila phoned she had a checkup at hospital and her blood pressure up so she won’t go to Salzburg this weekend. 21 Worked in darkroom. Willcoxes and Forrests came to lunch, Left by train 2000 all Desobrys, Willcoxes, Smarts, Hickeys, Ashcarrids. 22 Schloss Blühnbach [Salzburg]. Rainy. Father Sanders. After lunch Kendalls party—mostly State Department—Warren, Chapin, Woodward, Erhardt, Haislip.81 23 Returned to Salzburg. Big party at Schloss for Festival artists. A huge success except for absence of Leila. Party lasted until 0400! 24 Returned to Vienna by plane. Wilcox, Haislip, . . . Pleasants & Tannler. Lunch for Haislip at CG Mess. P Wood. Haislip said Bradley would want to know if I wanted to come home. KT for Haislip at Bristol. 25 Long briefing of Haislip. He was much impressed. In private talk, he say Ike let Army down. Haislip left. Both Leilas and I went to . . . parties at Geoff’s invitation. Army still favors constabulary but made up by. . . . 26 President and Radio somewhat hopeful of results of Moscow talks. The Soviet consul and Mrs. Kosenkina affair still front page news. Editor’s Note: Mrs. Oksana S. Kosenkina, a Soviet citizen, on July 31, 1948, while employed in New York as a teacher of the children of members of the Soviet UN delegation, refused to return to the Soviet Union. Arrangements were made for her to voluntarily stay in the United States. On August 7, she wrote a letter to Mr. Y. M. Lomakin, the Soviet consul general in New York, requesting assistance in returning to the Soviet Union. The Soviet government alleged that she had been detained in the United States against her will, and she remained in the Soviet consulate while waiting to return to the USSR. While her situation was being litigated, on August 12 at 4:20 p.m. Mrs. Kosenkina leaped from a thirdstory window of the consulate general, sustaining serious but not critical injuries, and was hospitalized. The controversy continued with the result that Mrs. Kosenkina remained in the United States. However, the US government requested the recall of the Soviet consul general, with the resulting Soviet decision to close its consulates in San Francisco and New York. In addition, they requested the closing of the US consulate in Vladivostok and refused to open a US consulate in Leningrad. As a result, the United States was deprived of two key listening posts in the USSR during a critical point in the Cold War.82

336  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

28 Arrived Salzburg—clear cool day. Called on President Renner at Schloss Klessheim at 1045–1100. Opening ceremony for the Festival at 1100. Landeshauptmann, myself & President made speeches in that order. Nice luncheon followed by visit to old Schloss and Café Wintaler. At 1600 President Renner returned Kendall’s and my official calls in Kendall’s office. We had a dinner at the Kendall’s house before the opening opera “Orpheus and Euridice” which was held in the Rocky Arena off the Festspiel Haus. It was marvelous. Our party included the Kendalls, the Haynes,83 the McIvors and the Ollie Haines,84 the two Leilas and Pleasants & Thinnigs. 29 Flew back to Vienna via L-5 in 1 hour 40 minutes. Prepared for AC meeting tomorrow. Attended Chaplain’s anniversary dinner at the Bristol. 30 AC Meeting—not too violent and reasonably brief and businesslike. Kurasov and Bethouart both absent. Dinner with Jackie & Des. Hickey returned from Washington. 31 Flew to Hörshing [near Linz]—met Kendall. Received the review and inspected the troops. Horshing officially renamed Camp McCauley in honor of former officer of 4th Cavalry Regiment (4th Constabulary) killed in Germany during the war. Inspected the Linz Youth Center which is very fine. Also the PX, the ISB Center and the Visitors Bureau. Editor’s Note: General Keyes believed that Austria would play a key role in the emerging East-West confrontation and serve a key role in holding back Communism. But Austria would not be free and independent until it could resist Soviet influence. He felt US forces needed to remain in Austria until a plan to ensure economic independence was developed, an Austrian security force had been created to ensure political and territorial integrity, the State Treaty was finalized, and agreement was reached among the Allies for the simultaneous withdrawal of all military forces. He believed that these four objectives could be completed by using a twotrack approach involving economic assistance and military aid.85 December 1948 Closing Out 1948 I am resuming these notes after a lapse of 6–8 months. During that period several events of importance occurred—for example the Soviet threat of road blocking Tulln and Schweehof airports and search of trains a la Berlin; the kidnapping of Anton Marek, Frau Dr. Margarethe Ottillinger

High Commissioner for Austria  337

[consultant to the minister of reconstruction and economic planning], and [blank]; the Russian fliers who landed at Hörshing; with it all there was a distinct change of attitude on the part of the Soviets and the functioning of the Allied Council reached a high level in cooperation. This has excited interest of Press and other circles as to why things are so different here than in Berlin and Germany. The airlift has been successful and has resulted in many benefits such as training experience and a warning demonstration to Russia. Also it proved to be a Russian (Soviet) miscalculation and may thus be an important factor in preventing the Soviets from persuing same policies in Vienna. ECA [Economic Cooperation Administration] was inaugurated during past summer first with a big row between USFA and Lecalie and a near split between Erhardt and myself—with help of Draper, Wedemeyer and Harriman we got an agreed solution which Erhardt bucked. Our relations became very strained and it was only after I charged him with double dealing and confronted him with proof that he admitted his error and we got back on a more friendly basis. After the arrival and departure of Westmore B. Willcox, the head of ECA Mission, Erhardt reversed himself and supported our original stand; i.e., that the high commissioner is No. 1 here in Austria and his, Erhardt’s, contention of a 2 hat job (he wearing mine as well as his) was wrong. [Editor’s Note: By October 1948, disagreement occurred between Keyes and the ECA management team in Paris when Keyes proposed that it should work through his office. “Erhardt proposed that if Keyes would not cooperate with the ECA, the State Department should take over the high commissioner’s post.”86] Willcox who started out well turned out to be impossible. His ego and social aspirations completely turned his head and he thought he was the Dictator of Austria. Before leaving he wrote a very undiplomatic and politically dangerous letter to Chancellor Figl and copies to Gruber, Zimmerman and Dr. Peter Krauland [minister of reconstruction and economic planning87]. When I learned of it after his departure I sent word to Figl that the letter had not been cleared. I suggested he hold it locked up until Willcox’s successor arrived. Also wrote protest to Harriman and reported to Washington as did Erhardt. Instructions from Army and State were to urge Mr. Clyde Nelson King, Willcox’s successor to recall the letter. Harriman asked me to settle matter satisfactorily with King. King apparently primed by Willcox and others of ECA not inclined to either recall letter or cooperate but after several cables from Paris and certain unfavorable Press notices agreed to ask Figl to burn the letters. Erhardt & I agreed to that solution. Since then King has realized more and more that Willcox was at fault and our relations are much better.

338  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

Having been burned once however, I am reserving final judgement on King. Our relations with EUCOM have been better but in a negative way. Huebner has opposed our Emergency Plans concepts but he lost out apparently with OPD. The possibility and even probability of uniting us with trust and not with EUCOM grows stronger and we are authorized to plan accordingly. Hickey, Carns and Nixon accompanied me to Heidelberg November 4–10 for conference at EUCOM and with Monty, Clay, Robertson and Koenig at Melle on Western Union Defense. It was by suggestion of OPD and first recognition of independence. In November we acquired Villa Auhof at St. Wolfgang to replace Hinterstoder. It is the villa where King Leopold of the Belgians was interned in 1945 when I was in Salzburg. It is a fine place and we have already enjoyed several visits there. We go by train to Bad Ischl and motor over in 25 minutes. January 1949 1 New Year’s Day reception about 600—all Americans. 2 Resting up after yesterday. Geoff and Stevens came to dinner. 3 My back and arm still very painful (ever since Xmas eve). Dr. Kauders insists it is not nerves nor bursitis—probably arthritis. Cables from Department of the Army authorizing joint planning with me in charge. Notified Galloway who concurred. We are to see Bethouart tomorrow. 4 2 hours conference with Bethouart & Galloway at latter’s house as he has bad cold. Bethouart reported Communist plans against Austrian officials and proposed joint action. Didn’t have a chance to discuss Emergency plans. Visited Erhardt and as usual got a lot of gossip. 5 Went to see Bethouart who also agreed on joint planning. Now our representatives can go ahead. 6 Am trying to formulate a direction on Cold War which will insure positive coordinated action by USFA—Legation—ECA. AustroAmerican KT at Dr. & Mrs. Kauders. Leila drew the cake with the “beau” so as queen she selected and crowned the King (Chancellor Figl). Arm & Back began hurting again. McCormack (NY Times) and Simon Bourgin (Time/Life) called on Hickey to ask again if there is any change in policy ref. Soviets and to intimate we are taking a pushing around in the case of Lieutenant Colonel Gunn whose film was confiscated by 3 Russian soldiers allegedly because he took their

High Commissioner for Austria  339

picture. As a matter of fact I had already outlined protests to be made and Soviet Provost Marshal had expressed regrets. Also General Abakumov88 expressed regrets to General Ira Platt Swift89 when latter protested. Can’t dope out what is stirring up the press. 7 Arm and shoulder till acting up. Wrote letter recommending Hickey for Major General and Willems and Nixon for brigadier general. Routine visit to commissary and to ISB. Stopped in to see Mr. King in his ECA office. Cable from State Department inviting me as Special Advisor to attend Austrian Treaty Conference in London next month. 8–9  Spent weekend around the house reading and working in the darkroom. Back and arm much better. Geoff came to lunch Saturday and he, Stevens and Manning to dinner Sunday. Leila anxious to hear from Leila jr. 10 Erhardt gave me a long story of how the local American press is hostile toward him and me, accusing us of “appeasement” and saying we don’t keep them informed or take them into my confidence. He is quite worried but I repeated to him for the nth time that both my conscience and my record are clear on that score. Mr. King is worried about ECA administration within the Austrian government. He seems to play ball with us but there is still something lacking in our relationship. Letter from Leila jr. Barney contracted measles during Xmas holidays—apparently not a very gay Xmas. General Marshall resigned as Secretary of State Saturday. New Secretary Dean Acheson. 11 Bothersome questions over occupation costs (British now taking stand almost as tough as Soviets); IRO expenses; treaty etc. Arm & back better—treatment yesterday. 12 1½ hours interview with Chancellor Figl and Vice Chancellor Schaerf—mostly about occupation costs and Soviet pressure which they say is a little lighter. Phoned Gailey90 in Berlin re Major Devlin as aide. 13 Briefing for tomorrow’s AC meeting. Another treatment at the hospital. Jackie in hospital—removed wisdom tooth. Dana Superina still in our hospital. Editor’s Note: On October 30, 1948, Dana Superina was injured in an attack on Irving Ross, who was killed by Soviet soldiers while driving Superina home through the Soviet sector after a party. The car was stopped and Ross was beaten and killed, and Superina sustained a fractured skull.91

340  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

14 90th meeting of AC. We are in the chair. I arrived in Vienna 2 years ago today—presumably for 6–8 month stay!! Meeting relatively short and not too sharp although Soviet claimed US definition of London agreement stretched like rubber. I said the same applied to Soviet definition of German assets. While I was reading a statement refuting Soviet charges Kurasov looked over and laughed as much as to say “I wonder why you and I have to read this propaganda stuff.” We left for Hotel Auhof after dinner at the Balmers in the Bethouart’s honor. Hixons and Dodges with us. 15 Rain and snow most of day but everyone enjoyed the relaxation. Mr. Hughes (Photo lab expert with CIC [Counter Intelligence Corps] Salzburg) came out and we talked photography for 3 hours. He brought me a fine projector. 16 Lots of snow—countryside beautiful. Leila went to mass in Strobl. Boarded train at Bad Ischl at 5 p.m. and returned to Vienna. 17 P Wood came in to discuss IRO needs. I informed transfer about Devlin coming. Phoned Gailey setting 14 February as date [to reassign Devlin as aide]. Letter from Leila jr—she is to have her first baby this summer. Geoff & Des came to dinner. 18 Periodic check of the Service Club and the Post Exchange. 2 rolls of color film back from US. Quite a high average of good ones. Jackie out of the hospital. Des received word he is to go to school this fall in the US. That will leave Leila and me alone in Europe. Levine (INS) called and seemed reassured we are not for “appeasement.” 19 Question of Jewish emigration to Palestine up again. Rabbi Kramer from Germany called. We plan to move Jews from Bindermichel [DP camp in Linz suburb]—a center for Black Market. Erhardt came in again with story that we are using DP’s against Austrians. He was entirely wrong and could have verified it in 3 minutes. He invariably assumes we are wrong and believes everything of that nature he hears. Mr. King (ECA) isn’t wholly convinced that payment in dollars is advisable. Chancellor is bringing Minister of Reconstruction Julius Raab92 to see me this afternoon. Leaving tonight for Linz for luncheon tomorrow with Austrian officials—am taking Erhardt, King and Balmer with me. 20 I spent am inspecting military installations of Linz and Camp McCauley [Hörsching] while rest of party inspected the steelworks. A small guard of honor and a nice lunch at McCauley and then returned by train to Vienna. Everyone proclaimed it a great success from all angles. What amazes me is that people like Erhardt and Balmer

High Commissioner for Austria  341

whose business it is to deal in such matters had never been to the Steel plant nor met or talked to any of the industrialists! 21 Marget came in and posted me on ECA matters in Paris. Called George Smith Patton [GSP’s son]—his mother arriving Frankfurt today. He goes on maneuvers February 1st or 2nd and would like to have her visit us during that time. 22 Spent most of the day experimenting in the darkroom or with color slides. 23 Geoff, Stevens and P Wood came for dinner. 24 Back and arm about normal again. VIP dinner at home—Bethouarts, Jappes, Hickeys, Swifts, Seymours. Long talk with a Mr. Louis E. Wyman of the Senate watchdog committee on ECA matters. Mrs. Patton will arrive 3 February. 25 Date of arrival Samuel Reber93 unsettled—likewise our departure for London. Radio today made reference to Soviet counter ERP and included Soviet Zones of Germany and Austria! 26 Conference in my office with Generals Bethouart & Galloway. British proposed making an uninflamed statement about the Werkschutz [factory security] at Friday’s AC meeting. Galloway I agreed. Galloway said Schaerf would be unsuccessful in London in persuading Bevin to change current Foreign Office instructions on 4th party. I took them to our chartroom for a briefing by Ashcanase. They were very much impressed. Editor’s Note: As Austria prepared for new elections in 1949, an increase of about one-third in the eligible voting population had occurred due to several factors. As a result, all of the political parties were enlisting new voters, including newly formed parties, some of which applied to the Allied Council for recognition. Most notably, the Democratic Union attempted to recruit disillusioned members of the People’s Party whose views tended to lean to the right of the political spectrum. Britain and the United States opposed the creation of new parties, fearing the further fragmentation of Austrian politics. Both thought that the Soviets were promoting the increase in political parties in an effort to create confusion before the 1949 elections.94 27 Mr. Kurt Lewin (pronounced Levin) counselor representative from Israel in Salzburg called to urge lifting restrictions on military age Jews going to Palestine. He is anxious to ship out as many as possible and doesn’t want to give them any excuse for not going. Thinks we

342  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

can ship about 50% of our UN Jews by this summer. General & Mrs. Galloway, the Eberhardts and Mr. King came to dinner. Showed them my color slides. 28 AC meeting. I finished up January tour as chairman. Three items all of controversial nature—equipping of Austrian police; the terms of Austria’s membership in OEEC [Organization for European Economic Cooperation] and the Austro-Bizone agreement. No agreement but I think we more than held our own. Left for train at 10:30 p.m. for Wolfgang [Austrian town east of Salzburg]. First attended March of Dimes ball which made about $3600. Bixels and Mattersons went with us. Editor’s Note: American economic aid was complemented by its military commitment to Austria. With the Berlin Blockade underway, covert rearmament of Austria had been initiated in 1948 in an effort to create adequate security forces to prevent domestic subversion. Although the rearming of Austria violated the four-power agreements, General Keyes assembled arms, munitions, and supplies at the US garrisons. In addition, due to concern that a blockade similar to that in Berlin might occur, plans were initiated to rapidly build an airfield in Vienna. Keyes also developed a plan to train up to 10,000 men in the Austrian gendarmerie as the nidus of a 28,000-man post-treaty Austrian army.95 The Soviets continued to inveigh against Austrian participation in the OEEC, which they had joined on July 2, 1948, and attempted to nullify it in the Allied Council.96 Similar to the approach used in Occupied Germany, the United States and Great Britain developed an Anglo-American bizone agreement to more effectively engage the Austrian government economically and politically. February 1949 1 King took another crack at the State Department! Later Erhardt brought up the Schoenbrunn Palace contract and as usual criticized the Army handling of it. I made it clear that he and his legation had been full and active members in bringing about the conditions that I was trying to get them out of. His initials as well as those of Clark’s and Frank’s were on the early agreements which got us into this mess. Mr. Carmody and a Dr. (?) who are implementing the emigration of DPs to the US under the current law called—only fairly optimistic. 2 Mrs. Patton arrived via Mozart. Looks better than I’ve seen her in years. Dorsey laid up. Arrangements under way for visit in Salzburg

High Commissioner for Austria  343

area similar to one in Linz last month. Dodge gave me a final summary of the Schoenbrunn deal and I told him go ahead and no more discussions with anyone. Stalin offers to meet Truman behind the iron curtain. Editor’s Note: “During the Allied occupation of Austria from 1945 to 1955 Schönbrunn was requisitioned by the British forces as an administrative headquarters and also used for official occasions.”97 3 At 1130 Rump Session Erhardt again made an allegation that someone over here was asleep and one of his staff had presented a new and important angle which he thought called for a study by him and the ECA financial expert. I quickly produced files and proved to him that it was not new that it had been considered and discarded and with his concurrence. He quickly as usual reversed himself and said that that was just his civilian method of invoking discussion!! After the session I told him that all he accomplished by such statements was to create in Mr. King’s (ECA) mind that something was screwy. He tried to explain his falling out of the Salzburg trip next week by saying he didn’t know it was firm and he had a long standing social date with Winterton.   Also had a sort of run in with Mr. King over PIO business—he claimed his man was left out of the last act in the Superina case. Hickey and I said that was Provost Marshal business—not ECA. Leila and I took Mrs. Patton to a KT party at the Bristol for Mr. & Mrs. Whiting—USFA newlyweds. Radio announced alleged confession of Cardinal Mindszenty. 4 Hickey, Carns, Bixel & I had a discussion on a new thought on prosecuting a cold war. Hope to develop it into something. Erhardt called Hickey and tried to smooth over the Salzburg trip affair. Colonel Oscar Koch arrived to be Bixel’s replacement. Opera party tonight for Mrs. Patton—“The Gypsy Baron.” All western world backs US stand of not dealing with Stalin outside United States. 5 Opera party a fine success except that Leila didn’t feel up to going to the opera. Mrs. Patton and I took in the French sponsored tapestry exhibit which was too modern for me. The Austro-American ball was really a gala affair. Leila, Mrs. Patton and I sat with the Figls, Kanders et al on the stage to view the grand march. 6 Reception for Mrs. Patton a very fine party. After it was over Mrs. P, Leila, the Desobrys and I went to the opera to see “One Night in Venice.” It was fine but not quite as colorful as “The Gypsy Baron.”

344  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

7 Erhardt has changed his mind (through Hickey) about the Salzburg trip but I refused to take any notice of it. Kendall laid up. Balmer still on sick report. Hixon left for London. Everyone waiting for announcement on the Mindszenty trial. P Wood gave a very swank dinner party at the Bristol for Mrs. Patton. 8 Leila woke up with hands and feet swollen. Doctor thinks it is reaction from standing so much at the Sunday party. Mrs. Patton took off by plane for Berlin and will return Friday. Colonel Koch and Mrs. Koch arrived last Friday just in time for the opera party. Our party (much reduced) left at 2330 for Salzburg. First went to Swift’s birthday party. The Mindszenty trial ended in morning with death sentence reduced to life imprisonment. The whole civilized world is shocked. Editor’s Note: Cardinal József Mindszenty, the highest Catholic official in Hungary, was convicted of treason and sentenced to life imprisonment by the Hungarian Communist People’s Court on February 8, 1949. During his trial, the prosecutors produced documents implicating him in antigovernment activities. He admitted that he was “guilty in principle and in detail of most of the accusations made.” The cardinal denied that he was involved in any effort to overthrow the Hungarian government.98 9 Visit to Salzburg industrial plants and luncheon at Kavalier House was a great success although there were several absentees. Returned to Vienna before midnight. Leila still laid up. 1st session of London conference today. Editor’s Note: The deputy foreign ministers met off and on, and in February 1949 negotiations were resumed after having been adjourned indefinitely in May 1948 due to the Soviet Union’s continued support of Yugoslavian territorial and financial claims against Austria.99 10 Conference with Galloway re Austrian gendarmerie etc. On world front the east-west bid for the Scandinavian countries has top place. 11 Austrian Treaty talks still preliminary. Sparring. Press still full of Mindszenty trial. AC meeting. Leaving tonight for St. Wolfgang. Mrs. Patton due from Berlin about 1500. 12 At last minute Leila unable to go to St. Wolfgang. The Carns came. Mrs. Patton & I drove to Gmunden. She is very much disturbed over question of his grave at Hamm and asked my views on moving it to

High Commissioner for Austria  345

a private plot in Luxembourg. I told her frankly I was against it and advised waiting till she went to Luxembourg and found out exactly what the proposed plan is. Editor’s Note: In accordance with his wishes, Patton was buried with the soldiers of the Third Army at the Luxembourg American Cemetery at Hamm. He was initially buried in the middle of a plot surrounded by five empty graves. His grave was later moved to Plot P, Row 1, Grave 1, in front of the American flag.100 13 After lunch we watched the local junior ski meet which was interesting—never have seen so many kids almost from cradle up—on skis. Leila better but still in hospital. 14 Drove Mrs. Patton to Salzburg where she took the plane for Stuttgart. We enjoyed her visit—have never known anyone with so much energy and such knowledge and interest in so many different fields. Just missed Tyrone Power and bride [American actor married to Linda Christian] at Camp Truscott [near Salzburg]! Drove back to Bad Ischl and left by train for Vienna arriving 2300. 15 Leila still in hospital and still suffering from arthritis. Drafted cable to JCS re turning over procurement of food to Austrians. Everyone on our side seems to have been against it but Department wishes! However, I propose to send my own views and he can do likewise. Ginge’s birthday party supper at Jackie’s and then we went to a recital of Spirituals. 16 Erhardt came in all worked up again over the Linz Steel Plant. As result he and King want me to take back the plant at once and notify Austrian Government. I refused to be rushed and directed Balmer to have USACA investigate. On my final draft on the food cable Erhardt remarked “that’s a fine cable” then he proposed that Yost get together with Dodge and get out a similar one. Having seen that play before I said I was going to dispatch it without delay. King declined to concur fully or to comment or indicate wherein he differed. Editor’s Note: The Linz (Voest) steel plant was nationalized on July 26, 1946, after significant discussion concerning its continued existence. “The 1948 Iron and Steel Plan, which is prepared by the Ministry for the Protection of Assets and Economic Planning as well as the Ministry of Trade and Reconstruction, aims to coordinate the growth of the iron and steel industry and thus serves as the blueprint for the allocation of funds under

346  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

the European Recovery Program (ERP), more widely known as the ‘Marshall Plan.’” US authorities considered reprivatizing the plant subject to the financial participation of the Allied powers. Following the completion of a state treaty with Austria they waived their claims to German assets.101 17 Mrs. Chapin from Budapest passed through en route Washington. Says Mindszenty trial a travesty. Dinner at Brazilian Embassy. Leila unable to attend. 18 Took the Desobrys—Arnolds—aides, etc. to St. Wolfgang. Conference with Bethouart on emergency plans. He agrees. Also on Police & Gendarmerie approach. Editor’s Note: General Keyes’s emergency planning included the rearming of the Austrian police and the development of the Austrian gendarmerie as a proto-military force.102 19 Spent day in and around Auhof and returned by train to Vienna with Geoff and Stevens. Leila remained in hospital. 20 Leila still in hospital but much improved. Aides + Geoff + Stevens and Thinness out for dinner. Later Leila & I attended Sunday night supper with doctors & nurses at the 110th Station Hospital. 21 Leila’s birthday. Lots of presents and flowers. She returned home in time for dinner with Geoff & me. The Tyrone Powers are in Vienna— called on me this morning and sent Leila flowers. Seem unusually nice. 22 Washington’s Birthday. Spent most of day in darkroom. Attended Erhardt’s reception—wedding anniversary. 23 Dr. Greenstein new Jewish advisor called. Soviet Army Day. Attended big reception Hotel Imperial. Very cordial. 24 Conference with Bethouart and Winterton at Bethouart’s request. Subjects: Austrian Army, Communists, DPs. Conference with Figl postponed due to his illness. 25 Conference with a Mr. Gleisener former Austrian—now with some international agricultural & forestry branch of international bank. Short AC meeting—one item—no agreement. Left with Leila and aides for Auhof by train. 26 Went with younger set to Feuerkogel [Austrian mountain] via cable car (15 minutes). Watched the skiing. 27 Still nice weather. Whole party except Devlin (new aide) returned by train to Vienna. Devlin & I spent night at Auhof in order to be in Salzburg 0930 tomorrow for Planning Conference with Trieste group.

High Commissioner for Austria  347

28 Ground covered with snow—regular blizzard. Had to take jeep to Salzburg. General Bill Hoge103 + 2 Americans and 2 British came from Trieste. Hickey, Carns and Nixon from Vienna. Kendall and Barker from Salzburg. Conference successful—nice lunch. Hoge and party returned to Trieste by plane. Hickey, myself & aides drove to Linz and returned to Vienna by train. March 1949 1 Blizzard in general over all Europe. Peace conference in London getting into delicate stage over Jugoslavian claims for territory and reparations. Erhardt’s cable on the Food business misleading and definitely not cooperative. Now King has been called on for his views as Erhardt indicated they were together and the Army alone supported my cable! Conference with Mr. Alexander E. Squadrilli104 and Dr. Butan on DPs. 2 41 years ago today I entered West Point! Conference with Swift on discipline, etc. Seeds from Burpee came yesterday. Hixon phoned from London that with each side standing firm on Jugoslavian question. Conference could break up any minute. 3 King read draft of his Food cable and it also straddled but not quite as much as Erhardts’s. I charged Erhardt with misleading statements and he tried to weasel out by admitting it may be ambiguous! Before the conference I had already received cable from Department of the Army saying Erhardt would be told no change would be made or further discussion prior to Austrian fall elections! That should show King where he stands as decision made before his views were received. Received a package of 3 dozen Kodachrome rolls from Mrs. Patton! 4 Conference & lunch for Chancellor Figl and Vice Chancellor Schaerf. Discussed reorganization of Gendarmerie, the plans for future Austrian Army, and occupation costs. KT at Bristol (Brothertons). Editor’s Note: On July 1, 1947, the United States had assumed the payment of all the costs of its occupation of Austria. However, the other three occupying Allies did not follow the American lead, resulting in continuing payment of the costs of occupation by the Austrian government.105 5 Spent most of day in darkroom. Blizzard on. Bussers party and also informal at Hospital for Captain Kinter. Long talk with Minister

348  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

Krauland. I can’t yet believe he is as dubious as Erhardt insists and King infers. 6 What a cold day! Mass at St. Joseph’s so as to make the Pope’s coronation anniversary at St. Stephens at 1000. Wore everything I could get on and still was cold. Generals Galloway and Winterton arrived without coats but soon sent home for them. Very impressive ceremony. Bishop sang the mass and the cardinal gave the benediction. Geoff, P Wood & Stephens came to dinner party later at the Bixels. 7 Murphy’s going to Washington has Erhardt guessing and worrying. 2 State Department inspectors here. Treaty talks in London getting nowhere. My view is that Soviets knew all about Jugoslavian proposals seem justified. Talks could end any day but no one wants to assume responsibility for breaking it up. Lunch with P Wood at Bristol for Australian General Galleghan.106 8 At 1130 conference I brought in our USIA [United States Information Agency] expert and I think he opened King’s and Erhardt’s eyes. Talk with Figl and Oskar Helmer [Austrian Interior Minister] at McCormack’s. With Secretary of Defense James V. Forrestal being replaced by Louis A. Johnson and Draper already gone the latest is that Royall is soon to follow—maybe because he didn’t get Forrestal’s job. 9 The row in Germany over expulsion of Soviet repatriation mission has not occurred here as we have a working agreement. Erhardt still thinks State may take over the occupied areas. Have written Wedemeyer asking for dope. Editor’s Note: The forced repatriation of Soviet citizens, both those who had served in the Soviet and/or German armed forces as well as civilians forced to work in Nazi Germany, became an issue following the end of the war. Of the approximately 5.5 million displaced Soviet citizens, approximately 2 million were repatriated before the process came to an end.107 10 Conference with Bethauart on gendarmerie, emergency plans, etc. Decoration ceremony in my office. Belgian Minister, Count d’Aspremont-Lynden presented decorations to Colonel Nixon. Dinner party at home for the Bixels. 11 AC meeting. Zheltov batted for Kurasov and we had several good rounds on the subject of extradition of war criminals. Galloway came to my office for conference following the AC meeting. Thinks Kurasov

High Commissioner for Austria  349

12

13

14

15

is off on business connected with recent Jugoslavian-Hungarian border clashes. Came to dinner same subjects as my conference yesterday with Bethouart. Is pessimistic over future if London conference folds up. Erhardt phoned and came over about 1800 with a proposed cable to State Department recommending London conference not be broken up but Yost who drafted the cable got off into all sorts of things completely befuddled in normal Legation language so that there was an out and an alibi in every paragraph. I suggested reducing cable to 2 or 3 very brief statements which would present local view but permitted general solution. He agreed to rewrite it and clear it with Hickey and Balmer tomorrow. Mr. King brought over this morning a cable he proposed sending on change of Schilling rate and accepted our proposed rewording so it went as an agreed cable. So different than in the time of Willcox! Leila, the Ekerns, Flemings, Geoff and aides and I left by train at 2330 for Auhof. Leila more or less laid up with arthritis. Devlin & I went to mass at Bad Ischl before going to Auhof. After lunch younger set went to Feuerkogel to ski. During night Leila apparently dislocated her sacroiliac and suffered terribly until about noon. Everyone seemed to enjoy the weekend (except Leila) and we got back to Vienna at 2330. Hickey told me Erhardt had not sent the proposed cable. Erhardt wild! State Department had sent Samuel Reber instructions just like his proposed Saturday cable and he now feels he missed a golden opportunity to have had a front seat on the band wagon— Thinks it a severe slap to Reber and might mean his recall. I defended Reber and said all our cable would have done would to have stabbed Reber in the back. King informed me he is leaving Wednesday for a 2 or 3 week trip home for conference and would stop off in Paris both ways. Asked for plane to Paris which I readily agreed to. He assured me he was getting full cooperation. Leila had a bad night but they strapped her back and she finally got some relief. Hixon phoned that everyone except Reber were surprised at Department instructions to continue conference on any pretext. Also that following yesterday’s meeting Georgiy Zarubin108 asked Reber how they were going to get out of their predicament and how could he (Z) agree on Article 5 unless they discussed other articles first. That is really news if he means it but we have been fooled by them so many times. Lunch at the Galloways for General Sir Charles Keithley who commands British troops in Germany. Also Lady Keithley, Air Marshal

350  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

Sir Thomas and Mrs. Williams,109 Mr. & Mrs. Galsworth. Keithley was in 8th Army in Italy and knew Clark (even as I). General Galloway phoned asking for a conference tomorrow—sounded serious but he didn’t mention subject at lunch. Leila couldn’t go because of her back but she is much better. 16 General Galloway came to discuss a British Foreign Office proposal to change the British element’s position in regard to Austrian 4th Party—apparently as result of Schaerf’s appeal in behalf Socialist Party. The British Labor Party is now trying to get the US and France to go along with them. Galloway said he was opposed to any change but had to take orders. Said he would never conceal anything from me. Mr. King left for Paris and US. Dinner at the Heibels—Galloway there—Erhardt sick in bed. 17 St. Patrick’s Day. George phoned from New York. He and Gertrude may come over in August. We sure hope so. Long conference with Figl on several matters—most important of which was “4th Party.” He said it was purely an internal political row between his party (People’s) and the Socialists and had no significance otherwise for the moment. Attended dinner at Bristol given by Brotman for Austrian Federation of Trade Union officials; President of which is Mr. Johann Boehm110 a fine old man. Balmer handed me memo report of Committee of 12 who studied British note on 4th Party and report was unanimous in going along with British—I can’t see it. 18 Spent whole day studying and analyzing study on 4th Party. It was slanted and biased and at 1730 I gave Balmer a draft of cable to send to JCS saying I was advising Galloway I would not change my position. I told Balmer to show it to Yost and give Legation chance to concur or not concur but to dispatch cable tonight. The whole thing boils down to switching over to help the Socialist Party at the expense of the People’s Party at the behest of the British Labor Party. The text of the Atlantic Pact received—it is forthright and should make for peace. It includes occupied zones of Austria and Germany in application. Editor’s Note: The friction between Keyes and the State Department and its representative in Austria, Erhardt, arose from “a sharp difference of opinion regarding a fourth Austrian political party. . . . Keyes opposed this addition to the Austrian political arena because he knew that the new party was Conservative and would therefore play to the Soviet’s campaign to prove the western Allies were soft on neo-Nazism. Erhardt,

High Commissioner for Austria  351

backed by the State Department, argued that Austria should be allowed to pursue her own democratic destiny, even if it angered the Kremlin.”111 19 Balmer told me when he showed Yost the cable last night Yost wasn’t too happy at taking prompt action and insisted Erhardt should see it before Legation position could be taken. They then went to Erhardt who first said it was a good cable and then with usual fear and vacillation declined to either concur or non-concur. Another KT at Elmores followed by a party at Bristol for Bixels and Koches. We left before supper so at midnight were wakened up by a colored driver bringing us 2 portions of fried chicken, shrimp and French Fries—all cold as ice. 20 Father Nuwer and Geoff came to Sunday dinner. Later Leila & I went to another party for the Bixels. 21 Geoff got word he leaves Saturday instead of the 28th. Leila getting homesick for him already! Letter from Leila jr—happy and busy. Joe Cannon flew down and had lunch with me. Wish I could see him oftener. We both agreed we hope Clark doesn’t replace Clay. 22 General Bethouart phoned for conference. We discussed British memo on 4th Party and he agreed with me. According to British, De Lattre and Monty don’t see alike (very natural). The former favors Austria in the defense plans and claims British are the only dissenters. Another despedida for the Bixels. 23 Conference with Galloway—am sure he personally agrees with me on the 4th Party policy but has to do what the Foreign Office says. Another despedida for the Bixels.   Erhardt taken into hospital with pneumonia last night. Yost brought over a proposed cable on 4th Party with usual straddle. I refused to concur and said I would state my non concurrence. He said he had drafted it on Erhardt’s ideas. Will try again. 24 ECA cable from Paris reduces local mission to a message center. Griblin enraged and has cabled King in Washington. Yost brought in new draft of cable but I still rejected it. I refuse to be played for a sucker. Monthly meeting of ET Welfare. Jimmy and Lupe Duke arrived from Berlin. Long talk with Jimmy—seems sure Clay is leaving (but nothing definite). Geoff and Stevens came to dinner. 25 Dr. Gruber came to see me before he returns to London. He is satisfied with status of discussions but hopes they continue until summer at least. He is very firm on the 4th Party deal and insists he speaks from point of view of Government and all Austria—not just People’s

352  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

Party. 95th AC meeting—usual stalling by Soviets on communications. On their charge that we had violated an agreement on press releases I cited 2 examples in their paper and added “Let him who is without sin cast the first stone.” Later at tea, Kurasov said I could quote scripture because had recently received the Pope’s benediction (He evidently was referring to the ceremony at St. Stephen’s a few weeks ago). After Stations of the Cross, Leila, Geoff & I had a family gathering at the Desobrys. 26 Attended dedication of Post Chapel in the Stifts Kaserne. Geoff, Jackie & Des came for dinner prior to taking Geoff to the station. He left on the Mozart for Bremerhaven. How I shall miss him. He has done a fine job here in every way and these three years with him have meant a lot to me. No need to say it is the same for his mother. Visited Erhardt in the hospital. He needs a long rest. 27 The whole Duke family came to breakfast after mass, however Jimmy senior got his finger smashed in the car door and spent 1½ hours at the hospital. Young Jimmy and his Austrian bride and stepdaughter came from Linz yesterday and return tonight. She is quite attractive. Jimmy and Lupe left by plane for Frankfurt at noon. Leila & I enjoyed a quiet and beautiful afternoon taking Dorsey and Ginger for a ride through the Vienna woods. Half of Vienna must have been out there. 28 Colonels Merrill and Kopschak both recently expelled from Budapest came to see me—confirmed what we already have sensed about that police state. Flew to Salzburg to talk to Kendall. 29 Hickey, Carns, Devlin and I flew to Trieste for talks with Hoge and Airey. Visited troop areas and waterfront. George phoned yesterday that Ross had had a slight stroke Saturday 3/26 but hoped he would recover at least 90%. George & Gertrude at J’town. 30 Bixels left after a final farewell party at the Swifts. Returned from Trieste. Averaged 1½ hours each way. 31 Called on by a Prof (Dr) Hoff an ex Austrian (Jewish) professor. Interesting but odd. Fled to US and became US citizen. Now wants to return to faculty of University of Vienna to install American methods and is considering renouncing US citizenship. April 1949 1 Tea at Chilean Legation. (Oyarzun) wife is Swede. We left by train for St. Wolfgang. No guests. 2 Beautiful day. Flew to Salzburg in 12 minutes. First flight from Auhof landing strip. Picked up some pointers from Mr. Hughes.

High Commissioner for Austria  353

3 Kendalls drove out for lunch. 4 Flew to McCauley for inspection of CIC establishment in Linz and other installations at McCauley. 30 minutes for flight each way. Marston recovering from flu. Got some good pictures from plane. 5 Too rainy to fly—drove to Salzburg and addressed Zone officers at monthly conference. 6 Army Day. Took an individual ride in a jeep much to surprise of the GI drivers and the consternation of Whitley (aide). Returned to Vienna. Leila benefited immeasurably from the trip. During the four days away I went to daily mass at Ischl, Strobl, and St. Wolfgang. 7 Arthur and Chris Christie—sons of friends of Ross’ arrived for visit to Vienna. Went over zone housing with Hickey and Carns. 8 Erhardt still in hospital. Went to see him. He certainly is going to get a new assignment if offered. Received a rather abrupt letter from Austrian Government on subject of DPs. Tried to get Chancellor and Vice Chancellor to my office but one was out of town. Conference called for Monday. Have prepared a firm statement to read them. They have some grounds for complaint but they are making political hay out of it and at our expense so something must be done. All set to return to Auhof tonight with Balmers as guests when in mid afternoon Leila phoned from hospital that she had to have a bone felon removed from a finger and doctor advised against her leaving. So back into the hospital she went. The Liebels joined the Auhof party. 9 After leaving Vienna in the spring, we woke up at Bad Ischl in a snowstorm—2 inches of snow. Balmer & Davis fished all day and brought in 24 trout. 10 Palm Sunday. Cold and snowy until noon and then sun came out. Painting progressing under difficulties. Returned to Vienna at midnight. Hixon returned from London yesterday. Reber will reach Vienna Thursday the 14th. 11 Leila returned from hospital OK except finger still bandaged. Christie boys and Jackie came to dinner. Des in Zone with Hickey, Carns & Nixon. Hixon and Vedeler (State Department) gave me a summary of the Treaty talks. Zarubin hasn’t given an inch in 2 months. Mr. Meek called with letters introducing Mr. Herter and Somervell connected with Time Life etc, Pan Am and Koppers Company. General George J. Richards (new IG for EUCOM) and General William E. Hall G-2 EUCOM (?) also here. All for lunch. Mr. King due back Wednesday. Conference with Figl and Schaerf. Read them my memo

354  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

on DPs and made it clear I didn’t like either tone or contents of Figl’s last letter on DPs. Editor’s Note: By July 1949, over 460,000 DPs still resided in Austria, nearly one-third of the total at the end of the war. Of these, 310,470 were Volksdeutsche, 48,003 South Tyrolese, 98,348 foreign nationals, and 9,796 Jewish. Those DPs who considered themselves German but were determined to stay in Austria largely made up the demographic deficit caused by human losses in the war.112 12 The Richards and Mrs. And Miss Meek out to the villa for KTs before the opera. The Meeks very interested in our welfare work. 13 AC meeting. Nothing unusual. Long closed session (2½ hours) on occupation costs. I refused to make any concession until others moved first. Editor’s Note: The costs for the occupation of Austria were being born by the Austrian government insofar as the British, French, and Soviets were concerned. The United States had long since determined to pay its own costs. General Keyes was waiting for the other three occupying powers to make the first move toward paying their own costs at this point in the occupation of Austria. 14 Reber arrived by train. A few minutes talk with him in my office before we all went to Minister Gruber’s for lunch. At 4 o’clock attended KT at the Chancellery given by Fign and that was followed by our own KT reception and dinner at the Bristol. About 2330 the Keyes and Desobrys left by train for Auhof. 15 Good Friday. A beautiful day. Leila & I visited the church in St. Wolfgang and after lunch I flew to Salzburg for a talk with Kendall on emergency plans, reorganization and the rumors of his roughness on subordinates. I reminded him of my similar talk with him in Italy and the need for him for his own good to ease up. 16 Mass at Strobl. Flew to Salzburg for chat with Mr. Hughes and Mr. Busk from photo lab at Wright Field. Latter very interesting and really an expert. Dorsey and Ginge having fine time at Auhof. 17 Easter Sunday. High mass at Strobl—1½ hours! in those cramped pews. Leila and I drove through St. Wolfgang before lunch. After lunch I drove the jeep over the back roads but got few pictures. Weather still beautiful. The Burgomeister and the Pastor of St. Wolf-

High Commissioner for Austria  355

18

19

20

21

22

gang came to call. The church in St. Wolfgang was first built in 900 something and the present church in 1490. Flew to McCauley then drove to Wels to inspect USFA installations there. Back to Auhof for lunch and we all boarded train at Bad Ischl at 1700 and returned to Vienna. Joan Arnold and Patsie Wogan arrived for a few day visit—arrived a day ahead of schedule—a fine pair. Mr. King gave us the low down on the rayon deal—looks as if Willcox is and was plugging for Kohorn. Flew to Zone and back to attend the Zone maneuvers with Kendall. Willems and party arrived from Rome on ECA conference on EastWest trade. Stopped in at USFA Special Services banquet for Athletic awards. Then went to Grinzing to the Heuriger given by Figl in honor of Reber. LHK wisely declined. The girls went to the opera and with dates and P Wood came home for supper. Mozart stopped last night at Enns Bridge by new Soviet guards. Balmer protested to Ziniev who claimed it must have been an error as no change of instructions had been issued. Balmer even after my coaching was too conciliatory in his approach. ½ hour talk with Reber before lunch. We agree on situation here and improbability of Treaty or change here. He said Bethouart had discussed with him a proposal to reduce occupation forces if Treaty talks break off. I explained OK in principle but that we were still under any other element. Erhardt back on part-time duty and now talks openly of getting a new assignment when home next month. Willems and Davison (former G-3 of 88th Division) came out for dinner. Radio indicates one minute the Berlin blockade is to be lifted and next minute that the rumors of Soviet offer is a trick. Secretary of Defense Johnson is on warpath about racial discrimination in Armed services. What will he do if the services become 40–60 percent Negro? An intercept discloses that Marget may be tied in closely with Kohorn in the Rayon deal! We are losing Carns to the War College—that will be a real loss. Now trying to get Dodge to extend.

Editor’s Note: Oscar von Kohorn, an Austrian native and American citizen, was a manufacturer of rayon and other fabrics before, during, and after the war. In 1945, he headed a US mission to investigate the manmade fiber industry in Germany.113 29 AC meeting. Galloway and Bethouart both absent. We came out quite well in debate with Soviet.

356  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

30 Flew to Salzburg in new L-17. After a morning in the photo lab with Mr. Hughes it took me 6 hours to get back to Vienna. First grounded then a try then forced back—then to McCauley by car and finally by L-17 to Vienna although almost prevented from landing by rough weather. May 1949 1 May Day—Communists and left wing Socialists staging big parades. Although we were preparing for trouble the day passed quietly. Father Nuwer came for dinner. Indications of agreement on ending Berlin Blockade continue to grow. The Erhardts came to say goodbye. They leave for the US tomorrow. As usual he straddled—one minute he was coming back and the next he was going to get a new assignment. He is a shrewd observer and knows all the personality angles. 2 Cable from EUCOM inviting me and other General Officers (and wives) to review at Grafenwoehr Wednesday (4th) in honor of Clay. I asked Max Taylor if it was a routine review or a “Four Star Final” and he said the latter so I accepted for myself, Leila, the Kendalls and Hickeys. General Galloway phoned for an appointment before noon—confirming Winterton’s phone call of yesterday. Said subject was Helmer’s Saturday speech re 4th Parties. At last minute he cancelled the appointment for the forenoon so Hickey & I flew to Tulln to see the Erhardts off. Upon return Galloway phoned again and came to see me about 3 p.m. He is quite upset as the British Foreign Office notified him that Bevin was to make a statement in Parliament that the British would no longer exercise any control over matters of new political parties in Austria (reversing their former stand) and he was directed to so advise the US & French elements. However with Helmers statement practically defying the Allied Council he was afraid Bevin’s statement might be construed as supporting such defiance or the belief that Helmer had been led to make the speech based on advance knowledge of British Labor Government intended actions. He had persuaded them of the inadvisability of any such speech by Bevin and they agreed to postpone it for at least a week.   Met Mr. Dowling, Yost’s successor. Yost is to leave in a few days which adds to the Berlin Blockade rumors as he is to join Mr. Jessup. Dinner at Jackie’s. 3 Cables indicate Council of Foreign Ministers is to meet in Paris about the 23rd and Austria not to be on the agenda. Legation has been

High Commissioner for Austria  357

sending out a few fast cables but I announced at the 1130 Rump Session that I had ideas of my own. Have drafted 2 cables to JCS on future moves and got Polad (Legation) concurrence so that should get matters back under control. Someone in ECA I think is again agitating the question of intervening over food procurement and shipment to the Austrians. They’ll have a fight on their hands. I’ve told Balmer I’ll not agree to any such proposal. We leave tonight by train for Grafenwoehr. The Kendalls flew up from Salzburg and had dinner with us. 4 A beautiful and interesting day. Our train parked along Clay’s and Huebner’s. Heubner came to greet me and then we went to Clay’s train. He was suffering from lumbago (Sacroiliac) and couldn’t sit down. After a chat with Clay I went on a tour of the camp which was interesting but nothing new. The review was well executed and impressive but I must say all the silk pieces, the colored shoe laces and the chromium finished helmets left me cold. Huebner read the cable from Washington announcing Clay’s relief May 15th (the 0615 newscast said the 13th) and the work to be carried on by Huebner and Hays pending appointment of a civilian High Commissioner. Clay told me he will retire June 1st. Also that he understood John J. McCloy who is probably to be the civilian High Commissioner did not want Clark as head of US troops. Huebner told me Clark had ruined his chances by playing up the Jewish support too much. Clay also said the Germans are breaking their necks to get an agreement on a western German Government before the CFM takes place. Also he thinks the French will buck at a unified Germany in the western union. If true this may create a serious problem. Nice lunch and then we left for Vienna arriving at midnight. Upon arrival learned that Kurasov had called on Galloway to announce his departure for Moscow and a new assignment. Apparently that was the reason for Ziniev’s query whether I would be in Vienna today. 5 Kurasov’s aide called for an appointment tomorrow so I postponed our departure for Wels and Auhof for tonight and flew to Wels in the afternoon and visited the Spring Fair which was more than creditable. Another call from Galloway re 4th Party business. 6 Kurasov arrived at 1000 and chatted for an hour. We gave him a guard of honor which seemed to please him no end. Of course there were dozens of cameras clicking throughout the ceremony but he begged off from a picture in my office on the grounds that he was out of uniform! He wasn’t taking any chances of being confronted with

358  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

evidence that he was fraternizing with the enemy! We had a pleasant chat which developed nothing of importance except that he is anxious to get some occupation Schillings which he can’t get without an AC agreement. I am sorry to see him go as he is not a roughneck and has a fine sense of humor. Under other circumstances he would be human and easy to do business with. His successor, he says, is also a soldier, not a politician. Leila, Whitley and I left by train at 2030 for Auhof. 7 A rainy uninteresting day except for the development of the garden. The wisteria is out and makes the front of the house very attractive. Hickey phoned that nothing new has come in. 8 Another rainy cold day although sun peeked out about an hour and Leila and I got a couple of color snapshots of the house. A memorial mass at Strobl for their war dead. Inside the chancel rail there was a bier in black supporting a helmet and draped in black and covered with wreaths. Just after the Gospel all the men got up and filed past and laid a contribution on a nearby table. Later all the women did likewise. 9 Still cloudy and rainy in spots. Whitley and I flew to McCauley where I met Kendall and Marston and took the review (VE Day). I also presented a commendation ribbon to Sergeant Bauermaster to whom six years ago I had presented a Silver Star in Italy. Then Kendall, Marsten, Whitley & I flew in L-5s to Salzburg for a similar ceremony. Then we went to Kendall’s for lunch. Leila had driven into Salzburg from Auhof to shop and lunch with Mrs. Kendall so the party was complete. After lunch, Leila departed for Auhof and the Generals by plane again for Saalfelden, the new camp that is being constructed in plan for our new organization. Weather cold. After an hour’s inspection we flew back to Salzburg but Whitley and I did not stop but kept right on to St. Wolfgang making the trip in 35 minutes. Leila had beat me home and was in the kitchen baking a cake. At each of the 3 stops I addressed the troops and cautioned against making the mistake again that had been made after the original VE Day—that the present rift in the war clouds as a result of lifting the Berlin Blockade did not call for relaxing of discipline or training. The announcements of lifting the blockade by both sides at 0001 May 13 and the meeting of the CFM in Paris May 23 have been made by both sides. I read a Washington press statement that the US would reject any proposal by the Soviets for withdrawing of troops from Germany. That may cool off some of the Legation strategists! Before leaving Vienna last

High Commissioner for Austria  359

Friday I dictated a short statement of my views to the effect that until after careful consideration from the strategic angle called for it I recommended against premature withdrawal of troops (from Austria) or the weakening of the controls now exercised by the US High Commissioner. Editor’s Note: As early as 1947, the US State Department had “drafted a proposal to turn the high commissioner position over to a civilian.” The decision was made to await the results of the Austrian State Treaty negotiations. With no result obtained, the issue lay dormant until just prior to the collapse of the treaty negotiations in 1949. A new effort was made to “kill the idea that policy should ever be driven by a ‘purely military view.’”114 10 Still rainy and cold—in fact it even snowed a little. According to legend the Ice Man visits Austria about the 12th of May and that is the end of the cold weather and farmers are free to plant without fear of freezes. It looks as if he is either coming a week early or else he is working up to a real record. We are returning to Vienna this afternoon. 11 The new Soviet High Commissioner, Lieutenant General Vladimir Petrovich Sviridov, called. Chunky and jovial and admits knowing a few words of English and of having known and associated with Generals William S. Key and George H. Weems in Budapest [US Control Commission in Hungary] several years ago. He made a remark to the effect that Key had made lots of money!! With all his joviality it must be remembered that he was Soviet head man in Hungary when the Soviets put the Communists in power! The new UP representative Mr. William Boyle called. KT party at the Yosts. Long chat with Turkish Minister Seyman and also with Figl. Seyman thinks Soviets intend to pull out of West Europe for the present and concentrate either in Near or Far East. Complimented me on my VE Day statement and high regard in which I am held in Austria. Said same was not true of Clay in Germany. I said no one was popular who was obliged to make others do things even for their own good and that Clay had done a marvelous job. 12 General Bethouart called at 1000 and discussed many current problems but principally the 4th Party issue. He is firm in stand against additional parties prior to election and feels Helmer must be put in his place. The new Finnish Minister, Mr. Eduard H. Palin, called. He

360  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

is to be presented at the AC meeting Friday. A rolly polly Nordic— seems keen and jovial. He is also accredited to Czechoslovakia. Says conditions there are bad and getting worse. Feels resistance movement is beginning to grow—same true in lesser degree in Poland. Obviously he has no love for the Soviets. Have worked several days on cable to present views on policy to be followed when Treaty hopes fade again. The Berlin Blockade ended at 0001 this morning. It is a definite victory for the West and a boost in prestige of the US. To Clay goes the greatest credit. Had a picture taken by BBC for a documentary film. Mr. King got back from a sort of triumphant tour of Styria [southeastern Austrian state]. Mr. (Ambassador) Foster, Harriman’s assistant in the ECA arrived from Paris. Apparently ECA is going to make it their show. Editor’s Note: The Berlin Blockade ended on May 12, 1949. 13 Mr. Foster called—a nice chat but with King and Dowling present he stressed how well we were cooperating here and hinted ECA and Legation had certain independence. I told him this was not Paris or London and there must be one head as we were dealing with both British and French as well as Austrians and Soviets. He was impressed with the chartroom. AC Meeting (I am chairman this month) was shortest on record. Only one item for discussion and presentation of Finnish Minister and the Papal Internuncio Monsignore G. Dellepiane. Whole meeting lasted only 1 hour. Murphy was due this morning but couldn’t make it due to weather. Coming tomorrow. Finally drafted two excellent cables—one for Legation and one for me to send to JCS. Dowling wanted to study his further. ECA dinner for Foster at the Bristol. We are leaving for Auhof at midnight. Editor’s Note: The diary is missing entries from May 14 to June 17, 1949. June 1949 18 Joe (Lawton) Collins with wife (Gladys) & daughter Gladys arrived. Took them to Dowling KT at Bristol and sent them to the opera. Leila & I went to the Swedish Legation for their annual King’s birthday reception. A tone of skepticism ref. Austrian Treaty met with. 19 Leila & I took the Collins first to French Minister’s Reception where I had a long talk with Vice Chancellor Schaerf who is really concerned lest the election law not be approved by the Allied Council

High Commissioner for Austria  361

next Friday. Introduced Bethouart to Collins and I’m sure he gave Collins the same line he gave Wedemeyer. Then to Bristol for the formal VIP KT and dinner for Collins. Editor’s Note: The election law proposed by the Austrian government was composed of several significant changes: (1) the age for voting was reduced from twenty-one to twenty years of age; (2) “Incriminated Persons” (former members of the SS, Nazi party, those convicted of illegal party activity prior to the Anschluss, and those convicted under Austrian war criminals law) were barred from voting until April 30, 1950, and were ineligible for life for serving in the legislative body; (3) “Less Incriminated” and other former Nazi party members who had been excluded from the 1945 election were given equal rights with other Austrian citizens; (4) the strictness of the system of party lists was relaxed to allow voters to vote for “Free lists” and proportional representation was amended allowing voters to change the rank order of the party candidate list and to “scratch” candidates from the list. These changes to the election law required the approval of the Allied Council.115 20 The Collins, Zerbees & Macaris came to lunch. Later we met the Collins at the Carns and then went to the opera and supper at the Bristol. Newscast continues to indicate we have given in to Soviets on all points. Editor’s Note: The sixth meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers Conference occurred in Paris from May 23 to June 20, 1949. The Allies failed to reach agreement on the restoration of the economic and political unity of Germany. They agreed on the following decisions, made on May 4, 1949: In the case of the movement of persons and goods and communications between the Eastern zone and the Western zones and between the zones and Berlin, “the occupation authorities, each in his own zone, will have an obligation to take the measures necessary to insure the normal functioning and utilization of rail, water, and road transport for such movement of persons and goods and such communications by post, telephone, and telegraph.” In regard to an Austrian treaty, the foreign ministers agreed: “(A) That Austria’s frontiers shall be those of January 1, 1938; (B) That the treaty for Austria shall provide that Austria shall guarantee to protect the rights of the Slovene and Croatian minorities in Austria; (C) That reparations shall not be exacted from Austria, but that Yugoslavia shall have the right to seize, retain, or liquidate Austrian

362  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

property, rights and interests within Yugoslav territory; (D) That the Soviet Union shall receive from Austria $150,000,000 in freely convertible currency to be paid in six years;” and (E) That the final treaty shall include decisions to be made on the rights of the USSR and Austria concerning Austrian property and its transfer between them.116 21 Had first real talk with Collins. He is a Monty [Field Marshal Montgomery] backer however he also is strong for Italy being kept in the picture. He says he thought Clark had been ordered to Germany. Says that is a 4 star slot and we have two extra 4 stars (Clark and Handy) who must be taken care of. Of course it is obvious he is interested in as much as he a 3 star is occupying a 4 star slot! As usual he tried to get out of a briefing but we forced an hour or more on him. He left after lunch profuse in his thanks on our hospitality but silent on praise. Radio announced terms of Paris accord of CFM. The West led by the US but I believe persuaded by the British gave the Soviets everything they have asked for in return for selling out the Jugoslavians on the Carinthian border and reparations. The Germany question was only scratched. 22 Major General William H. E. Poole who commanded 6th South African Armored Division in Italy and attached to II Corps arrived from Berlin for visit. Came to dinner. We had a flap getting him in from British airport as Soviets have imposed difficulties in getting clearances. Poole, the Wintertons and Balmers, & Dowling came to dinner. 23 Had a talk with Poole—he is on a mission and is no longer top dog in military affairs in South Africa. Had luncheon for him at headquarters. Had talk with Bethouart on the Election Law. He is insistent on establishing the fact that it does not invalidate any AC decisions. 24 Ambassador Cavendish W. Cannon (Belgrade) called and gave quite a picture of Jugoslavia and Tito! He is strong for a firm stand to include Austria and keeping US troops in Europe. That is unusual in a State Department member. Editor’s Note: The dairy is missing entries from June 25 to September 15, 1949. September 1949 16 Short AC meeting. Made statement answering Soviet charge in last EC meeting that US would use Ordinance 200 to interfere with the elec-

High Commissioner for Austria  363

tions. French made statement supporting British proposal on 11 September 1945 decisions. This leaves Soviets isolated but so what! They have been isolated countless times here as well as elsewhere and in spite of State Department arguments nothing concrete is gained. Received a nice complimentary note from Murphy as he leaves the State Department to become Ambassador to Belgium. Indicates we won’t give in further on the Treaty. Day before yesterday I received a similar note from Bradley as he left the Chief of Staff office to become the Combined Chief of Staff. After AC meeting Leila & I attended an all-out KT party given by Mr. King. Had brief talks with Figl, Galloway, Bethouart and Seyman (Turkish minister). Left by train for Bad Ischl and Auhof at 2030. Took Lieutenant Symmons (Whitley replacement) along. 17 Drove to Salzburg and then flew to Wörgl in French Zone to observe the combined French-American maneuvers. Spent morning with Bethouart and Kendall. Met former École de Guerre classmate Colonel d’Aurigny. After lunch flew Bethouart to Innsbruck then flew back to Auhof. Maneuver quite satisfactory considering size and facilities. 18 The Hickeys and Nixons drove out from Salzburg for lunch. Apparently Mr. Gerday has postponed his trip to Germany so our trip to Heidelberg is off. Radio announced Britain’s devaluation of the pound by 30%—that will be a sensation. 19 Flew to Salzburg—met and briefed the Congressional Committee (DPs). Had lunch for them as well as Austrian officials then drove back to Auhof with Leila. The Landeshauptmann gave me another long talk about the Kraus party. About a dozen other countries have devalued their currency. I called Balmer and told him to see Erhardt and King and see what we should do. He phoned later that they had agreed on a cable to Washington asking for certain information and to be given chance to comment before action is taken. 20 Flew to Salzburg and spent morning in office checking with Balmer by phone. Returned to Auhof. The left by train to Vienna. 21 Leila jr’s birthday. Full staff meeting as Hickey, Nixon, Matheson, and Poorman (new G-3) came up to meet Timmy’s group. Some questions now as to Austria devaluing. It seems inevitable to me but it may drag until after the elections. Congressman William R. Poage (Texas) with his and several other Congressmen’s wives arrived for 2 day junket. 22 Tim arrived with his group of JCS workers. Haven’t seen him since he took off for Burma in 1942. Just the same including energy! KT

364  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

party for group. 1130 conference. King and Erhardt. Erhardt back in form insinuating Army or CIC to blame for Kraus strength & alarming rumors about the election; Soviet challenge of election, etc. etc. King presented long cable admitting political factors in the release of ECA counterpart. Schilling cable included USFA & Legation concurring and recognized our interest in final decision! I wonder what had brought about this change! King seemed uneasy or worried. After conference Erhardt said he had heard rumors of King’s departure. 23 Cable from Hoffman recommending joint action concerning Schilling rate! Hickey told me of conversation yesterday with Giblin who is apparently unhappy in the ECA set up—says he feels sure King is to be relieved. Nice note from Mr. J. A. Panuch [special advisor to commander in chief] who is leaving OMGUS. Everyone is loud in praise of our chartroom and briefing. Ashcanase has certainly done a remarkable job. Leaving tonight for Auhof. Taking Tim and some of the Salzburg group on the train. 24–25  Two fine days at Auhof. 26 Tim and I flew to Salzburg and completed discussions on plans etc. Leila came by car and we all had lunch at the Kavalier Haus. Jackie and Des included. Leila & I drove back to Auhof and later took the train to Vienna. 29 Another Congressional Committee! Headed by [blank]. Interested mostly in generalities. 30 AC Meeting with me in the chair. We foiled a Soviet move to gain election propaganda point on civil aviation. Sviridov read a brief dig at US element on Ordnance 200. I replied we made no apology for its retention. Before the meeting I had my G-3 confer with him on the return of US deserters or the privilege of questioning them. He promised to release the 2 recent cases shortly “possibly tomorrow” and promised to again review the cases of 3 at St. Poelten about October 10. Before boarding the train for Auhof, Elouioue phoned me that the two men had been released at Linz-Urfahr at 1830! October 1949 1 Rainy dull day. 2 Desobrys drove out for dinner and birthday party for Dorsey. 3 Leila & I drove to Salzburg and then to Berchtesgaden for lunch at the Keitel House with the Power Commission then we boarded the train at Salzburg and returned to Vienna.

High Commissioner for Austria  365

4 The Handys arrived at Tulln where I met them. Usual lunch and KT reception and dinner. They are just the same. Enjoyed my talks with Tom [Handy] on the jockeying in Washington and Heidelburg. General Tsinev phoned to say Sviridov had OK’d return of 3 US deserters at St. Poellen at Inns bridge at 1000 October 7. These Russians are unpredictable. 5 Had dinner with the Handys. Leila begged off because of severe headaches. 6 Handys left. 1½ hour interview with State Secretary Maximillian Graf who is a strong People’s Party man and no. 2 in the Ministry of Interior (Helmers). He is apprehensive of the Kraus party and condemns Helmer for not taking action. He frankly volunteered the statement that he, Helmer, and others were acting on party lines and not Austrian. He stated that I alone had adhered to a truly Austrian position! A stag KT at General Bethouart’s for a French VIP, M. Bonnefous. French government has resigned over price wage crisis. 7 Received report of Power Commission which will be released only on word from Army. Have not shown it to King or Erhardt. Erhardt continues to talk out of turn. Balmer’s orders to Fort Bliss effective December have arrived. Warning came about 10 days ago. Balmer didn’t ask for extension but attitude indicated he would be receptive. I ignored the hint and will let nature take its course. I frankly believe it will be best for all concerned. Simmons and I left by train for Linz to be on hand for the review at McCauley at 0900. The 3 GI deserters were turned over to us at the Enns Bridge at 1000 without incident. That clears the slate except for Morand who has been gone well over a year and apparently has no desire to return. So far there is no proof of Soviet’s enticing these men to their zone. 8 Kendall met me and accompanied me to McCauley. Review passed off very well. Simmons & I flew back by C-47 and I arrived home before 1230. Nixon came out after lunch with cable from Washington asking us to send representative to conference on emergency planning. Nixon and Miller will fly to US on Monday. 9 Election Day at last—passed quietly with returns indicating People’s Party winner over Socialists and Kraus’ Party showing unexpected strength. Editor’s Note: Since the life of the Austrian parliament was limited by the constitution to four years, the Austrian election was due to be held not later than November 1949. Since 1945, the number of voters had

366  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

increased by more than 940,000. In the 1949 election 97 percent of the qualified voters participated compared to 94 percent in 1945. Due to the increase in the number of voters, each party increased the number of votes it received. “The election was significant for two reasons. It justified the Coalition Government by showing that it substantially represented the people’s view. At the same time it made clear that there were about half a million people who were dissatisfied with the programme of the two main parties and the Communists.”117 10 People’s Party 77; Socialists 67; Kraus (League of Independents) 16; Communists 5. Main results—Socialists suffered unexpected defeat and the emergence of an embryo Nazi Party. Leila entered the hospital to get a checkup and have some teeth pulled. 11 Flew to Ried im Innkreis to visit the maneuvers. Leila home again apparently everything OK. 12 Long talk with Mr. Robert A. Bauer, a class of ’38 American—now on Austrian desk of Voice of America in State Department. Very interesting. He has been here several weeks and has seen and talked to many Austrians of all ranks, etc. He says the people are not for Gruber’s treaty at any cost. They want controlled supervision. He says in long interview with him Gruber blames US for no treaty and for following a legalistic policy. Bauer agrees with me that Gruber’s chances of being able to deal with the Russians are nil. Editor’s Note: Robert Albert Bauer served as a foreign service officer in the US State Department. He was born in Austria and fled the country following its annexation by Germany in 1938. He joined Voice of America in 1942 following his immigration to the United States in 1940.118 13 The status of the Treaty is uncertain. The CFM conferences in New York last month got practically nowhere. The British were for closing the deal with the Soviets at the Soviets’ best offer. The French were apparently persuaded by the British. The US made a strong play to hold out against complete capitulation but whether we will adhere to that firm stand is uncertain. Department of the Army asked my views on a State Department proposed line of action and I replied that it would be a definite step back toward isolationism and the surrender of world leadership and I could not concur. Due to the French Government crisis the CFM broke up on the 6th and the Deputies resumed on the 10th but nothing has come out of it as yet except of

High Commissioner for Austria  367

course no decision prior to the Austrian elections. The Austrian Government as yet has not devalued the Schilling although we notified them that the time was propitious they refused to do anything prior to elections. Editor’s Note: The diary ends on October 13, 1949. Editor’s Note: Summary of major events between the last diary entry on October 13, 1949, and Keyes’s departure from Austria on October 20, 1950: Due to the success of the Marshall Plan in the development of the Austrian economy, the arming the Austrian police and gendarmerie and the formation of an Austrian army following the signing of a State Treaty became the overarching issue during General Keyes’s final year as high commissioner. The State Department’s Policy Planning Staff was unenthusiastic about the rearmament plan, believing that it would anger the Soviets should it become known. Initial plans included training five thousand policemen and twenty-five hundred gendarmerie, but equipping the new force was a major problem. Since the United States did not have a military assistance program in place, special arrangements were made in June 1949 to commence training using US equipment that remained US Army property. In June 1949, General Galloway, the British high commissioner, became concerned that the plan would jeopardize State Treaty negotiations. The British did, however, agree not to obstruct the plans for the clandestine development of an Austrian force.119 Article 17 of the proposed State Treaty limited the Austrian Army to 53,000 men, of which 11,000 would be gendarmerie, but Article 33 limited the time to raise such a force to ninety days following the conclusion of the treaty. General Keyes believed that it would be possible with the cooperation of the Austrian government to train 28,000 troops within the specified time. On December 23, 1949, Keyes suggested to his British counterpart “that the two agree on as many points of a detailed plan as possible, and then to forward the disagreed points to their respective governments for negotiation.”120 Keyes stressed the Austrian need to maintain internal security and resist a possible communist coup d’etat. By the end of 1950, the British had developed plans for the creation of an Austrian air force. In 1949 and 1950, the Cold War became more intense, as the USSR exploded its first atomic device on August 29, 1949, and the Austrian State Treaty was at a stalemate. “Keyes failed to persuade the Pentagon to exaggerate the importance of Austria in America’s overall foreign affairs priorities,” and

368  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

his “economic and political recommendations were not influential in Washington.”121 During this period, the relationship between Keyes and his State Department advisor, Erhardt, became more confrontational in a contest between military and civilian viewpoints. Their sharp policy differences were not based on any effort by Keyes to impose military control, but on the creation of a fourth Austrian political party. As the dispute intensified, it resulted in the removal of Erhardt and the retirement of Keyes. Austrian occupation responsibilities were transferred from the US Army to the State Department with the appointment of a civilian high commissioner, Walter J. Donnelly, on September 20, 1950. “To maintain an appearance of Western unity, the British and French were persuaded to also appoint civilian High Commissioners. . . . The Soviets did not follow suit for another three years.”122 Following the outbreak of the Korean War on June 25, 1950, in September and October violent demonstrations broke out against the Austrian government in a clear attempt by the Communists to assume control. As a result, Chancellor Leopold Figl requested that Western military troops augment the Austrian police. During this period, Keyes chaired the Allied Council, and when on September 26 violent strikes broke out, he questioned the Ministry of Interior for detailed information and was informed that there was no need for Western troops. When the Western high commissioners met on September 29, they were joined by the Austrian chancellor, vice chancellor, and minister of interior. The decision was made that intervention by Western military forces would be counterproductive.123 General Keyes departed Austria on October 20, 1950, after serving in World II and the occupation of Germany and Austria for eight years.

Conclusion

Lieutenant General Geoffrey Keyes served in the US Army from 1913, following his graduation from the US Military Academy, until his retirement in 1954 after forty-one years of service. His Army career spanned a period of time from the use of cavalry prior to World War I to evaluating the use of atomic weapons prior to his retirement. From any viewpoint, his was a remarkable career. As a corps commander in World War II, his units conquered the western half of the island of Sicily, including its capitol at Palermo. They then broke through the Winter and Gustav Lines at Monte Cassino, liberating Rome, and the Gothic Line, taking Bologna and driving into the Po Valley. He served as military governor in the US occupied zone in Germany and as American high commissioner in Occupied Austria. Following his retirement from the Army in 1950, he was recalled to active duty in 1951 as director of the Weapons Systems Evaluation Group.1 He was a friend and colleague of virtually all of the major army commanders in the European Theater of Operations in World War II. He had an especially close relationship with General George S. Patton Jr., who was not only his mentor but also his friend and confidant. As a corps commander, General Keyes understood the tactical importance of combat power. With overwhelming power, his Provisional Corps quickly overran Western Sicily, where they faced Italian forces. However, facing a well entrenched and intensely fortified enemy at the Winter and Gustav Lines in Italy, he continually requested additional divisions and often complained of the rapid reassignments of divisions within the Fifth Army, as he noted in an interview: “There was always the shifting of troops. One day we would have a division, the next we didn’t have the division.”2 When he finally obtained them, the II Corps attack on May 11, 1944, was rapidly successful, and his pursuit of the retreating German forces resulted in the capture of Rome on June 4, 1944, only twenty-three days later. Subsequently, when given sufficient combat power and a narrow corps front, he broke the Gothic Line and rapidly pursued the retreating Germans into the Po Valley. The question remains 369

370  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

as to why the Fifth Army commanders (Clark and Truscott) failed to provide him with the necessary combat power earlier in both campaigns. As the senior corps commander in the Italian campaign, it is remarkable that General Keyes was passed over for command of the Fifth Army when Clark was elevated to the 15th Army Group. As his entries in the diary express, he was sufficiently disturbed to confide in his friend and mentor, General Patton. Although he served for over three years as the American high commissioner in Occupied Austria, unlike Clay, who held a similar position in Occupied Germany, he was not promoted to the rank of general (four stars). His diary expresses why Austria was considered a backwater for US foreign policy as compared to Germany. Keyes considered Austria to be a keystone in preventing Western Europe from falling under the influence of the Soviet Union. General Keyes served as one of thirty-four US Army corps commanders in World War II. “Twenty-two U.S. Army corps were actively engaged in combat operations at some time during the War. Successful corps commanders made a significant, yet largely unrecognized, contribution to Allied victory in World War II. . . . For a professional officer, corps command was the ultimate position of tactical leadership.”3 Keyes commanded II Corps during twenty-one months of combat in Italy, becoming the longest serving corps commander in an active theater of operations. General Patton “respected Keyes’ drive, nerve, and his determination to obey even difficult orders,” while “Eisenhower admired Keyes’s tactical knowledge, combativeness, and loyalty. As for Clark, he did not seem to have strong feelings for Keyes one way or another, though he acknowledged his tactical prowess.”4 General Marshall, on the other hand, may have had doubts as to his ability.5 “Keyes was a gentlemanly, hard-driving officer with a strong personality, and plenty of initiative. People remarked on his common sense and level-headedness, traits that came in handy in dealing with the German foe, his French and British allies—and [General Mark] Wayne Clark. He accepted Eisenhower’s advice [see Appendix A] and became more attentive to and considerate of his subordinates after he took over Second Corps, frequently visiting them at the front to keep tabs on them.”6 As his diary makes obvious, Keyes was often irritated and perplexed by his relationship with his superior, Clark, who rode herd on him.7 During the first winter of the Italian campaign, Clark’s attitude toward Keyes was based solely on the operational progress made by II Corps. Throughout the campaign, as Keyes’s diary demonstrates, he easily engaged with the

Conclusion  371

French commanders due to his fluency in the French language and his assignment to the École Supérieure de Guerre in the 1930s, where General Alphonse Juin had been his instructor.8 As the campaign wore on and with the reassignment of Clark to the 15th Army Group and General Lucian Truscott to command the Fifth Army, Keyes gained Truscott’s respect and Clark decided that his merits outweighed any shortcomings. “Keyes himself focused most of his disgruntlement on Clark and the British, both of whom he held responsible for the slow pace of operations.”9 Clark’s personality made the campaign difficult for Keyes, as he rarely provided moral support and judged him by his military fortunes. Keyes “was a steady and combative officer from the start of the Italian campaign to its finish. Clark’s opinion of him, however, waxed and waned.”10 On the other hand, as Patton remarked in a letter to his wife: “I think he is one of the pleasantest companions and most loyal friend I have ever known.”11 He also remarked that Keyes was a man of “firm character and level head.”12 “Keyes’s greatest asset was that he gained the complete trust and confidence of senior military leaders under whom he served, including Marshall, Patton, Bradley, Eisenhower, and Clark. With the exception of Marshall, these men were all Keyes’s contemporaries, and each considered him an intelligent, competent, courageous, and dependable man.”13 In 1943, as General Keyes was taking command of II Corps, he received a letter from General Eisenhower (see Appendix A) that provided Eisenhower’s thoughts concerning how a commanding general should function. In the letter, he gracefully cautions Keyes to engage his subordinates in a pleasant manner, give them the credit, and “shove a bit of the limelight” their way. He reminds him that “every commander is made, in the long run, by his subordinates.” Although Keyes believed that Eisenhower was overstating the case, the diary clearly demonstrates that Keyes took Eisenhower’s comments to heart and functioned along the lines laid out in the letter. That he did so is attested to by his influence on the next generation of officers who served with him or were related to him. From the II Corps staff, Colonel Robert Porter (G-3/Deputy COS) ended his Army career as a four-star general. Keyes’s son-in-law, William Desobry, retired as a lieutenant general. The II Corps chief of staff, John Willems, retired as a major general. The II Corps G-4, James Holsinger, retired as a brigadier general. Undoubtedly, General Keyes had a major impact on many other officers and their careers. He was greatly admired by the officers and men of II Corps as a commander, officer, and gentleman,14 and was known to his officers as “a gentleman of the old school.”15

372  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

General Keyes served as US high commissioner in Occupied Austria and commander of US Forces Austria at a remarkably difficult time. From 1947 to 1950, the Iron Curtain fell across Europe, the Marshall Plan was instituted, the Berlin Blockade occurred, the Korean War was initiated, and Soviet intransigence blocked the completion of the Austrian State Treaty. At the same time, Keyes’s relationship with his senior State Department advisor was fraught with disagreement, animosity, and a lack of trust. In addition, the JCS and the State Department were not in agreement as to the importance of Austria in the defense of Western Europe should the Cold War become hot. “Keyes made a forceful case for Austria’s strategic importance by highlighting its potential role in defending NATO’s southern flank.”16 He understood his mission to be the reestablishment of “a free, independent and democratic Austria with a sound economy capable of insuring an adequate standard of living.”17 As a result, he consistently pressed the JCS—and through them the National Security Council—to develop, clandestinely if necessary, an embryo Austrian army in order to secure Austrian sovereignty and national borders at whatever time the treaty might be signed and Allied troops withdrawn. His efforts were not designed to militarize Austria,18 but to protect it from falling under Soviet hegemony once the treaty was finalized.19 During the Berlin Blockade, he made efforts to prevent such an event’s occurring in Vienna. In so doing, he developed potential airfields within the Allies’ sectors of Vienna in conjunction with his British and French counterparts since the Tulln airfield lay in the Soviet sector. Although many of his strategic recommendations went unheeded by the NSC and State Department, by the time of his departure in October 1950 his tactical acumen had successfully maintained the integrity of the Austrian state, supported the Austrian government in the nation’s postwar economic recovery, prepared the ground for Austria to become once again a sovereign Western European nation state, and set the stage for the development of an Austrian army that could protect the nation’s borders and defend against a Communist coup d’etat.20 In Austria, his efforts have been recognized with the naming of General-Keyes-Strasse in Salzburg. Following his retirement in 1954, General and Mrs. Keyes returned to their beloved American Southwest, living in Tucson, Arizona. However, their life together was cut short by Leila’s death on March 21, 1956, at age sixty-two. Prior to her death, they traveled to visit family and friends and entertained those who visited them. Following the death of Leila, General Keyes lived in “a modest home, perhaps three bedrooms

Conclusion  373

and a little garden, a beautiful little garden. And as General Keyes expresses it, he is the in and out man. He does all the cooking, housekeeping, and tends to the garden.”21 After his death at age seventy-eight on September 17, 1967, the Keyes were interred at the US Military Academy Cemetery at West Point. General Keyes was not only an officer and gentleman, but a remarkable military tactician.

Appendix A Correspondence Concerning Keyes Assignment to II Corps

PATTON LETTER TO EISENHOWER1 SEPTEMBER 19, 1943 HEADQUARTERS SEVENTH ARMY APO # 758 U.S. Army 19 September 1943 My dear Ike: [Excerpt] On the 17th I got a message from you stating in part as follows: “Place Major General Geoffrey Keyes in command of II Corps.” On the 18th I got a message from Smith stating in part, “He authorizes you to place Keyes in temporary repeat temporary command II Corps.” A temporary status for the Commanding General of the II Corps makes the organization of staff, which is now wholy disorganized, very difficult, and I therefore hope that you will let the original telegram stand or clarify the situation in some other way. Devotedly yours, G. S. PATTON, JR. General D. D. Eisenhower Fairfield Rear CP

375

376  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

EISENHOWER LETTER TO PATTON2 SEPTEMBER 20, 1943 1270

Eisenhower Mss.

To George Smith Patton Jr. 1943

September 20,

Cable #507. Secret [Excerpt] From General Eisenhower to General Patton for eyes only. Repeat to FREEDOM: The reason for using the word “temporary” was merely to protect him pending final completion of command rearrangements. He should proceed immediately to any reorganization of the staff that is required and my only thought is that if it should later become necessary to make any rearrangement of higher command organization, he would not have the feeling of being relieved for cause. I have every reason to believe that his assignment will be permanent but in any event he should proceed to act exactly in that manner. KEYES LETTER TO EISENHOWER3 SEPTEMBER 21, 1943 HEADQUARTERS II CORPS APO 302

U.S. ARMY

In the Field 21 September 1943 General Dwight D. Eisenhower Commander in Chief, Allied Forces NATOUSAAPO 512, U.S. Army My dear General Eisenhower: In compliance with orders, I have assumed temporary command of the II Corps and I wish to thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve you in this coveted assignment. I assure you that my only ambition is to do the job to your satisfaction and justify your confidence in the judgement of General Patton to whose recommendation I realize fully, I owe your favorable consideration. I shall never let you or him down. Sincerely, yours,

Correspondence Concerning Keyes Assignment to II Corps  377

GEOFFREY KEYES Major General, U.S.A., Commanding EISENHOWER LETTER TO KEYES4 SEPTEMBER 27, 1943 1293

Eisenhower Mss.

To Geoffrey Keyes

September 27, 1943

Dear Geoff: You are quite right in assuming that your assignment to command the II Corps came about because of General Patton’s earnest recommendations. This is entirely normal, because it is only through him that I have had direct and official reports of your accomplishments. However, I assure you there was no reason to thank me for the assignment; I gave it to you because I believe it the best thing to do. You understand, of course, that in a theater such as this, there come to me many bits and pieces of statements, often informal in nature, which added together serve to supplement my personal impressions of commanders and senior staff officers. In your case I have no doubt at all to your tactical ability, your fighting qualities, and your complete and intense loyalty. But I do have a word of suggestion along a line that would possibly never occur to you, nor possibly in your immediate senior. It is this: don’t be afraid to show pleasant reactions in your contacts with your subordinates. Be quick to give credit and, wherever possible shove a bit of the limelight on to a Division Commander where you could easily have absorbed it all yourself. Every commander is made, in the long run, by his subordinates. We are all intensely human and war is a drama, not a game of chess, so a wide grin, particularly in trying situation, is often worth a battalion. Mere efficiency on your part will sometimes not be enough! An informal, but always sincere expression of commendation— even if given in an offhand manner—is sometimes called for even when the particular subordinate may have been guilty of some mistakes. You do not need to be told that I am not advocating that you court popularity. Such a habit is fatal. I am merely talking about honest, open-handed, pleasant readiness to give the subordinate more than his full share of the credit for any and every success and to sustain him in reverses. Please do not think that because I have given this paragraph of advice that I have any doubts of your ability to command that Corps. If I had any such doubts I would have put in someone else, but I do believe—

378  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

based, as I said, purely upon personal impression and stray remarks picked up here and there—that you could advantageously think over and possibly practice some of the suggestions I have made. In other words, I am talking about something that I believe should transform an admittedly good commander into a brilliant one. Best of luck, Cordially

Appendix B Keyes–Patton Correspondence, December 1944

KEYES LETTER TO PATTON1 DECEMBER 11, 1944 HEADQUARTERS II CORPS OFFICE OF THE COMMANDING GENERAL APO 19 U.S. ARMY December 11, 1944 My Dear General: Since my last letter we have had quite a turnover in command as you know and I have realized more than ever your justified outraged feelings 2 years ago under similar circumstances. This has been a bitter disappointment for me not only because I feel that it was my one and only chance but also because of the circumstances surrounding it. From the day I entered West Point to date I have never directly nor indirectly sought help or aid for my advancement or preferment in assignment and I am sure you will believe me when I say I am not writing this letter for that purpose. I am writing it because I must get it off my chest and you are the only one to whom I can do so and above all because when, as you will recall, I thanked Eisenhower for giving me the assignment to this Corps, and stated I realized I owed it entirely to you; I assured him that I would never let him or you down. So now I want to prove to you that I have kept my promise. When I joined the Corps, Bradley had stripped it of 29 key staff officers and a similarly large number of enlisted men. I got the staff and HQ in shape and developed it until it became and is I honestly believe, one of the most experienced and efficient Corps staffs in the US Army. 379

380  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

Upon arrival in Italy I sensed that I and my outfit were outsiders— that having come from the 7th Army we would have to go through Beast Barracks if not the whole Plebe year before being recognized. I was given first one and then a second discredited division and the job of getting up to the Rapido and Cassino. Against my recommendation I was required to cross the Rapido without the heights south of the valley being attacked. I think Harmon was responsible for that plan which he sold to Army by by-passing me. The British 10 Corps on my left failed to cross in their first attempt and then refused to continue. As for the Cassino attack, with the same low rated divisions which were exhausted, I not only came within an ace of taking the monastery but went farther and held more ground than did either the French on my right or the New Zealanders who relieved me with a lot of ballyhoo or even the Poles who made the attempt 3 months later. I also had the satisfaction of having your old friend McCreery tell me that the key to the operation of going up the valley was Monte Majo “which you always contended” and when the May drive on Rome began that was the 1st objective of the French Corps. Our participation in the drive to the beachhead was designated as the secondary effort and I was given the leftovers—principally 2 new divisions without combat experience which were not considered good enough for the beachhead. The French on my right started out with what amounted to 5 divisions and yet after the first three days we took the lead and not only beat them to Anzio but I was held up because they did not come up to protect my flank—furthermore I had to give them 2 of my tank battalions. In the jockeying around Velletri and Valmontone before the spurt for Rome I was required to divert part of my force to the south to help up the French and the British; then to hold one division in place till the French came up to take over. And to cap the climax I was required on the last day of the race to divert my left division to assist the VI Corps with 3 Infantry and 1 Armored divisions (not to mention 2 British divisions on their left) to get out of a 7 day stalemate. And then the article in a recent Life [magazine] on Truscott says the VI Corps got into Rome first and that a newly arrived corps or upstart corps joined the VI in the drive on Rome! If we hadn’t come up as fast and as soon as we did they would still be in what you so aptly called the “bitch head.” In the operation from the Arno on Bologna we were opposed by 3 German Divisions and elements of 3 others and we were not supposed to attack unless the enemy withdrew at least a couple of divisions from our front to operate on the 8th Army Front. We fought and attacked every day for 6 weeks, cracked his Gothic line and ended up against 4 full

Keyes–Patton Correspondence, December 1944  381

divisions and elements of 8. He had not only not taken anything from our front but had brought in three of his best from other fronts. During those six weeks we didn’t get a dime’s worth of help on either flank and the 8th Army contributed nothing. Everyone who has seen the terrain we fought over and the defenses we penetrated claim it a remarkable feat. My battle casualties were between 15000 and 20000 and the Corps on my right had less than 1000. I took about 7000 prisoners and they took a few hundred! Due to weather and other hardships my non battle casualties were over 15000 so you see we really had tough going. One division in 4 weeks had only 2 out of 27 rifle company commanders who had started the operation and they had been wounded and returned from the hospital— they had lost also 8 out of 9 Battalion Commanders. And yet we averaged about a mile a day over very difficult terrain. So much for that— Twice before we started the drive for Rome and once afterwards, Patch came to me and of his own volition told me that he not only wanted me to go into France with him instead of Truscott but said he would and was doing everything he could to get me. Just before he sailed he told me he had done his best but Devers had told him it was no use because Truscott stood so high in General Marshall’s esteem. After the capture of Rome, Devers wrote me a very commendatory letter and later told me he had sent a similar commendation to the War Department and had recommended my promotion along with Crittenberger and Truscott. He also told me that General Marshall had had some reservations about me but that he was sure they were now dispelled. The day we entered Rome Clark told Truscott and me that he was recommending me for promotion. Truscott of course got his after his fine work in France and I certainly had no fault to find with that. He had had an opportunity and he made good. About 3 or 4 days after the announcement that Alexander and Clark had moved up a notch, Clark called me in and said he had bad news for me—that Truscott was to get the Fifth and Gerow was to get the 15th to which it was understood Truscott was already assigned. Clark stated that he was distressed because he wanted me to have the Fifth—that he had not been consulted and had not been asked for his recommendation which would have been for me. He showed me a letter from Prime Minister Churchill in which Churchill stated that he had gone to Eisenhower and arranged for Truscott to succeed Clark and that Eisenhower had readily agreed. And that he Churchill had of course first assured himself that Alexander was in accord. So there we have the American commander

382  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

of an American Army selected and designated by a British politician and a British general. Wouldn’t some Congressmen and newspapers like to hear that! Clark said he had called Alexander and told him I was his choice and while Alexander said I had done a fine job and was perfectly satisfactory to him he had agreed to Truscott because he thought he was satisfactory to Clark. Clark said he was but that I was more acceptable and would he Alexander take up the matter with McNarney in as much as no official announcement had been made. Alexander said he didn’t want to get mixed up in it but that Clark could talk to McNarney. Clark did so and McNarney said he had not been consulted but that it was too late as the matter had been settled in Washington. Clark told either McNarney or Alexander that if he had Truscott and me side by side and he was at liberty to make his choice he would choose me. Now while I admit I may be presumptuous I believe that you would give me the call over Truscott although I know you esteem him highly. So here I am the choice over Truscott of yourself (?), Patch and Clark—three Field Army Commanders yet he gets the preference. It doesn’t make sense to me. Of course the War Department that is, General Marshall, doesn’t know these facts and the balance is tipped by the meddling in a purely American matter, of the British Prime Minister. In this small bush league we are in, such a chance will never occur again and of course no one here would ever be considered for an opening in any other theater. So I feel that the door has been definitely closed and I shall be ranked for the rest of my life both on temporary and permanent lists not only by Truscott but by many other contenders now in France with much less combat service than myself. Well that is that and I’ll keep right on till they IC me. I refuse to give up a job voluntarily until I’ve finished it. When you have read all this, if you can read it, please tear it up and say nothing about it. As I said above my main object in writing is to try to justify your confidence in me and to let you know I can conscientiously say I have not let you down. Since starting this letter I received yours of the 7th and as always I was glad to hear from you. Sorry to hear that P Wood had had to go home but delighted he had done so well in combat. We hear so many strange rumors about this or that person in France that we don’t know what to believe. Am glad Eddy got a Corps—if you see him, please remember me to him—same to Gaffey. Who is your Chief of Staff now? Gay? I was delighted to see had finally gotten Muller and Maddox promoted. Did Grow go home? I heard a rumor to that effect. I see Critt

Keyes–Patton Correspondence, December 1944  383

occasionally and talk to him on the phone frequently. He is doing a grand job and under most difficult and trying circumstances. The bright spots in the news on the western front continue to be the deeds of the Third Army with an occasional assist from the Seventh. That is a constant source of pride to me and those who were with you in the good old days. I hope this reaches you by Christmas and so convey to you my very best wishes for a Merry Xmas over the Rhine and a grand victory in the New Year. As ever, sincerely— Geoff Keyes [Hand Written Letter] PATTON LETTER TO KEYES2 23 December. 1944 My dear Geoff: Your letter of December 11 just reached me. I am in full accord with your feelings concerning what has happened and I have heard many people remark, with regret, that you had not gotten the 5th Army as we all believed you should. On quite excellent authority I was informed that Lucian [Truscott] was given three stars for the purpose of commanding the 9th Army, but that through a slip in the War Department G-1, Charlie Simpson was sent over and it was not thought expedient to replace him. In the meantime, Gerow had been slated for the 15th Army but had not been given three stars, therefore Lucian was to get the 15th. However, it became apparent about that time that we had too many armies; so, since Lucian had been made and had to have an army, he got the 5th. It is my personal opinion that but for this mischance, you would have had it. However, you must remember that, “Who the Lord loveth he chastenth,” and God knows, you and I have been chastened considerably! I am sure that if we keep doing our stuff we will sooner or later get the reward which we merit, and I know no one who merits a reward more than you. I told General Eisenhower and General Bradley, and also General Marshall that I considered you the outstanding candidate for an army command, and I am sure that someday you will have one.

384  PATTON’S TACTICIAN

As you have probably seen by the papers, my more or less successful progress through the Siegfried Line was halted by the necessity of pulling some chestnuts out of the fire, so now I am attacking, with everything I can scrape together, the left flank of the German Salient. I am still of the opinion that the Germans are less numerous than other people think, and I am certain that when I get through with them they will be very much less numerous. I certainly wish I had you here to add to the galaxy of Corps Commanders of whom I now have four, one of which, Milliken, is a rank amateur, and possibly also just rank, but I am not sure yet. It was necessary to put Hugh Gaffey in command to the 4th Armored where he is doing a fine job. I took Gay back as Chief of Staff, which position he should have always occupied—not that Gaffey wasn’t a good Chief of Staff for he is, but he is a better commander. If I don’t get hurt badly tonight—and that is always a possibility when fighting the Germans—we will probably crack them tomorrow. For the first time in weeks, we have had good flying weather today and have profited by it. I had eleven groups of mediums, seven groups of fighter-bombers, one-third of the 8th Air Force, and about 500 RAF planes helping me. For the first time the Germans were up in considerable force and did quite a lot of bombing. They got some of our gas and ammunition, but not enough to hurt. I am very glad that you have sufficient confidence and affection for me to write me the letter you did. I end by assuring you that I agree with everything you said, and in wishing you all the success and happiness which you so greatly merit. With affectionate regards, I am, Devotedly yours, G. S. Patton, Jr. Major General Geoffrey Keyes Headquarters II American Corps APO 19, U.S. Army, Italy

Notes

Note on Military Units 1. “FM 100-15 Field Service Regulations: Larger Units” (Washington, D.C.: US Government Printing Office, June 29, 1942), 49. 2. Ibid., 51. 3. Ibid., 56–57. 4. “FM 100-5 Field Service Regulations: Operations” (Washington, D.C.: War Department, US Government Printing Office, April 26, 1944), 4. 5. Ibid. 6. Ibid.

Introduction 1. The Howitzer (West Point, N.Y.: US Military Academy, 1913), 98. 2. Robert Capa, “The Surrender of Palermo,” Life 15, no. 9 (August 23, 1943): 25–28. 3. Officer Efficiency Report, dated January 3, 1943. “Rating: Superior. Outstandingly Superior. Recommended for command of Corps or Army. Rating: No. 1 of 183.” Rater: General Patton. 4. Officer Efficiency Report, dated April 30, 1941. Rater: General Patton. Senior Rater: “Concur.” General Adna R. Chaffee Jr. 5. Michael J. Krisman, ed., “Geoffrey Keyes,” Assembly 32, no. 2 (September 1973): 132–133. 6. “Geoffrey Keyes, Combat Leader: Commanding General of 2d Corps in Italy Dies at 78,” New York Times, September 19, 1967. 7. Sherwood H. Demitz, “Lieutenant General Geoffrey Keyes: A Family Statement,” n.d.

1. Operation Torch and the North African Campaign 1. David M. Kennedy, Freedom from Fear: The American People in Depression and War, 1929–1945, The Oxford History of the United States, vol. 9 (Oxford: Oxford Univ. Press, 1999), 573.

385

386  Notes to Pages 5–10 2. Ibid., 574. 3. Rick Atkinson, An Army at Dawn: The War in North Africa, 1942–1943 (New York: Holt, 2002), 17. 4. Kennedy, Freedom from Fear, 578–579. 5. History.com editors, “Eisenhower Assumes Command of U.S. Troops in Europe,” History.com, https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/eisenhowerassumes-command-of-u-s-troops-in-europe (last modified June 23, 2020, accessed March 8, 2021). 6. Martin Blumenson, The Patton Papers 1940–1945 (Boston, Mass.: Da Capo Press, 1974), 86. 7. George F. Howe, Northwest Africa: Seizing the Initiative in the West, U.S. Army in World War II: Mediterranean Theater of Operations (Washington, D.C.: US Government Printing Office, 1957), 42, 47, 53. 8. Jeremy Black, Warfare in the Western World, 1882–1975 (Bloomington: Indiana Univ. Press, 2002), 94–95. 9. Kennedy, Freedom from Fear, 581–582. 10. Esposito, Vincent J., ed. The West Point Atlas of American Wars 1900– 1953, vol. 2 (New York: Praeger, 1959), map 83. 11. Atkinson, Army at Dawn, 239. 12. Esposito, West Point Atlas, vol. 2, map 84. 13. Ibid., map 85. 14. General Kenneth Arthur Noel Anderson commanded the British First Army from August 12, 1942, to July 14, 1943. “British Generals,” Generals.Dk, https://generals.dk/nation/Great_Britain.html (accessed March 6, 2023). 15. Atkinson, Army at Dawn, 375–376. 16. Esposito, West Point Atlas, vol. 2, map 86. 17. David Rolf, The Bloody Road to Tunis: Destruction of the Axis Forces in North Africa, November 1942–May 1943 (London: Greenhill Books, 2001), 211–212. 18. Esposito, West Point Atlas, vol. 2, map 87. 19. Ibid., map 88. 20. USS Augusta (CL/CA-31): Northampton-class cruiser of the US Navy, served as a headquarters ship during Operation Torch, Operation Overlord, Operation Dragoon, and for occasional use as a presidential flagship. 21. USS Calvert (APA-32): Crescent City-class attack transport that served with the US Navy during World War II and the Korean War. 22. Gerhard L. Weinberg, A World at Arms: A Global History of World War II, 2nd ed. (Cambridge, UK: Cambridge Univ. Press, n.d.), 361. 23. Howe, Northwest Africa, 68. 24. Navy Day, observed on October 27, salutes all those individuals who have served in the US Navy. “Navy Day,” National Day Calendar, https:// nationaldaycalendar.com/navy-day-october-27/ (accessed February 21, 2022). 25. USS Boyle (DD-600): Benson-class destroyer.

Notes to Pages 10–14  387 26. Atkinson, Army at Dawn, 42. 27. Weinberg, World at Arms, 328. 28. Atkinson, Army at Dawn, 272–276, 311, 400. 29. II Corps: A Brief History (Rome, Italy: Editoriale Domus, 1945), 52. 30. Howe, Northwest Africa, 353. 31. Margaret E. Wagner et al., The Library of Congress World War II Companion, ed. David M. Kennedy (New York: Simon and Schuster, 2007), 115. 32. Atkinson, An Army at Dawn, 292–293. 33. Ibid., 288–289. 34. During World War II, Admiral of the Fleet Sir Dudley Pound served as British First Sea Lord until his death on October 21, 1943. He was succeeded by Admiral Sir Andrew Cunningham. C.J.C. Molony, History of the Second World War: The Mediterranean and Middle East, vol. 5 (London: Her Majesty’s Stationary Office, 1973), 217. 35. General Henri-Honoré Giraud served as commander in chief of French North Africa from December 1942 to June 1943, as commander in chief of French North and West Africa from June 1943 to August 1943, and as commander in chief of the military forces from August 1943 to April 1944. “Generals from France,” Generals.Dk, https://www.generals.dk/nation/France.html (accessed September 25, 2021). 36. General John Edwin Hull served in a variety of position on the War Department general staff, including “Chief of the Theater Group, then Assistant Chief of Staff in the Operations Division, and finally Assistant Chief of Staff for Plans and Operations” from 1943 to 1946. R. Manning Ancell and Christine M. Miller, The Biographical Dictionary of World War II Generals and Flag Officers: The U.S. Armed Forces (Westport, Conn.: Greenwood, 1996), 160. 37. Douglas Porch, The Path to Victory (New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2004), 372, 377. 38. Esposito, West Point Atlas, vol. 2, maps 83 and 84. 39. France’s Brigadier General Raymond-Charles-Emile Desre, assistant commander of the Casablanca Division and later division commander and general officer commanding Morocco. Howe, Northwest Africa, 94. 40. Major General [later Lieutenant General] John Clifford Hodges Lee, commander, Services of Supply. Dwight D. Eisenhower, Crusade in Europe (Garden City, N.Y.: Doubleday, n.d.), 55. 41. General Edmund B. Gregory served as the US Army’s quartermaster general during World War II. Ancell and Miller, Biographical Dictionary, 122–123. 42. Colonel Robert W. Wilson served as G-4 on US II Corps staff during the North African campaign. Howe, Northwest Africa, 374n. 43. John Keegan, The Times Atlas of the Second World War (New York: Harper and Row, 1989), 117. 44. Esposito, West Point Atlas, vol. 2, map 85.

388  Notes to Pages 16–17 45. At the outbreak of World War II, Admiral Auguste Nogues was named commander of all French forces in North Africa. Both the Allies and the Axis powers considered him disloyal, and when the Torch landings occurred, he determined on all-out resistance. Once the landings were successful, he ordered the French forces to cease fire. Following WWII, he was sentenced to twenty years at hard labor for war crimes. “Auguste Nogues, French Admiral: Vichy’s Leader in Morocco, 95, Dies—Fought Allies,” New York Times, April 22, 1971. 46. Prior to the North African invasion, France’s Admiral Emile Muselier was appointed by General Charles de Gaulle as commander in chief of the Free French naval forces (1940–1942). “The following year, Admiral Muselier became Assistant to General Henri Giraud in Algiers.” Alan Chanter, “Emile Muselier,” World War II Database, https://ww2db.com/person_bio.php?person_id=418 (accessed March 23, 2021). 47. General Ernest N. Harmon commanded the 2nd Armored Division at the commencement of the North African campaign. Originally sent forward with the intent by Eisenhower to replace General Orlando Ward as commander of the 2nd Armored Division, he instead served as a “senior assistant” to General Fredendall until the end of the battle. Finally, on April 5, 1943, Harmon relieved Ward of command of the 1st Armored Division. Howe, Northwest Africa, 471. 48. Major General Jonathan W. Anderson commanded the 3rd Infantry Division from March 1942 until February 22, 1943, returning to the United States to command X US Corps until he embarked for the Pacific Theater of Operations in August 1944. “Generals from USA,” Generals.Dk, https://www.generals.dk /nation/USA.html (accessed April 28, 2021). 49. General Clark served as deputy commander, Allied Forces in North Africa, November 1942–January 1943; commanded the Fifth US Army, January 1943– December 1944; and commanded the 15th Army Group, December 1944–June 1945. Ancell and Miller, Biographical Dictionary, 55. 50. Atkinson, Army at Dawn, 137–138. 51. Esposito, West Point Atlas, vol. 2, map 86a. 52. Russell F. Weigley, Eisenhower’s Lieutenants: The Campaigns of France and Germany, 1944–1945 (Bloomington: Indiana Univ. Press, 1981), 81. 53. Stephen R. Taaffe, Marshall and His Generals: U.S. Army Commanders in World War II (Lawrence: Univ. Press of Kansas, 2011), 101. 54. During the North African campaign, General John K. Cannon served as commanding general, 12th Air Support Command and 12th Bomber Command. “Generals from USA” (accessed March 23, 2021). 55. General Lucian K. Truscott led the Torch assault on Mehdia and Port Lyautey, Morocco, and assumed command of the 3rd Infantry Division on March 6, 1943, in time to have it well trained for the invasion of Sicily. Atkinson, Army at Dawn, 141–147, 534. 56. Air Marshal Sir Arthur W. Tedder served during the North African campaign as General Eisenhower’s deputy for air operations. Ibid., 328.

Notes to Pages 17–18  389 57. General Carl A. Spaatz served during the North African campaign as the Twelfth Air Force commander and in February 1943 assumed command of Northwest African Air Force. “General Carl A. Spaatz,” US Air Force, https:// www.af.mil/About-Us/Biographies/Display/Article/105528/general-carl-a-spaatz/ (accessed March 25, 2021). 58. Atkinson, Army at Dawn, 460. 59. Archbishop Francis Spellman served as the archbishop of New York and the apostolic vicar of the US armed forces during World War II. “Francis Cardinal Spellman,” Fordham University Hall of Honor, https://www.fordham.edu /info/26211/hall_of_honor/9555/francis_cardinal_spellman (accessed September 9, 2021). 60. Admiral Henry K. Hewitt served as commander of the Western Task Force fleet for Operation Torch. Following the landings, he was assigned as commander, US Naval Forces, Northwest African Waters. Howe, Northwest Africa, 44. 61. Operation Husky, the invasion of Sicily, was planned by a secret group, Force 141, named for the number of the conference room in the Hotel St. Georges. Atkinson, Army at Dawn, 413. 62. Colonel James W. Holsinger served on II Corps general staff during the North African and Sicilian campaigns and as assistant chief of staff, G-4, Logistics, during the Italian campaign. II Corps: A Brief History, 80. 63. Brigadier General Henry C. Wolfe commanded the 1st Engineer Amphibian Brigade during the North African campaign. Howe, Northwest Africa, 62. 64. General Georges-Eugene-Joseph Lascroux served as the French commander in chief of Morocco, from December 3, 1941, to August 28, 1943. “Generals from France” (accessed March 27, 2021). 65. General Adam Richmond served as judge advocate general of the Allied Headquarters (North Africa) and the US North African Theater of Operations from October 1942 to March 1943. “Generals from USA” (accessed March 27, 2021). 66. General Ernest N. Harmon commanded the 2nd Armored Division during the North African campaign and briefly was assigned as deputy commander of II Corps under the command of General Fredendall, prior to commanding the 1st Armored Division. Howe, Northwest Africa, 576. 67. General Ernest J. Dawley commanded VI US Corps from April 13, 1942, to September 21, 1943. “Generals from USA” (accessed April 9, 2021). 68. General Harold R. Bull served as G3, Allied Forces Headquarters, and later as chief of staff. Ancell and Miller, Biographical Dictionary, 39–40. 69. Task Force Benson was composed of elements of the 1st Armored Division, II Corps. Howe, Northwest Africa, 570. 70. “I told Benson . . . keep pushing for a fight or a bath [in the ocean]. . . . Shortly after I turned back, Benson’s advance guard made contact with a patrol of the . . . [British] Eighth Army. As it was, I had no idea they [The British] were around and was simply doing my duty as I saw it. I don’t think there was any danger in it.” Blumenson, The Patton Papers 1940–1945, 213.

390  Notes to Pages 19–21 71. Esposito, West Point Atlas, vol. 2, map 86b. 72. From April 1943, when the 82nd Airborne Division arrived in North Africa, until February 1944, when he assumed command of the 101st Airborne Division, General Maxwell D. Taylor served as the division artillery commander. “Generals from USA” (accessed April 2, 2021). 73. Esposito, West Point Atlas, vol. 2, map 87. 74. General Troy H. Middleton served as commanding general of the 45th Infantry Division from 1942 to 1944. Ancell and Miller, Biographical Dictionary, 225. 75. General Fred L. Walker commanded the 36th Infantry Division from 1942 to 1944. Ibid., 333. 76. Admiral Richard L. Conolly, as a Washington staff officer, “was one of the few who believed TORCH (the landings in North Africa) would succeed. He directed amphibious invasions in the Mediterranean before taking command of the Northern Force responsible for the invasion of Makin during the Gilberts campaign.” “Conolly, Richard Lansing (1892–1962),” The Pacific War Online Encyclopedia, http://pwencycl.kgbudge.com/C/o/Conolly_Richard_L.htm (accessed April 12, 2021). 77. Atkinson, Army at Dawn, 501. 78. Esposito, West Point Atlas, vol. 2, map 88. 79. J.F.C. Fuller, A Military History of the Western World, vol. 3, 3 vols. (New York: Funk and Wagnalls, 1956), 513–516. 80. General Clarence R. Huebner served as the 1st Infantry Division commander during the Sicilian campaign. “Generals from USA” (accessed April 5, 2021). 81. General Russell P. Hartle served as the commanding general of V Corps from May 18, 1942, to July 14, 1943. Ibid. 82. General Leonard T. Gerow served as commander of the 29th Infantry Division, stationed in Scotland, and commanded V Corps from 1943 to 1945 and the Fifteenth Army from January to July 1945. Ibid. (accessed April 20, 2021). 83. General Charles H. Gairdner served as chief of staff of Force 141 (later 15th Army Group), commanded by General Alexander, in preparation for Operation Husky. Molony, History of the Second World War, 8. 84. General Matthew B. Ridgway commanded the 82nd Airborne Division from June 26, 1942, until August 26, 1944, in Sicily and Northwestern Europe. “Generals from USA” (accessed April 5, 2021). 85. Albert N. Garland and Howard M. Smyth, Sicily and the Surrender of Italy, U.S. Army in World War II: Mediterranean Theater of Operations (Washington, D.C.: US Government Printing Office, 1965), 57. 86. From June 1942 to August 1944, General Manton S. Eddy commanded the 9th Infantry Division in Tunisia, Sicily, and Northern Europe. “Generals from USA” (accessed April 9, 2021).

Notes to Pages 21–23  391 87. General Charles W. Ryder served as commanding general of the 34th Infantry Division in the North African and Italian campaigns from 1942 to 1944. Ancell and Miller, Biographical Dictionary, 286. 88. General Maurice Rose served as chief of staff of the 2nd Armored Division from January 1942 to November 1943. “Generals from USA” (accessed April 9, 2021). 89. On May 5, 1943, General Paul M. Robinett was wounded while commanding Combat Command B, 1st Armored Division, in the battle for Bizerte, Tunisia. Ibid. (accessed April 5, 2021). 90. General Lyman L. Lemnitzer served as assistant chief of staff (G-3), Allied Force Headquarters, during the North African invasion and for a short period in early 1943 as deputy chief of staff, Fifth Army. On July 25, 1943, he was assigned as General Alexander’s Force 141 American deputy. L. James Binder, Lemnitzer: A Soldier for His Time (Washington, D.C.: Brassey’s, 1997), 109. 91. Blumenson, Patton Papers 1940–1945, 253–254. 92. Britain’s General (later Field Marshal) Harold R.L.G. Alexander served as commander in chief of 18th Army Group during the Tunisian campaign and as commander in chief of 15th Army Group during the Sicilian campaign. “Generals from Great Britain,” Generals.Dk, https://www.generals.dk/nation/Great_Britain. html (accessed April 6, 2021). 93. Britain’s General Frederick A. M. Browning commanded the 1st Airborne Division in North Africa and Sicily. Ibid. (accessed April 7, 2021). 94. General Alexander W. C. Richardson served as chief of staff of the 18th Army Group in Tunisia and Italy. Ibid. (accessed May 17, 2021). 95. Porch, Path to Victory, 419. 96. General Everett S. Hughes served as commanding general of Communications Zone, North African Theater of Operations, from 1943 to 1944 and as special assistant to General Eisenhower at SHAEF from February 1944 to September 1945. Ancell and Miller, Biographical Dictionary, 159–160. 97. General Lowell Ward Rooks served as assistant chief of staff, G-3, US North Africa Theater of Operations, and later commanded the 90th Infantry Division in the Battle of the Bulge. Ibid., 279–280. 98. General Thomas T. Handy served as assistant chief of staff for operations, G-3, War Department general staff. Ibid., 130. 99. Frank Blazich, “When the Piper Cub Roamed the Battlefield,” War on the Rocks, https://warontherocks.com/2017/12/when-the-piper-cub-roamed-the-battlefield/ (last modified December 20, 2017, accessed February 21, 2022). 100. General John K. Cannon served as deputy commanding general of the Allied Tactical Air Forces from May 1943 to December 1943. Ancell and Miller, Biographical Dictionary, 373–374. 101. General John P. Lucas served as General Eisenhower’s deputy in mid1943, taking command of VI US Corps in September 1943 for the Italian campaign

392  Notes to Pages 23–29 and Operation Shingle. He served as deputy commanding general of the Fourth Army from 1944 to 1946. Ibid., 196. 102. General Frank J. McSherry served as deputy chief of the Allied Military Government in the European Theater of Operations from 1943 to 1944. Ibid., 220–221. 103. Sir James Grigg served as Britain’s secretary of state for war from 1942 to 1945. “James Grigg Dies; A Churchill Aide; War Secretary ’42–’45; Long-Time Civil Servant,” New York Times, May 7, 1964. 104. General Hugh J. Gaffey served as commanding general, 2nd Armored Division, in Tunisia and Sicily. Ancell and Miller, Biographical Dictionary, 110. 105. “Monrovia (AP-64),” Naval History and Heritage Command, https:// www.history.navy.mil/research/histories/ship-histories/danfs/m/monrovia.html (accessed April 12, 2021).

2. Operation Husky and the Sicilian Campaign 1. Carlo D’Este, Bitter Victory: The Battle for Sicily, 1943 (New York: Dutton, 1988), 142–158. 2. Ibid., 49–50. 3. Ibid., 51–52. 4. Ibid., 72. 5. Ibid., 73. 6. Ibid., 74–75. 7. Esposito, West Point Atlas, vol. 2, map 90. 8. Ibid. 9. Ibid. 10. Ibid., map 91. 11. Porch, Path to Victory, 431–432. 12. Esposito, West Point Atlas, vol. 2, map 92. 13. Ibid., map 93. 14. General Teddy Roosevelt served as assistant division commander, 1st Infantry Division, from 1942 to 1944. Atkinson, Army at Dawn, 51. 15. Esposito, West Point Atlas, vol. 2, map 90. 16. Hobart R. Gay, chief of staff, I Armored Corps and later Seventh Army, was promoted to brigadier general on June 24, 1943. He served as chief of staff of I Armored Corps in North Africa and the Seventh Army in Sicily. “Generals from USA” (accessed April 12, 2021). 17. General Albert C. Wedemeyer served on the Plans and Operations Division of the War Department general staff from May 1941 to October 1943, then as deputy chief of staff, Supreme Allied Commander Southeast Asia. Ancell and Miller, Biographical Dictionary, 339. 18. Admiral John L. Hall’s Naval Task Force 81 carried the US 1st Division and floating reserve during the invasion of Sicily. Garland and Smyth, Sicily and the Surrender of Italy, 136.

Notes to Pages 29–38  393 19. The USS Ancon, a combined headquarters and communications command ship, supported the Sicilian invasion and later the invasion of mainland Italy. “Ancon (AP-66, Later AGC-4), 1942–1946,” Naval Historical Center, https://www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/OnlineLibrary/photos/sh-usn/usnsh-a/agc4 .htm (accessed April 12, 2021). 20. “Ultra, the intelligence gathered through British decipherment of coded German radio messages—a secret so profound it was jokingly known as BBR, ‘burn before reading.’” Atkinson, Army at Dawn, 43. 21. D’Este, Bitter Victory, 238, 242, 246. 22. The destroyer USS Maddox was sunk on July 9, 1943. Brian Lindner, “History of the Sinking of DD-622,” USSMaddox.org, http://www.ussmaddox .org/DD622.htm (accessed April 12, 2021). 23. Colbert et al., Operation Joss, 10–16 July 1943, ii, https://apps.dtic.mil /dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a159346.pdf (accessed April 12, 2021). 24. The 3rd Division landing at Licata was the first large-scale shore-to-shore landing utilizing LST, LCI (Landing Craft, Infantry), and LCT landing craft. Esposito, West Point Atlas, vol. 2, map 91. 25. D’Este, Bitter Victory, 307. 26. Porch, Path to Victory, 432. 27. Esposito, West Point Atlas, vol. 2, maps 91 and 92. 28. “FM 100-15 Field Service Regulations: Larger Units,” 56–57. 29. D’Este, Bitter Victory, 559. 30. Praise Ojo, “Mountain Warriors of WWII—Moroccan Goumiers,” War HistoryOnline,https://www.warhistoryonline.com/world-war-ii/mountain-warriorswwii-goumiers.html (accessed April 12, 2021). 31. British English: slow, sluggish, or listless. 32. D.K.R. Crosswell, Beetle: The Life of General Walter Bedell Smith (Lexington: Univ. Press of Kentucky, 2010), 451. 33. Ibid., 452. 34. Garland and Smyth, Sicily and the Surrender of Italy, 252. 35. James Holland, Sicily ’43: The First Assault on Fortress Europe (New York: Atlantic Monthly Press), 2020, 401. 36. D’Este, Bitter Victory, 428–431. 37. General Clarence R. Huebner was appointed as Alexander’s deputy at Force 141 (15th Army Group) and was relieved of this position on July 27, 1943, and replaced by General Lyman Lemnitzer. Huebner replaced General Terry Allen after he was relieved as commander of the 1st Infantry Division. Ibid., 74–75, 468–469. 38. British Air Vice Marshal Harry Broadhurst served as commander of the Desert Air Force. Holland, Sicily ’43, 428. 39. The 9th Infantry Division, commanded by General Manton S. Eddy, serving as Seventh Army reserve in North Africa, was the first unit to unload at Palermo after the clearing of the port. Following the battle for Troina it relieved the 1st Infantry Division on August 5. D’Este, Bitter Victory, 152, 467.

394  Notes to Pages 38–46 40. General Charles H. Miller served as the chief administrative officer, 18th Army Group. “Generals from Great Britain” (accessed May 5, 2021). 41. General William R. C. Penney served as the 18th Army Group chief signal officer. Ibid. 42. General Richard C. Partridge served as the deputy chief of staff for operations, 15th Army Group. Ancell and Miller, Biographical Dictionary, 250. 43. Holland, Sicily ’43, 484–485. 44. D’Este, Bitter Victory, 478. 45. Esposito, West Point Atlas, vol. 2, map 93. 46. General Edwin J. House commanded the 12th Air Support Command during Operation Husky. Ancell and Miller, Biographical Dictionary, 405. 47. Major General Francis J. Rennell Rodd, Baron Rennell of Rodd, served as the head of the Allied Military Government of Occupied Territories (AMGOT) in Sicily following the end of the campaign. “Generals from Great Britain” (accessed April 13, 2021). 48. D’Este, Bitter Victory, 483–496. 49. Ibid., 478n. 50. General Hugh J. Gaffey commanded the 2nd Armored Division during the campaign in Sicily. Ancell and Miller, Biographical Dictionary, 110. 51. General William C. “Pink” Crane served as commanding general of IV Corps artillery from March 1944 until June 1945. Ibid., 69. 52. Colonel (later Brigadier General) Harry B. Sherman commanded the 7th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division, and was assistant division commander of the 3rd, 88th, and 34th Divisions from 1944 to 1945. Ibid., 294. 53. General Don E. Carleton served as chief of staff, 3rd Infantry Division, in Sicily. “Generals from USA” (accessed May 11, 2021). 54. D’Este, Bitter Victory, 487–488. 55. Quoted from the citation for the decoration. “Geoffrey Keyes,” The Hall of Valor Project, https://valor.militarytimes.com/hero/31624 (accessed February 25, 2022). 56. D’Este, Bitter Victory: The Battle for Sicily, 1943, 455. 57. Ibid., 492. 58. Jimmie Duke, Jr. was the son of Brigadier General James T. Duke, commanding general of the Charleston Port of Embarkation from May 1942 to August 1945. Ancell and Miller, Biographical Dictionary, 90. 59. Blumenson, Patton Papers 1940–1945, 339. 60. D’Este, Bitter Victory, 492–493. 61. Ibid., 492. 62. Ibid., 493. 63. Crosswell, Beetle, 487–488. 64. “Churchill’s Broadcast from Quebec,” American War Documents, https:// www.jstor.org/stable/45306409?seq=1 (accessed May 112, 2021).

Notes to Pages 46–52  395 65. “Robert D. Murphy,” US Department of State Archive, https://2001-2009 .state.gov/r/pa/ei/rls/stamps/67016.htm (accessed January 13, 2022). 66. Carlo D’Este, Bitter Victory, 456. 67. Ibid., 566. 68. Carlo D’Este, Fatal Decision (New York: Harper, 1991), 36. 69. Esposito, West Point Atlas, vol. 2, map 94. 70. “Norman H. Davis of Red Cross Is Dead,” New York Times, July 2, 1944, 1, 20. 71. General Carl A. Russell served as deputy chief of Theater (Operations) Group for Ground, Operations Division, War Department General Staff. “Generals from USA” (accessed May 20, 2021). 72. D’Este, Fatal Decision, 40. 73. General James K. Crain served as assistant military attaché in Great Britain and as a member of the London Munitions Assignment Board. Ancell and Miller, Biographical Dictionary, 68. 74. General William H. Hobson served as a member of the US National Munitions Board. Ibid., 152. 75. Chandler, Papers of Dwight David Eisenhower, vol. 3, 1438, 1473. 76. George S. Patton, Jr., “Letter to Eisenhower,” September 19, 1943, Eisenhower Presidential Library. 77. Chandler, Papers of Dwight David Eisenhower, vol. 3, 1438. 78. Ibid., 1473. 79. Colonel (later Brigadier General) John M. Willems served as chief of staff of II Corps during the campaign in Italy and as chief of staff of the Seventh Army in 1945 and 1946. Ancell and Miller, Biographical Dictionary, 345. 80. General Hugh J. Gaffey served as commander of the 2nd Armored Division from May 1943 to March 1944. Ibid., 110. 81. Geoffrey Keyes, “Letter to Eisenhower,” September 21, 1943, Eisenhower Presidential Library. 82. Kevin M. Hymel, Patton’s War: An American General’s Combat Leadership, vol. 1 (Columbia: Univ. of Missouri Press, 2021), 240. 83. General Donald A. Stroh served as the 9th Infantry Division assistant division commander from August 1942 to July 1944. Ancell and Miller, Biographical Dictionary, 309.

3. Crossing the Rapido 1. Esposito, West Point Atlas, vol. 2, map 94. 2. Porch, Path to Victory, 486. 3. Ibid., 486–487. 4. Chester G. Starr, ed., From Salerno to the Alps: A History of the Fifth Army, 1943–1945 (Washington, D.C.: Infantry Journal Press, 1948), 13–14. 5. Esposito, West Point Atlas, vol. 2, map 94.

396  Notes to Pages 52–60 6. Ibid., map 95. 7. General Richard L. McCreery served as chief of staff of the 18th Army Group in North Africa from February to July 1943; as general officer commanding X Corps from July 1943 to November 1944; and as general officer commanding the Eighth Army from November 1944 to July 1945. “Generals from Great Britain” (accessed September 20, 2021). 8. Esposito, West Point Atlas, vol. 2, map 95. 9. Ibid., map 96. 10. Ibid., map 97. 11. Starr, From Salerno to the Alps, 57. 12. Fifth Army at the Winter Line, American Forces in Action Series (Washington, D.C.: Military Intelligence Division, US War Department, June 14, 1945), 5. 13. Ibid., 5–7. 14. Esposito, West Point Atlas, vol. 2, map 98. 15. Starr, From Salerno to the Alps, 53. 16. II Corps: A Brief History, 80–81. 17. Captain Winthrop H. Lee is presumed to be General Keyes’s aidede-camp. II Corps: A Brief History, 81. 18. Major General Roscoe B. Woodruff commanded VII US Corps from 1943 to 1944 and the 24th Infantry Division from 1944 to 1945. Ancell and Miller, Biographical Dictionary, 353. 19. Esposito, West Point Atlas, vol. 2, map 98. 20. Ibid., map 98. 21. Fifth Army at the Winter Line, 1. 22. Starr, From Salerno to the Alps, 39–40. 23. Starr, From Salerno to the Alps, 42. 24. Ibid., 47. 25. General William H. Wilbur served as assistant division commander of the 36th Division in 1943 and 1944. Ancell and Miller, Biographical Dictionary, 344. 26. General Joseph A. Baer served as chief of staff of the Second Service Command from October 1940 to January 1944. Ibid., 11–12. 27. Starr, From Salerno to the Alps, 49–50. 28. Colonel William H. Martin commanded the 143rd Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division. Ibid., 19. 29. Lieutenant Colonel (later Colonel) Beverley E. Powell served as II Corps assistant chief of staff, G-1. II Corps: A Brief History, 80. 30. General Harold F. Loomis chaired the Joint Rearmament Committee, Mediterranean Theater of Operations, and then was chief of the rearmament division at SHAEF from October 1943 to September 1945. Ancell and Miller, Biographical Dictionary, 193. 31. General Charles H. Gerhardt commanded the 29th Infantry Division from July 1943 to January 1946. Ibid., 115.

Notes to Pages 60–64  397 32. Starr, From Salerno to the Alps, 59. 33. Esposito, West Point Atlas II, map 99. 34. Weinberg, A World at Arms, 607. 35. General Vincent Meyer commanded the 18th Field Artillery Brigade from November 1941 to March 1944. Ancell and Miller, Biographical Dictionary, 223. 36. General Auguste-Joseph-Marie Lahoulle commanded the French air forces in Morocco during the North African invasion until August 1943, when he was placed on leave. Howe, Northwest Africa, 93. 37. General Karl Truesdell served as commandant of the US Army Command and General Staff School from March 1942 to November 1945. Ancell and Miller, Biographical Dictionary, 325. 38. General Courtney H. Hodges commanded the Third Army in 1943 and 1944. Ibid., 153. 39. General Cesare V. Dapino served as the general officer commanding the 1st Italian Motorized Group during the Italian campaign. “Generals from Italy,” Generals.dk, https://www.generals.dk/nation/Italy.html (accessed September 25, 2021). 40. General Donald W. Brann served as assistant chief of staff, G-3, for the Fifth Army in 1943 and as assistant chief of staff, G-3, for the 15th Army Group from December 1944 to December 1945. Ancell and Miller, Biographical Dictionary, 31. 41. Starr, From Salerno to the Alps, 53. 42. “COL Richard Lawrence Creed,” Find a Grave, https://www.findagrave .com/memorial/56307812/richard-lawrence-creed (accessed August 20, 2021). 43. General Don E. Carleton served as chief of staff for the 3rd Infantry Division, then VI Corps, and finally the Fifth Army from March 1943 to May 1945. Ancell and Miller, Biographical Dictionary, 47. 44. Esposito, West Point Atlas, vol. 2, map 99. 45. Dominick Graham and Shelford Bidwell, Tug of War: The Battle for Italy 1943–45 (Barnsley, UK: Pen and Sword Books, 2004), 120. 46. Colonel (later General) Robert T. Frederick commanded the 1st Special Services Force during the Italian campaign. Rick Atkinson, The Day of Battle: The War in Sicily and Italy, 1943–1944 (New York: Holt, 2007), 282–284. 47. Ibid., 282. 48. Major General Andre-Marie-Francois Dody commanded 2nd Moroccan Division from May 1943 to September 1944. “Generals from France” (accessed October 15, 2021). 49. General William W. Eagles served as assistant commander, 3rd Infantry Division, from July 1942 until November 21, 1943, when he was assigned to command the 45th Infantry Division in Italy and later Northwest Europe. Ancell and Miller, Biographical Dictionary, 93. 50. General Gerald Walter Robert Templer commanded the British 56th Infantry Division from October 1943 to July 1944. “Generals from Great Britain” (accessed October 15, 2021).

398  Notes to Pages 64–74 51. Starr, From Salerno to the Alps, 60. 52. Nancy Woodside, “The Yoo Hoo Incident,” Notsofancynancy, https://notsofancynancy.wordpress.com/2012/04/05/world-war-ii-chapter-6-the-yoo-hooincident/ (last modified April 5, 2012, accessed October 15, 2021). 53. Atkinson, Day of Battle, 296. 54. General John L. I. Hawkesworth commanded the British 46th Infantry Division from August 25, 1943, to November 6, 1944, and then was commanding general of the British 10 Corps. “Generals from Great Britain” (accessed October 16, 2021). 55. General Carl A. Baehr commanded the 71st Field Artillery Brigade from April 1941 to February 1944. Ancell and Miller, Biographical Dictionary, 11. 56. General Walter Wood Hess Jr. served as the 36th Infantry Division artillery commander from 1943 to 1945. Ibid., 146. 57. Barney Oldfield was an “American automobile racing-driver whose name was synonymous with speed in the first two decades of the 20th century.” “Barney Oldfield: American Race-Car Driver,” Encyclopedia Britannica, January 25, 2022, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Barney-Oldfield (accessed February 22, 2022). 58. Starr, From Salerno to the Alps, 61–64. 59. Ibid., 61. 60. I.C.B. Dear, The Oxford Companion to World War II (Oxford: Oxford Univ. Press, 1995), 917. 61. Starr, From Salerno to the Alps, 66. 62. General Dabney Elliott served as chief engineer for Allied Forces in the North African Theater of Operations in 1943 and 1944. Ancell and Miller, Biographical Dictionary, 96. 63. Dear, The Oxford Companion to World War II, 266. 64. Starr, From Salerno to the Alps, 68–69. 65. Esposito, West Point Atlas, vol. 2, map 101. 66. Starr, From Salerno to the Alps, 72. 67. General Cornelius Wendell Wickersham served as commandant of the School of Military Government and as advisor on military government affairs in Italy. “Generals from USA” (accessed October 19, 2021). 68. General (later Field Marshal) Maitland Wilson served as commander in chief, Middle East Command, from February 1943 to January 1944, when he became Supreme Allied Commander Mediterranean. “Generals from Great Britain” (accessed October 19, 2021). 69. Starr, From Salerno to the Alps, 73. 70. General Albert C. Stanford commanded the 34th Infantry Division artillery from May 1942 to May 1944. Ancell and Miller, Biographical Dictionary, 305. 71. Starr, From Salerno to the Alps, 76–77. 72. Esposito, West Point Atlas, vol. 2, map 102.

Notes to Pages 74–81  399 73. Ibid., map 103. 74. Starr, From Salerno to the Alps, 79. 75. Ibid., 84. 76. Ibid., 82. 77. Robert H. Adleman and George Walton, Rome Fell Today (Boston, Mass.: Little, Brown, 1968), 61–68, 116–121. 78. Starr, From Salerno to the Alps, 90. 79. Ibid., 98. 80. Ibid., 97. 81. Ibid., 98. 82. General James A. H. Gammell served as chief of staff, Allied Force Headquarters, throughout 1944. “Generals from Great Britain” (accessed October 19, 2021). 83. General Idwal H. Edwards served as deputy commanding general, US Air Force Mediterranean Theater of Operations, from January 1944 to February 1945. Ancell and Miller, Biographical Dictionary, 386. 84. General Benjamin F. Giles served as commanding general, 15th Troop Carrier Command, then as commanding general, US Army Forces Africa-Middle East Theater of Operations, from 1943 to 1946. Ibid., 394. 85. General Ralph H. Tate served as served as Fifth Army assistant chief of staff for supply from August 1943 to December 1944. Ibid., 316. 86. General Frederick B. Butler commanded the 168th Infantry Regiment in 1943, then was assistant division commander of the 34th Infantry Division from January to March of 1944. Ibid., 43. 87. Starr, From Salerno to the Alps, 104. 88. France’s General Joseph-Jean de Goislard de Monsabert commanded the 3rd Algerian Infantry Division, French Expeditionary Corps. Starr, From Salerno to the Alps, 104. 89. Following World War II, General Goodpaster served, among other assignments, as NATO commander, 1969–1974. David Stout, “Andrew J. Goodpaster, 90, Soldier and Scholar, Dies,” New York Times, May 17, 2005, National edition, sec. D, 8. 90. Starr, From Salerno to the Alps, 104–105. 91. Esposito, West Point Atlas, vol. 2, map 103. 92. Atkinson, Day of Battle, 411. 93. General John Emmet Sloan commanded the 88th Infantry Division from May 1942 to October 1944. Ancell and Miller, Biographical Dictionary, 298. 94. General Guy O. Kurtz served as assistant division commander and then artillery commander of the 88th Infantry Division. Ibid., 179. 95. Colonel (later General) Henri Zeller served as chief of staff to the Military Delegate of the Southern Zone in 1944. “Generals from France” (accessed October 20, 2021).

400  Notes to Pages 81–91 96. “Biography,” Mark W. Clark Collection, The Citadel Archives and Museum Collection, http://www3.citadel.edu/museum/Clark_Inventory.pdf (accessed November 5, 2021). 97. General Allan Francis John, Baron Harding of Petherton, served as chief of staff, 15th Army Group, during 1944. “Generals from Great Britain” (accessed October 20, 2021). 98. General Raleigh R. Hendrix commanded the 71st Antiaircraft Artillery Brigade in 1943 and 44 and then II Corps Artillery in 1945 and 1946. Ancell and Miller, Biographical Dictionary, 143. 99. D’Este, Fatal Decision, 257. 100. Fred Majdalany, The Battle of Cassino (Boston, Mass.: Houghton Mifflin, 1957), 99. 101. Starr, From Salerno to the Alps, 113.

4. On to Rome 1. John Ellis, Cassino: The Hollow Victory (London: Andre Deutsch, 1984), 163. 2. Peter Caddick-Adams, Monte Cassino: Ten Armies in Hell (Oxford: Oxford Univ. Press, 2013), 143. 3. Ibid., 145. 4. Ibid., 154–155. 5. Starr, From Salerno to the Alps, 114–115. 6. Ibid., 115–116. 7. Porch, Path to Victory, 542–543. 8. General Wade Hampton Haislip commanded the 85th Infantry Division from March 1942 to February 1943 and XV Corps in Northwestern Europe from February 1943 to June 1945. Ancell and Miller, Biographical Dictionary, 128–129. 9. “Obituary: Henry Cabot Lodge,” Army 35, no. 4 (April 1985): 15. 10. Carlo D’Este, Eisenhower: A Soldier’s Life (New York: Holt, 2002), 486. 11. General Garrison H. Davidson served as Seventh Army engineer from 1943 to 1945. Ancell and Miller, Biographical Dictionary, 78. 12. General Halley G. Maddox served as deputy chief of staff for intelligence with I Armored Corps, Seventh Army and Third Army from 1942 to 1945. Ibid., 199. 13. General Julius E. Slack commanded XX Corps Artillery from 1943 to 1945. Ibid., 297. 14. General Thoburn Kaye Brown served as assistant division commander of the 88th Infantry Division from February 25, 1944 to June 15, 1944. From “Generals from USA” (accessed November 19, 2021). 15. Colonel Laurence Knight Ladue served as deputy chief of staff for operations for the Fifth Army, then as chief of staff for IV Corps from 1944 to 1945. Ancell and Miller, Biographical Dictionary, 180.

Notes to Pages 91–97  401 16. General Edward Stanley Ott commanded XV Corps Artillery from September 1943 to September 1945. Ibid., 246. 17. Albert Benjamin Chandler III, personal communication, November 29, 2021. 18. General Frank Albert Allen Jr. commanded Combat Command B, 1st Armored Division, from June 1943 to August 1944. “Generals from USA” (accessed November 19, 2021). 19. General Howard Karl Kippenberger commanded the 2nd New Zealand Infantry Division from February 9, 1944, to March 2, 1944, when he was seriously wounded. https://generals.dk/nation/New_Zealand.html (accessed November 19, 2021). 20. Starr, From Salerno to the Alps, 176. 21. Ibid., 176–177. 22. Ibid., 183. 23. Ibid., 176. 24. Esposito, West Point Atlas, map 104. 25. General T. K. Brown served as 88th Division assistant commanding general from February 25, 1944, to June 15, 1944. “Generals from USA” (accessed November 30, 2021). 26. “Stinson L-5 Sentinel,” Military Wiki, https://military.wikia.org/wiki /Stinson_L-5_Sentinel (accessed November 19, 2021). 27. General Alexander McCarrell “Sandy” Patch served as commanding general of the Seventh Army from March 1944 to June 1945 in Northwestern Europe. Ancell and Miller, Biographical Dictionary, 251. 28. General Lucas was reassigned as deputy commanding general of the Fourth Army. Ibid., 196. 29. Captain Arthur F. Risden, General Keyes’s aide-de-camp. II Corps: A Brief History, 81. 30. General Carl Adolph Baehr served as 18th Field Artillery Brigade commander and then VI Corps Artillery commander. Ancell and Miller, Biographical Dictionary, 11. 31. Starr, From Salerno to the Alps, 165. 32. General Cannon served as commanding general of the Twelfth Air Force from December 1943 to March 1945. Ancell and Miller, Biographical Dictionary, 374–375. 33. Carolyn Apple, “World War II: ‘Donut Dollies’ and the American Red Cross,” Delaware Historical and Cultural Affairs, https://history.delaware.gov /ww-ii-donut-dollies-the-american-red-cross/ (accessed November 29, 2021). 34. “Flivver, Noun,” Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com /dictionary/flivver#:~:text=%3A%20a%20small%20cheap%20usually%20 old%20automobile (accessed November 29 2021). 35. Colonel (later Brigadier General) Henry Davis Jay was assigned as commander of II Corps Artillery. Ancell and Miller, Biographical Dictionary, 165.

402  Notes to Pages 97–105 36. General John Breitling Coulter served as commanding general of the 85th Infantry Division from 1943 to 1945. Ibid., 65–66. 37. Starr, From Salerno to the Alps, 177. 38. General Augustin-Leon served as commander of the 1st Moroccan Tabor Group (mountaineers). Ibid., 192. 39. General Marie-Antoine-Arthur-Olivier Poydenot served as artillery commanding officer, 2nd Moroccan Division. “Generals from France” (accessed November 30, 2021). 40. General Oliver Leese, replacing General Montgomery, commanded the British Eighth Army in Italy from December 29, 1943, to September 30, 1944 “Generals from Great Britain” (accessed November 30, 2021). 41. General Arthur William Pence served as commanding officer of Peninsular Base Section (Italy) from August 1943 to April 1944. “Generals from USA” (accessed November 30, 2021). 42. General Marcel-Maurice Carpentier served as chief of staff of the CEF from 1943 to July 1944. “Generals from France” (accessed November 30, 2021). 43. General William G. Livesay served as commanding general of the 91st Infantry Division from 1943 to 1945. Ancell and Miller, Biographical Dictionary, 192. 44. General Raymond Eccleston Williamson served as deputy commanding general of the 91st Infantry Division from 1943 to 1945. Ibid., 346. 45. General Harold Cornelius Vanderveer served as artillery commander of the 5th Infantry Division from 1942 to 1946. Ancell and Miller, Biographical Dictionary, 329. 46. General Alan Dudley Warnock served as the 5th Infantry Division assistant commander from 1942 to 1945. Ibid., 336. 47. General Stafford LeRoy Irwin served as the 5th Infantry Division commander from 1944 to 1945. Ibid., 153–154. 48. General Arthur Arnim White served as chief of staff of the Seventh Army from 1944 to 1945. Ibid., 342. 49. Starr, From Salerno to the Alps, 138, 268. 50. General Arthur Riehl Wilson served as commander of the Atlantic and Mediterranean Base Sections, North African Theater of Operations, from 1943 to 1945. Ancell and Miller, Biographical Dictionary, 348. 51. General Ira Clarence Eaker served as commander of Mediterranean Allied Air Forces from January 1944 to 1945. Ibid., 384–385. 52. General Francis Ivan Simms Tuker commanded the 4th Indian Division during the Italian campaign from January 2, 1942, to March 24, 1944. “Generals from Great Britain” (accessed November 30, 2021). 53. General Lowell Ward Rooks served as deputy chief of staff, Allied Force Headquarters, from January 1944 to February 1945. “Generals from USA” (accessed November 30, 2021).

Notes to Pages 106–123  403 54. General Augustin-Leon Guillaume commanded the 3rd Algerian Division from 1944 to 1945. “Generals from France” (accessed November 30, 2021). 55. General Thomas Bernard Larkin served as commanding general of the US North African Theater of Operations Communications Zone from February to November 1944. “Generals from USA” (accessed November 30, 2021). 56. General George C. Stewart served as chief of transportation for US Forces North Africa from 1943 to 1945. Ancell and Miller, Biographical Dictionary, 306. 57. Starr, From Salerno to the Alps, 177. 58. Ibid., 179. 59. Ibid., 225. 60. Ibid., 183. 61. Ibid., 198–199. 62. Geoffrey Keyes, “To the II Corps,” May 11, 1944, Holsinger Family Archive, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky. 63. Starr, From Salerno to the Alps, 205. 64. Ibid., 207. 65. Admiral Lyal Ament Davidson served as the commander of Cruiser Division 8, Atlantic Fleet, from 1942 to 1944. Ancell and Miller, Biographical Dictionary, 522. 66. Starr, From Salerno to the Alps, 213, 216–217. 67. Ibid., 228. 68. D’Este, Fatal Decision, 364. 69. James F. McKinley graduated from the US Military Academy in 1941. “Colonel James Fuller McKinley,” Arizona Republic, September 4, 2001. 70. General Francois-Adolphe-Laurent Sevez served as commanding general of the 4th Moroccan Mountain Division from September 1, 1943, to June 21, 1944. “Generals from France” (accessed December 2, 2021). 71. Starr, From Salerno to the Alps, 244–245. 72. D’Este, Fatal Decision, 377, 381. 73. Starr, From Salerno to the Alps, 254. 74. D’Este, Fatal Decision, 390. 75. Ibid., 391. 76. General John Wilson O’Daniel commanded the 3rd Infantry Division from February 1944 to July 1945. Ancell and Miller, Biographical Dictionary, 242. 77. General Henri Zeller served as chief of staff to the Military Delegate of the Southern Zone in 1944. “Generals from France” (accessed December 7, 2021). 78. Colonel Robert H. Kilroe served as II Corps judge advocate general. II Corps: A Brief History, 80. 79. Edward Peters, “Resources on the Roman Rota,” CanonLaw.Info, http://www.canonlaw.info/personal_rotademo.htm (last modified January 7, 2013, accessed December 7, 2021).

404  Notes to Pages 124–141

5. The River Crossings 1. Ian Blackwell, Fifth Army in Italy, 1943–1945 (Barnsley, UK: Pen and Sword Books, 2012), 215. 2. Porch, The Path to Victory, 659. 3. Blackwell, Fifth Army in Italy, 1943–1945, 215–216. 4. Starr, From Salerno to the Alps, 269. 5. Ibid., 271, 274. 6. Ibid., 271–272. 7. General Robert Morris Webster served as commander of Allied forces in Sardinia and then deputy commander of the Twelfth Air Force from 1944 to 1945. Ancell and Miller, Biographical Dictionary, 455. 8. Starr, From Salerno to the Alps, 286. 9. General Ben Menadue Sawbridge served as assistant chief of staff for personnel, North African Theater of Operations, from February 1943 to August 1944. Ancell and Miller, Biographical Dictionary, 287. 10. General Guy Vernor Henry served as head of the Inter-Allied Personnel Board from 1942 to 1945. Ancell and Miller, Biographical Dictionary, 144. 11. General Alexander Day Surles served as director of the Bureau of Public Relations in the War Department during World War II. Ibid., 313. 12. Harvey Hollister Bundy served as a special assistant to Secretary of War Stimson during World War II. “Harvey Bundy, 75, Ex-Diplomat, Dies,” New York Times, October 8, 1963, 43. 13. Starr, From Salerno to the Alps, 295–296. 14. General Foster Joseph Tate served as Fifth Army G-4 (Logistics) from August 1943 to December 1944. Ancell and Miller, Biographical Dictionary, 316. 15. General Wilton Burton Persons served as chief of the Legislative Division in the office of the US Army chief of staff from 1942 to 1948. Ibid., 256. 16. General Paul Woolever Newgarden commanded 10th Armored Division from 1942 until his death in an air accident on July 14, 1944. Ibid., 239. 17. General Vernon Edwin Prichard commanded the 1st Armored Division from July 1944 to September 1945. Ibid., 263. 18. General Charles Lawrence Bolte commanded the 34th Infantry Division from 1944 to 1946. Ibid., 26–27. 19. Starr, From Salerno to the Alps, 293–295. 20. Ibid., 299–300. 21. General William Claude McMahon commanded the 8th Motorized Division from 1943 to 1944, then was deputy chief of staff, G-1, for the 15th Army Group from 1944 to 1945.Ancell and Miller, Biographical Dictionary, 219. 22. Starr, From Salerno to the Alps, 297. 23. General Paul Wilkins Kendall served as assistant division commander and then commander of the 88th Infantry Division from 1943 to 1945. Ancell and Miller, Biographical Dictionary, 172–173.

Notes to Pages 141–152  405 24. General Guy Orth Kurtz served as assistant division commander of the 88th Infantry Division, and then as the division artillery commander from August 1942 to January 1945. He subsequently served as Fifth Army artillery commander in 1945. Ibid., 179. 25. “Going for Broke: The 442nd Regimental Combat Team,” National World War II Museum, https://www.nationalww2museum.org/war/articles/442ndregimental-combat-team (last modified September 24, 2020, accessed February 23, 2022). 26. General Edwin Martin “Pa” Watson served as military aide and later secretary to President Roosevelt from June 1933 until his death on February 20, 1945. Ancell and Miller, Biographical Dictionary, 337. 27. General William Henry Evered Poole commanded the 6th South African Armored Division from June 1, 1943, to August 18, 1945. “South African Generals,” Generals.Dk, https://www.generals.dk/nation/South_Africa.html (accessed December 16, 2021). 28. General Charles Falkland Loewen commanded the British 1st Infantry Division from July 24, 1944, to 1946. “Generals from Great Britain” (accessed December 18, 2021). 29. General Joao Batista Mascarenhas de Morais commanded the Brazilian Expeditionary Force in Italy from October 7, 1943, to July 8, 1945. “Generals from Brazil,” Generals.Dk, https://www.generals.dk/nation/Brazil.html (accessed December 16, 2021). 30. Starr, From Salerno to the Alps, 310–311. 31. Ibid., 301–302. 32. General Carl Adolphus Hardigg served as chief of the Subsistence Section in the Office of the Quartermaster General, Department of the Army, 1944–1946. Ancell and Miller, Biographical Dictionary, 132. 33. General Joseph Pescia Sullivan served as Fifth Army quartermaster from 1943 to 1945. Ibid., 312. 34. Starr, From Salerno to the Alps, 313–314. 35. Colonel William F. Shildroth Sr. commanded the 133rd Infantry Regiment, 34th Infantry Division from April 8, 1944, until his death on September 17, 1944. “Colonel William F. Shildroth Sr.,” Arlington National Cemetery website, http://www.arlingtoncemetery.net/whshildroth.htm (accessed December 18, 2021). 36. Porch, Path to Victory, 624–625. 37. Starr, From Salerno to the Alps, 330–331. 38. Ibid., 332. 39. Ibid., 339. 40. Colonel James Clyde Fry served as commander of the 350th Infantry Regiment from March 1944 to March 1945, when he was assigned as the 88th Infantry Division’s assistant commander. Ancell and Miller, Biographical Dictionary, 109.

406  Notes to Pages 152–163 41. General Ralph Hudson Wooten served as commanding general of US Forces South Atlantic from May 1944 to August 1945. “Generals from USA” (accessed December 27, 2021). 42. General Hayes Adlai Kroner served as US military attaché to Brazil from 1944 to 1945. Ancell and Miller, Biographical Dictionary, 178. 43. Starr, From Salerno to the Alps, 340–341. 44. Ibid., 344–345. 45. General Edward Mallory Almond commended the 92nd Infantry Division from August 1942 to September 1945. “Generals from USA” (accessed December 27, 2021). 46. General William Henry Colbern served as the 92nd Infantry Division’s artillery commander from 1942 to 1945. Ancell and Miller, Biographical Dictionary, 59. 47. General John Elliott Wood served as the 92nd Infantry Division’s assistant commanding general from 1943 to 1945. Ibid., 352. 48. General Virgil Lee Peterson served as the inspector general of the US War Department from 1939 to 1945. Ibid., 256. 49. Starr, From Salerno to the Alps, 356. 50. General Benjamin Wiley Chidlaw served as the commanding general of the 22nd Tactical Air Command in Italy from October 19, 1944, to March 23, 1945. Ancell and Miller, Biographical Dictionary, 376. 51. General Joseph Taggart McNarney served as the commanding general of the Mediterranean Theater of Operations from October 1944 to September 1945. Ibid., 424. 52. Sherwood Demitz, personal communication with the author, May 1, 2022. 53. Starr, From Salerno to the Alps, 362. 54. Ibid., 360–361. 55. Ibid., 366. 56. Geoffrey Keyes, “Corps Staff Functions and Procedures in Combat,” Military Review 24, no. 8 (November 1944): 3–8. 57. Robert H. Adleman, “BG James W. Holsinger,” reel-to-reel tape, April 23, 1966, US Military Academy Library. 58. General T. K. Brown served as the commanding general of Allied Command in Rome from August 1944 to December 1945. Ancell and Miller, Biographical Dictionary, 36–37. 59. Colonel James W. Holsinger, the II Corps G-4, was on a thirty-day leave during December 1944. Personal communication with the author, n.d. 60. Starr, From Salerno to the Alps, 366. 61. Ibid. 62. General Joseph Lawton Collins commanded VII Corps from February 15, 1944, to August 29, 1945, in Northwest Europe (accessed December 29, 2021).

Notes to Pages 163–175  407 63. General David McCouch Jr. served as chief of the Engineer Section for the Allied Forces North Africa Theater of Operations from 1944 to 1945. Ancell and Miller, Biographical Dictionary, 213. 64. Starr, From Salerno to the Alps, 366–368. 65. Henry D. Jay, “Italian Campaign: Final Phases, July 25, 1944 to Victory in Italy May 2, 1945,” II Corps Artillery, June 10, 1945, Holsinger Family Archive, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, 7. 66. General Archibald Vincent Arnold served as the commanding general of the 7th Infantry Division from 1944–1946. Ancell and Miller, Biographical Dictionary, 8. 67. General Urban Niblo served as the Fifth Army’s ordnance commander from February 1943 to June 1945. “Generals from USA” (accessed December 30, 2021). 68. General John Shirley Wood commanded the 4th Armored Division in Northwestern Europe from 1943 to December 3, 1944. Ancell and Miller, Biographical Dictionary, 352. 69. Geoffrey Keyes, “Patton Papers,” December 11, 1944, George S. Patton Jr. Correspondence, 1903–1945, box 33, Library of Congress Manuscript Collection. 70. “Clare Boothe Luce,” History, Art and Archives, US House of Representatives, https://history.house.gov/People/Detail/17213 (accessed December 30, 2021). 71. Starr, From Salerno to the Alps, 370. 72. Ibid., 371.

6. The End of the War 1. Starr, From Salerno to the Alps, 380–381. 2. General William Henry Evered Poole commanded the 6th South African Armored Division in Italy from June 1, 1943, to August 18, 1945. “South African Generals” (accessed December 30, 2021). 3. General Stephen Garrett Henry served as assistant chief of staff for personnel on the War Department general staff from August 19, 1944, to October 22, 1945. Ancell and Miller, Biographical Dictionary, 144. 4. General Daniel Noce served as deputy chief of operations of army forces in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations from 1944 to 1945. Ibid., 240–241. 5. General Levin Hicks Jr. served as chief of ordnance for the War Department from June 1, 1942, to May 31, 1946. Ibid., 45. 6. General John Will Coffey served as chief ordnance officer, AAF Headquarters, in Italy from 1943 to 1945. Ibid., 58–59. 7. The German 157th Mountain Division renumbered 8th Mountain Division in the spring of 1945. Starr, From Salerno to the Alps, 460n9. 8. General George Leland Eberle served as chief of plans in the Allied Force Headquarters, North African Theater of Operations, from 1944 to 1945. Ancell and Miller, Biographical Dictionary, 94.

408  Notes to Pages 175–180 9. Brigadier John Gerald Nicholson served as a general staff officer in the Middle East Command. “Generals from Great Britain” (accessed December 30, 2021). 10. General Carl Spaatz served as commanding general of the US Strategic Air Forces in Europe from January 6, 1944, to June 3, 1945. Ancell and Miller, Biographical Dictionary, 444. 11. General Harold F. Loomis was assigned as chief of the Rearmament Division, SHAEF, on October 3, 1944. Ibid., 193. 12. General d’ Armee Jean Joseph Marie Gabriel de Lattre de Tassigny served as the general officer commanding the French 1st Army. “Generals from France” (accessed December 31, 2021). 13. General Hoyt Sanford Vandenberg served as the commanding general of the Ninth Air Force in France from August 1944 to May 1945. Ancell and Miller, Biographical Dictionary, 453. 14. General Manton S. Eddy commanded XII Corps in Northwestern Europe from 1944 to 1945. Ibid., 95. 15. General Hugh J. Gaffey commanded the 4th Armored Division from December 3, 1944, to March 21, 1945, in Northwestern Europe. Ibid., 110. 16. General Walton Harris “Johnny” Walker commanded XX Corps in Northwestern Europe from October 1943 to May 1945. Ibid., 334. 17. General William Albert Collier served as chief of staff of the US European Theater of Operations from 1944 to 1945. “Generals from USA” (accessed December 31, 2021). 18. General Harry James Malony served as the commanding general of the 94th Infantry Division in Northwestern Europe from 1944 to 1945. Ancell and Miller, Biographical Dictionary, 202. 19. General William Henry Harrison Morris Jr. commanded the 10th Armored Division in Northwestern Europe from July 1944 to May 1945. Ibid., 233–234. 20. General William Lynn Roberts commanded Combat Command B, 10th Armored Division, in Northwestern Europe from November 1943 to March 1945. Ibid., 274. 21. General John William Leonard served as the commanding general of the 9th Armored Division from 1942 to 1945. Ibid., 188. 22. General Marcel-Maurice Carpentier served as the general officer commanding the 2nd Moroccan Division from September 1944 to April 1945. “Generals from France” (accessed December 31, 2021). 23. General Willard Gordon Wyman commanded the 71st Infantry Division in Northwestern Europe from 1944 to 1945. Ancell and Miller, Biographical Dictionary, 355. 24. Starr, From Salerno to the Alps, 378. 25. Dear, Oxford Companion to World War II, 510. 26. Starr, From Salerno to the Alps, 378–379.

Notes to Pages 181–190  409 27. Chronology 1941–1945, U.S. Army in World War II: Special Studies (Washington, D.C.: Office of the Chief of Military History, 1960), 431. 28. Ibid., 437. 29. Ibid., 439. 30. Ibid., 443. 31. Ibid., 450. 32. Ibid., 451. 33. Ibid., 457. 34. Starr, From Salerno to the Alps, 384–385. 35. Ibid., 397–399, 411. 36. Chronology 1941–1945, 475. 37. Lieutenant General Geoffrey Keyes, “To II Corps,” April 10, 1945, Holsinger Family Archive, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky. 38. Chronology 1941–1945, 490. 39. Ibid., 492. 40. Ibid., 494. 41. Ibid., 497. 42. Ibid., 499. 43. Ibid., 501. 44. Ibid., 503. 45. Ibid., 505. 46. Ibid., 507. 47. Ibid., 509. 48. Starr, From Salerno to the Alps, 418–419. 49. “Generals from USA” (accessed January 4, 2022). 50. Starr, From Salerno to the Alps, 434. 51. Ibid., 438–439. 52. Chronology 1941–1945, 521. 53. Ibid., 523. 54. Ibid., 525. 55. Lieutenant General Geoffrey Keyes, “To: The Officers and Men,” April 30, 1945, Holsinger Family Archive, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky. 56. Chronology 1941–1945, 527. 57. Ibid., 528. 58. Ibid., 534. 59. Ibid. 60. Lieutenant General Geoffrey Keyes, “Congratulatory Messages,” May 10, 1945, Holsinger Family Archive, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky.

7. The Occupation of Germany 1. Mark W. Clark, Calculated Risk (New York: Enigma Books, 2007), 344–345.

410  Notes to Pages 190–195 2. “Fifth Army History: Race to the Alps,” 129, Ike Skelton Combined Arms Research Library, https://cgsc.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/p4013coll8 /id/1569 (accessed April 2, 2022). 3. Ibid., 134. 4. Clark, Calculated Risk, 347–352. 5. James Carafano, Waltzing into the Cold War: The Struggle for Occupied Austria (College Station: Texas A&M Press, 2002), 42. 6. James W. Holsinger, letter to Ruth Holsinger, May 12, 1945, Holsinger Family Archive, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky. 7. “Mission Accomplished: Third United States Army Occupation of Germany: 9 May 1945–15 February 1947” (Engineer Reproduction Plant, March 1947), 10. 8. Esposito, West Point Atlas, vol. 2, map 71. 9. Lucius D. Clay, Decision in Germany (Garden City, N.Y.: Doubleday, 1950), 13. 10. Earl F. Ziemke, The U.S. Army in the Occupations of Germany: 1944– 1946 (Washington, D.C.: US Government Printing Office, 1975), 269. 11. “Initial Occupation Force: U.S. Forces, Austria,” US Army Germany, https://www.usarmygermany.com/ (accessed March 29, 2022). 12. Holsinger, letter to Ruth Holsinger, June 30, 1945. 13. Ziemke, U.S. Army in the Occupations of Germany, 269. 14. Clay, Decision in Germany, 8. 15. Ziemke, U.S. Army in the Occupations of Germany, 165–166. 16. Clay, Decision in Germany, 7–8. 17. Holsinger, letter to Ruth Holsinger, May 28, 1945. 18. “Mission Accomplished,” 17. 19. Ibid. 20. Ziemke, U.S. Army in the Occupations of Germany, 342–344. 21. Warren W. Williams, “British Policy and the Occupation of Austria, 1945– 1955” (Ph.D. diss., University of Wales, 2004), 52–53, cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/ cronfa43184 (accessed July 25, 2022). 22. Editors of Encyclopedia Britannica, “Potsdam Declaration,” Encyclopedia Britannica (July 19, 2021), https://www.britannica.com/topic/Potsdam-Declaration (accessed April 18, 2022). 23. General John Murphy Willems served as chief of staff for the Seventh Army from 1945 to 1946. Ancell and Miller, Biographical Dictionary, 345. 24. Clark, Calculated Risk, 352–353, 58. 25. Carafano, Waltzing into the Cold War, 52. 26. General Mark Clark served as US high commissioner for Austria and the commanding general of US Forces Austria from July 5, 1945, to May 16, 1947. Ancell and Miller, Biographical Dictionary, 55. 27. General Alfred M. Gruenther served as the deputy commanding general of US Forces Austria from July 6, 1945, to October 31, 1945. “Generals from USA” (accessed January 6, 2022).

Notes to Pages 195–199  411 28. General Lester DeLong Flory served as the chief of US Element, Allied Commission for Austria Section, US Forces Austria, from July 7, 1945, to August 12, 1946. Ibid. (accessed May 31, 2022). 29. Carafano, Waltzing into the Cold War, 45. 30. Ibid., 47. 31. Ibid., 48. 32. Ibid., 46, 54, 57. 33. Robert Porter Patterson Sr. served as the under secretary of war during the Roosevelt administration and as secretary of war in the Truman cabinet. “Robert Porter Patterson Sr.,” Federal Judicial Center, https://www.fjc.gov/node/1386151 (accessed January 6, 2021). 34. France’s General Marie-Emil-Antoine Bethouart served as the general commanding French troops in Austria and as French high commissioner in Austria during the period July 8, 1945, to June 29, 1950. “Generals from France” (accessed January 6, 2022). 35. General Edgar Erskine Hume served as chief medical officer for the military government in the US zone of Austria from 1945 to 1947. Ancell and Miller, Biographical Dictionary, 160–161. 36. Clark, Calculated Risk, 359. 37. General Ralph Hamilton Tate served as deputy commanding general of US Forces Austria from June 1945 to July 1947. Ancell and Miller, Biographical Dictionary, 316. 38. General John Kenneth Cannon served as the commanding general of US Air Forces Europe from May 1945 to April 1946. Ibid., 373–374. 39. General Ira Clarence Eaker served as the chief of the air staff in Washington, D.C., from April 30, 1945, to June 15, 1947. Ibid., 384–385. 40. “Headquarters, U.S. Forces, Austria,” https://www.usarmygermany.com /Sont.htm (accessed April 6, 2022). 41. General Aleksey Sergeevich Zheltov of the Soviet Union served as deputy to Marshal Konev for the Allied Control Commission in Austria and as the deputy commander in chief for political work for the Soviet occupation forces in Hungary and Austria from 1945 to 1951. “Aleksey Sergeevich Zheltov,” Prabook.com, https://prabook.com/web/aleksey.zheltov/953014 (accessed January 7, 2022). 42. General Richard Louden McCreery served as general officer commanding British occupation forces in Austria and as the British representative on the Allied Control Commission for Austria from July 1945 to March 1946. “Generals from Great Britain” (accessed January 7, 2022). 43. General Ilija D. Brasic served as the general officer commanding the Royal Yugoslav Forces in Austria in 1945. “Yugoslavian Generals,” Generals.Dk, https:// generals.dk/nation/Yugoslavia.html (accessed March 25, 2022). 44. General Donald Weldon Brann served as deputy chief of staff for operations at the 15th Army Group from December 1944 until his death in December 29, 1945. Ancell and Miller, Biographical Dictionary, 31.

412  Notes to Pages 199–201 45. General Walter Bedell Smith served as the chief of staff, SHAEF, from 1944 until he was appointed US ambassador to the Soviet Union on April 3, 1946. Ibid., 300. 46. General Leonard Townsend Gerow served as commandant of the US Army Command and General Staff School from October 1945 to January 1948. Ibid., 115. 47. “Headquarters, U.S. Forces, Austria.” 48. General Wade Hampton Haislip served as commanding general of the Seventh Army and of the Western Military District of Germany from June 2, 1945, until August 23, 1945. “Generals from USA” (accessed January 7, 2022). 49. General Pearson Menoher served as chief of staff for the Seventh Army from June 3, 1945, to September 23, 1945. Ibid. 50. General Holmes Ely Dager served as commanding general of the 11th Armored Division from September 1945 to February 1946. Ancell and Miller, Biographical Dictionary, 74. 51. The Seventh Army Headquarters was located in Heidelburg, Germany. 52. General Lucius DuBignon Clay served as deputy governor of the American zone of Occupied Germany from April 1945 to March 1947, and then as military governor from March 1947 to May 1949. Ancell and Miller, Biographical Dictionary, 57. 53. General Frank William Milburn served as acting commanding general of the Seventh Army from August 1945 to September 1945 and as commanding general of XXIII Corps from August 1945 to September 1945. Ibid., 226. 54. General Louis Aleck Craig served as deputy commanding general of XX Corps from May 1945 to September 1945. Ibid., 67. 55. General Robert Merrill Lee served as the chief of staff of the Ninth Air Force from June 15, 1945, to October 14, 1945. “Generals from USA” (accessed March 25, 2022). 56. Captain Maxwell C. Murphy Jr., aide-de-camp to General Geoffrey Keyes. Headquarters, Seventh Army, “Auld Lang Syne” (Heidelberger Gutenberg-Drckerei GmbH., March 31, 1946), Holsinger Family Archive, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, 15. 57. General Withers A. Burress commanded VI Corps from 1945 to 1946. Ancell and Miller, Biographical Dictionary, 42. 58. General Lunsford Errett Oliver served as assistant chief of staff, G-4, Army Ground Forces, from September 4, 1945, to August 31, 1946. “Generals from USA” (accessed March 25, 2022). 59. General John Clifford Hodges Lee served as commanding general of Theater Services Forces, European Theater of Operations, from June 1945 to December 1945. From January 1, 1946, to September 17, 1947, he served as the commander of Mediterranean Theater of Operations, US Army. Ibid., 185.

Notes to Pages 201–206  413 60. “Directive to Commander-in-Chief of United States Forces of Occupation Regarding the Military Government of Germany. JCS 1067,” April 1945, https:// usa.usembassy.de/etexts/ga3-450426.pdf (accessed April 5, 2022). 61. Clay, Decision in Germany, 17–18. 62. “Directive to Commander-in-Chief of United States Forces of Occupation Regarding the Military Government of Germany. JCS 1067.” 63. “Mission Accomplished,” 17. 64. Blumenson, Patton Papers 1940–1945, 796. 65. Headquarters, Seventh Army, “Auld Lang Syne,” 13–14. 66. “Mission Accomplished,” 16–17. 67. General Joseph-Jean de Goislard de Monsabert served as commander in chief of French Forces of Occupation in Germany from July 1945 until his retirement on September 30, 1946. “Generals from France” (accessed January 8, 2022). 68. General Andre-Claude Chevillon commanded the 3rd Algerian Division from September to December 1945. Ibid. 69. General Maxwell Davenport Taylor served as superintendent of the US Military Academy from September 1945 to January 1949. Ancell and Miller, Biographical Dictionary, 317–318. 70. All editorial notations concerning inactivation or redeployment of armies, corps, or divisions unless otherwise noted may be found in John B. Wilson, Armies, Corps, Divisions and Separate Brigades, CMH Pub 60-7, Army Lineage Series (Washington, D.C.: US Government Printing Office, 1999), https://history .army.mil/html/books/060/60-7/cmhPub_60-7-1.pdf (accessed April 13, 2022). 71. General Harold Roe Bull served as chief of staff for the US Forces European Theater of Operations from 1945 to 1946, succeeding General Bedell Smith. Ancell and Miller, Biographical Dictionary, 39–40. 72. General Willard Stewart Paul served as deputy chief of staff for the US Forces European Theater of Operations from July 1945 to October 1945. Ibid., 252. 73. General John Matthew Devine served as commanding general of the 2nd Armored Division from August 1945 to November 1946. Ibid., 83. 74. General Gilbert Richard Cook served at Headquarters, Army Ground Forces, from 1945 until his retirement in May 1946. Ibid., 63. 75. Colonel James W. Holsinger served as assistant chief of staff, G-5, Civil Affairs, Seventh Army, until he returned to the United States in June 1946. Personal communication with the author, n.d. 76. General William Henry Harrison Morris Jr. served as the commanding general of VI Corps from May 20, 1945, to September 30, 1945. Ancell and Miller, Biographical Dictionary, 233–234. 77. General Robert Ignatius Stack served as assistant division commander for the 36th Infantry Division from February 1944 to December 1945. Ibid., 304. 78. General John Matthew Devine commanded the 2nd Armored Division from 1945 to 1946. Ibid., 83.

414  Notes to Pages 206–209 79. General John Howell Collier served as the commanding general of Combat Command A, 2nd Armored Division, from September 1945 to November 1945. Ibid., 59–60. 80. General Oliver Lincoln Haines served as inspector general for the US European Theater of Operations. Ibid., 128. 81. General Floyd Lavinius Parks served as the commanding general of US Sector Berlin from July 4, 1945, to September 2, 1945. Ibid., 249. 82. Alfred D. Chandler Jr. and Louis Galambos, eds., The Papers of Dwight David Eisenhower: Occupation 1945, vol. 6 (Baltimore, Md.: Johns Hopkins Univ. Press, 1978), 351–352. 83. General Charles Hunter Gerhardt served as commanding general of the 29th Infantry Division from 1943 to 1946. Ibid., 115. 84. Dear, Oxford Companion to World War II, 935–936. 85. Ziemke, U.S. Army in the Occupations of Germany, 416–418. 86. General Marie-Joseph-Pierre-Francois Koenig served as commander in chief of the French Forces of Occupation in Germany and was the general officer commanding the French Army of the Rhine from July 23, 1945, to September 21, 1949.“Generals from France” (accessed January 11, 2021). 87. Ziemke, U.S. Army in the Occupations of Germany, 415–416. 88. General Willard Stewart Paul served as assistant chief of staff for personnel in the US Forces European Theater from July 1945 to October 1945. Ancell and Miller, Biographical Dictionary, 252. 89. Chandler Jr. and Galambos, Papers of Dwight David Eisenhower: Occupation 1945, vol. 6, 367. 90. General Lucian King Truscott Jr. served as the commanding general of the Fifth Army from December 1944 to October 1945, when he succeeded General Patton as commanding general of the Third Army and Eastern Military District of Germany. Ancell and Miller, Biographical Dictionary, 326. 91. General Don Emerson Carleton served as chief of staff of the Fifth Army and, beginning in October 1945, as chief of staff of the Third Army. Ibid., 47. 92. General Arthur Riehl Wilson served as chief of staff of the Seventh Army. Ibid., 348. 93. Ziemke, U.S. Army in the Occupations of Germany, 125n. 94. General Roderick R. Allen served as the commanding general of the 1st Armored Division from August 1945 to February 1946. Ancell and Miller, Biographical Dictionary, 5. 95. General John Matthew Devine served as the commanding general of the 2nd Armored Division from August 1945 to November 1946. Ibid., 83. 96. General Alexander McCarrell Patch commanded the Fourth Army from July 23, 1945, until his death on November 21, 1945. Ibid., 251. 97. Harold L. Ickes served as US secretary of the interior from 1933 to 1946. “Harold L. Ickes,” Encyclopedia Britannica, n.d., https://www.britannica.com /biography/Harold-L-Ickes (accessed January 12, 2022).

Notes to Pages 209–213  415 98. Major George M. Seignious, aide-de-camp to General Geoffrey Keyes. Headquarters, Seventh Army, “Auld Lang Syne,” 15. 99. Clay, Decision in Germany, 55–56. 100. General Arthur Seymour Nevins served as assistant chief of staff, G-3, Plans and Operations, for US Forces European Theater of Operations from November 1945 to February 1946. Ancell and Miller, Biographical Dictionary, 238. 101. General Robert Walker Grow served as the commanding general of the 3rd Armored Division in 1945 and later the 26th Infantry Division until 1946. Ibid., 125. 102. Ziemke, U.S. Army in the Occupations of Germany, 384. 103. Blumenson, Patton Papers 1940–1945, 758. 104. Ibid., 761–782. 105. Ibid., 785. 106. Ibid., 787. 107. Ibid., 790. 108. General Edwin Pearson Parker Jr. commanded XXIII Corps from September 1945 to February 1946. Ancell and Miller, Biographical Dictionary, 249. 109. General Alexander Russell Bolling served as the commanding general of the 84th Infantry Division from June 1944 to January 1946. Ibid., 26. 110. General John Murphy Willems served as chief of staff of the Seventh Army from September 1945 to March 31, 1946. Ibid., 345. 111. General John Ernest Dahlquist commanded the 36th Infantry Division from July 1944 to October 1945. Ibid., 74. 112. General Ralph Corbett Smith served as a military attaché in Paris from 1945 to 1946. Ibid., 300. 113. Wilson, Armies, Corps, Divisions and Separate Brigades, 49. 114. General James Millikan Bevans served as assistant chief of staff, G-1, US Forces European Forces, from August 1945 to June 1947. “Generals from USA” (accessed January 13, 2022). 115. General Frank Albert Allen Jr. commanded the 3rd Armored Division from July 1945 to November 1945. Ancell and Miller, Biographical Dictionary, 4. 116. General George Senseny Eyster served as deputy chief of staff for operations, G-3, US Forces European Theater of Operations, from July 1945 to March 1946. Ibid., 99. 117. General Clarence Lionel Adcock served as deputy chief of staff, G-5, Civil Affairs, at US Forces European Theater of Operations from May 1945 to June 1946. Ibid., 2. 118. James K. Pollock served as a special advisor to the US Military Government in Germany after World War II. “James K. Pollock Papers, 1920–1958,” Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan, https://quod.lib.umich.edu/b /bhlead/umich-bhl-8635?view=text (accessed January 13, 2022).

416  Notes to Pages 213–221 119. General Carlos Brewer served as commander, Seventh Army Artillery, from September 15, 1945, to March 4, 1946. “Generals from USA” (accessed January 13, 2022). 120. General Theodore Francis Wessels: position unknown. Ibid. (accessed January 13, 2022). 121. Admiral Arthur Granville Robinson served as commander of US Naval Ports and Bases in Germany from March 1945 to November 1945. Ancell and Miller, Biographical Dictionary, 603. 122. Ziemke, U.S. Army in the Occupations of Germany, 421–422. 123. General John Howell Collier commanded Combat Command A, 2nd Armored Division, from September 1945 to November 1945. Ancell and Miller, Biographical Dictionary, 59–60. 124. General Walter Joseph Muller served as assistant chief of staff, G-4, Western Task Force, for the invasion of North Africa and as director of the Military Government for Bavaria from October 1945 to November 1947. Ibid., 235–236. 125. “Simon Hirsch Rifkind,” Jewish Virtual Library, https://www.jewishvirtual library.org/simon-hirsch-rifkind (accessed April 20, 2022). 126. See 19 Days: The Final Campaign across Northwest Italy, 14 April–2 May, 1945 (reprint; Nashville, Tenn.: Battery Press, 1987). 127. Ziemke, U.S. Army in the Occupations of Germany, 421. 128. Ancell and Miller, Biographical Dictionary, 251. 129. On November 26, 1945, General Joseph Taggart McNarney replaced General Eisenhower as commanding general of US Forces European Theater. “Generals from USA” (accessed January 14, 2022). 130. Ziemke, U.S. Army in the Occupations of Germany, 333. 131. General Everett Strait Hughes served as inspector general of US Forces European Theater from August 29, 1945, to January 26, 1946. “Generals from USA” (accessed January 14, 2022). 132. General Miller Grieve White served as deputy chief of staff, US Forces European Theater, from 1945 to 1948. Ibid. (accessed January 14, 2022). 133. Blumenson, The Patton Papers 1940–1945, 817. 134. Dr. James K. Pollock served as the director of the Regional Government Coordinating Council, a US advisory group. Ziemke, U.S. Army in the Occupations of Germany, 404. 135. General Albert Walton Kenner served as chief surgeon for the US Forces European Theater from July 1, 1945, to February 21, 1946. “Generals from USA” (accessed January 14, 2022). 136. Blumenson, The Patton Papers 1940–1945, 817, 820. 137. Ibid., 821–822. 138. Ibid., 823. 139. Ibid., 828. 140. Ibid.

Notes to Pages 221–229  417 141. Ibid., 829. 142. Ibid., 830. 143. Ibid., 831. 144. Ibid. 145. Ibid., 834. 146. Ibid., 832. 147. Ibid., 834–835. 148. Ziemke, U.S. Army in the Occupations of Germany, 423–424. 149. Clay, Decision in Germany, 51–53. 150. Ziemke, U.S. Army in the Occupations of Germany, 425. 151. “The U.S. Constabulary in Post-War Germany (1946–52),” US Army Center for Military History, https://history.army.mil/html/forcestruc/constab-ip .html (last modified April 2000, accessed January 20, 2022). 152. Dear, Oxford Companion to World War II, 252. 153. Ziemke, U.S. Army in the Occupations of Germany, 419–421. 154. Colonel Edward G. Farrand was deputy chief of staff for the Seventh Army. Headquarters, Seventh Army, “Auld Lang Syne,” 15. 155. General William Richard Schmidt served as the commanding general of the 3rd Infantry Division from August 4, 1945, to April 19, 1946, when he was transferred to chief of staff, Third Army, serving until February 21, 1947. “Generals from USA” (accessed January 15, 2022). 156. General Hobart Raymond Gay briefly commanded the Fifteenth Army following the death of General Patton and was then assigned as commander of the 1st Armored Division from February 1946 to April 1946. Ibid. 157. US Holocaust Memorial Museum, “Lampertheim Displaced Persons Camp,” Holocaust Encyclopedia, https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en /article/lampertheim-displaced-persons-camp (accessed April 22, 2022). 158. US Holocaust Memorial Museum, “Zeilsheim Displaced Persons Camp,” HolocaustEncyclopedia,https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/article/zeilsheimdisplaced-persons-camp-1 (accessed April 22, 2022). 159. General William Henry Harrison Moore served as a member of the Personnel Board, Office of the Secretary of War, from October 3, 1945, to May 22, 1947. Ancell and Miller, Biographical Dictionary, 233–234. 160. General Idwal Hubert Edwards served as commanding general of US Air Forces in Europe from March 2, 1946, to August 14, 1947. “Generals from USA” (accessed January 17, 2022). 161. Marshal of the Soviet Union Georgii Konstantinovich Zhukov served as commander in chief of Soviet Ground Forces in Germany from June 11, 1945, to March 20, 1946, and as military governor, Soviet Military Administration in Germany. “Soviet Generals,” Generals.Dk, https://www.generals.dk/nation/Soviet_ Union.html (accessed January 17, 2022). 162. “Fritz Kuhn Death in 1951 Revealed,” New York Times, February 2, 1953, 11.

418  Notes to Pages 230–240 163. General William Richard Schmidt commanded the 3rd Infantry Division from August 4, 1945, to April 19, 1946. He then served as chief of staff for the Third Army to February 21, 1947. “Generals from USA” (accessed April 25, 2022). 164. General Ernest Nason Harmon served as the commanding general of VI Corps in Germany from January 10, 1946, to May 1, 1946, and as the commanding general of the US Constabulary in Germany from May 1, 1946, to May 1, 1947. Ibid. (accessed January 17, 2022). 165. General Thomas Troy Handy served as deputy chief of staff, War Department General Staff, from October 22, 1944, to August 30, 1947. Ibid. (accessed January 17, 2022). 166. Ambassador Lawrence A. Steinhardt served as ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary in Czechoslovakia from December 20, 1944, to September 19, 1948. He died in an air accident on March 29, 1950. “Laurence Adolph Steinhardt, 1892–1950,” Office of the Historian, US State Department, https:// history.state.gov/departmenthistory/people/steinhardt-laurence-adolph (accessed April 25, 2022). 167. Vit Pohanka, “The 1946 US Operation That Proved a Propaganda Coup for Czechoslovakia’s Communists,” Radio Prague International, https://english .radio.cz/1946-us-operation-proved-a-propaganda-coup-czechoslovakiascommunists-8139149 (accessed May 31, 2022). 168. General John Simpson Guthrie served as assistant chief of staff, G-3, in the Seventh Army from January 1944 to October 1946. “Generals from USA” (accessed January 17, 2022). 169. “Mission Accomplished,” 21. 170. US Holocaust Memorial Museum, “Stuttgart West Displaced Persons Camp,” Holocaust Encyclopedia, https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en /article/stuttgart-west-displaced-persons-camp (last modified April 22, 2019, accessed April 25, 2022). 171. Field Marshal Wilhelm Keitel served as chief of the German Armed Forces High Command from 1938 to 1945. “Generals from Germany,” Generals.Dk, https://www.generals.dk/nation/Germany/K.html (accessed January 17, 2022). 172. General Leroy Hugh Watson served as the commanding general of the Nurnberg Enclave for International Trials from November 1945 to May 1948. “Generals from USA” (accessed January 17, 2022). 173. Dear, Oxford Companion to World War II, 824–827. 174. Duane Schultz, Crossing the Rapido: A Tragedy of World War II (Yardley, Pa.: Westholme, 2011), 245–253. 175. General Edwin Pearson Parker Jr. commanded the 3rd Infantry Division and served as acting commander of the Third Army during the absence of General Keyes. He served as inspector general, USFET, from August 28, 1946, to March 15, 1947. Ancell and Miller, Biographical Dictionary, 249.

Notes to Pages 240–251  419 176. General Horace Logan McBride served as commander of the 9th Infantry Division from February 10, 1946, to January 15, 1947. Ibid., 210–211. 177. US Holocaust Memorial Museum, “Lansberg Displaced Persons Camp,” HolocaustEncyclopedia,https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/article/landsbergdisplaced-persons-camp (last modified April 19, 2019, accessed April 28, 2022). 178. General Thomas Troy Handy served as War Department deputy chief of staff from October 22, 1944, to August 30, 1947.“Generals from USA” (accessed April 28, 2022). 179. General Willard Stewart Paul served as War Department assistant chief of staff for personnel, G-1, from October 26, 1945, to June 9, 1946. Ibid. (accessed April 28, 2022). 180. “Robert Porter Patterson: Soldier, Judge, Statesman, Citizen,” n.d., https://www.pbwt.com/content/uploads/2015/07/RobertPorterPatterson_book .pdf (last modified April 19, 2019, accessed April 28, 2022). 181. General Clift Andrus served as commander of the 1st Infantry Division from December 1944 to May 1946. Ancell and Miller, Biographical Dictionary, 7. 182. “Mission Accomplished,” 21. 183. “Schurz Bridge,” 333, http://333rd.de/html/schurz_bridge.html (last modified September 19, 2019, accessed April 29, 2022). 184. Ziemke, U.S. Army in the Occupation of Germany, 403. 185. General Gwilym Ivor Thomas served as general officer commanding the 43rd Infantry Division and later I Corps in Germany during 1945 to 1947. “Generals from Great Britain” (accessed April 29, 2022). 186. “History of the U.S. Constabulary 10 Jan 46–31 Dec 46,” US Army Center for Military History, Historical Manuscripts Collection, https://history.army .mil/reference/cstb46.htm (last modified 1947, accessed April 29, 2022). 187. Lynne Taylor, In the Children’s Best Interests: Unaccompanied Children in American-Occupied Germany, 1945–1952 (Toronto: Univ. of Toronto Press, 2017), 111. 188. US Holocaust Memorial Museum, “United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration,” Holocaust Encyclopedia, https://encyclopedia.ushmm .org/content/en/article/united-nations-relief-and-rehabilitation-administration (accessed April 30, 2022). 189. “Mission Accomplished,” 19. 190. Ibid., 23. 191. Frederick Taylor, Exorcising Hitler: The Occupation and Denazification of Germany (New York: Bloomsbury Press, n.d.), 304. 192. US Holocaust Memorial Museum, “Foehrenwald Displaced Persons Camp,” Holocaust Encyclopedia, https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en /article/foehrenwald-displaced-persons-camp (accessed April 30, 2022). 193. Taylor, In the Children’s Best Interests, 124.

420  Notes to Pages 252–261 194. General James Lawton Collins commanded the 5th Service Command from December 2, 1943, to his retirement on August 31, 1946. “Generals from USA” (accessed May 2, 2022). 195. “George Fleming Eliot, 76, Dies; Military Writer of Wrold War II,” New York Times, April 22, 1971, 44. 196. General William Howard Arnold served as deputy director of the Plans and Operations Division, War Department general staff, from June 15, 1946, to December 30, 1947. “Generals from USA” (accessed May 2, 2022). 197. General Edwin Luther Sibert served as G-2 for USFET until attached to the Office of the Secretary of the Army. Ibid. 198. Dorothy Elizabeth Wooldridge, “Yugoslav-United States Relations, 1946–1947, Stemming from the Shooting of U.S. Planes over Yugoslavia, August 9 and 19, 1946” (Master’s thesis, Rice University, 1971), Abstract, https://hdl .handle.net/1911/89147 (accessed May 7, 2022). 199. “La Voie de La Liberte (Liberty Road),” http://www.gia-vuc.com/remember/libertyroad.htm (accessed May 10, 2022). 200. “Nuremberg Trial, International Military Tribunal, 1945–1946,” The Robert H. Jackson Center, https://www.roberthjackson.org/nuremberg-timeline /#081946 (accessed May 10, 2022). 201. Clay, Decision in Germany, 73–78. 202. Ibid., 80–81. 203. Ibid., 115–116. 204. General Francois-Adolphe-Laurent Sevez served as deputy commander in chief of French forces in Germany. “Generals from France” (accessed May 10, 2022). 205. Clay, Decision in Germany, 208–209. 206. Heinz Sauermann, “The Consequences of the Currency Reform in Western Germany,” Review of Politics 12, no. 2 (April 1950): 175–176, 178–179. 207. “Henry A. Wallace (1945–1946),” UVA-Miller Center, https://millercenter .org/president/truman/essays/wallace-henry-a-1945-secretary-of-commerce (accessed May 10, 2022). 208. General Frank William Milburn commanded the 1st Infantry Division from June 1, 1946, to May 31, 1949. “Generals from USA” (accessed May 17, 2022). 209. General Henry Pratt Perrine served as the Third Army’s public relations officer from July 25, 1946, to February 14, 1947. Ibid. (accessed May 11, 2022). 210. General Josiah Toney Dalbey served as deputy commander of the Berlin Garrison from January 1946 to June 1946 and as deputy commander of the 1st Infantry Division from July 1, 1946 to March 14, 1947. Ibid. (accessed May 11, 2022). 211. General Joseph Warren Stilwell served as the commander of US Forces in China-Burma-India and as chief of staff to Generalisimo Chiang Kai-Shek during World War II and as the commander of the Sixth Army from March 1946 until his death on October 12, 1946. Ancell and Miller, Biographical Dictionary, 307.

Notes to Pages 262–273  421 212. “Nürnberg Trials,” Britannica (Encyclopedia Britannica, November 30, 2021) https://www.britannica.com/event/Nurnberg-trials (accessed May 11, 2022). 213. Colonel Westray Battle Boyce served as chief of the Women’s Army Corps from 1945 to 1947. “WAC’s Colonel Westray Battle Boyce—A Proud North Carolinian,” NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, https:// www.ncdcr.gov/blog/2013/02/08/wacs-colonel-westray-battle-boyce-a-proudnorth-carolinian (last modified February 8, 2016, accessed May 17, 2022). 214. General William Claude McMahon served as chief of staff for US Forces Austria from 1945 to November 1946. “Generals from USA” (accessed May 21, 2022). 215. Geoffrey E. Duin, “Purloined Jewels, Moles and Royal Mischief in World War II,” Historynet, https://www.historynet.com/purloined-jewels-moles-royalmischief-world-war-ii/ (last modified November 15, 2018, accessed May 24, 2022). 216. “U.S. Returns Part of Hesse Jewels,” New York Times (New York, August 2, 1951), 9. 217. Bertrand M. Roehner, Relations between Allied Forces and the Populations of Germany and Austria, Working Report (Paris, France: Institute for Theoretical and High Energy Physics, University of Paris, April 14, 2009), 46, https:// www.lpthe.jussieu.fr/~roehner/ocg.pdf (accessed May 17, 2022). 218. Clay, Decision in Germany, 192–193. 219. Glenn Fowler, “Ira Hirschman Dead at 88,” New York Times, October 10, 1989. 220. General Ralph Hamilton Tate served as deputy commander of US Forces Austria from June 1945 to July 1947. “Generals from USA” (accessed May 17, 2022). 221. General Auguste-Jean Gilliot served as military governor of Metz from March 1946 to June 1949. “Generals from France” (accessed May 17, 2022). 222. General William Claude McMahon served as chief of staff for US Forces Austria from 1945 to November 1946. Ancell and Miller, Biographical Dictionary, 219. 223. General Lawrence Knight Ladue served as deputy chief of staff for US Forces Austria from 1946 to 1948. Ibid., 180. 224. Frank Biess, “Fears of Retribution in Post-War Germany,” National World War II Museum, https://www.nationalww2museum.org/war/articles/fearsof-retribution-in-post-war-germany (last modified September 21, 2021, accessed June 1, 2022). 225. General Ralph Hamilton Tate served as deputy commander for US Forces Austria from June 1945 to July 1947. Ancell and Miller, Biographical Dictionary, 316. 226. General John Earle Lewis served as a member of the US Group Control Council in the European Theater of Operations from February 1945 until his retirement in November 1946. Ibid., 189–190.

422  Notes to Pages 274–278 227. General Clarence Page Townsley Jr. served as the commander of the 1st Infantry Division artillery from August 1946 to February 1947. “Generals from USA” (accessed May 21, 2022). 228. General Charles Yawkey Banfill was attached to the US Air Forces in Europe from February 1946 to November 1947. Ibid.

8. High Commissioner for Austria 1. Carafano, Waltzing into the Cold War, 76–77, 80. 2. Richard Hiscocks, The Rebirth of Austria (London: Oxford Univ. Press, 1953), 37. 3. Ibid., 38. 4. Ibid., 40–44. 5. Ibid., 55. 6. Ibid., 56–59. 7. General Francis F. Hickey replaced USFA’s chief of staff, General Alfred Gruenther, in 1946 and served in this role for four years. Carafano, Waltzing into the Cold War, 95. 8. General Ralph Hamilton Tate served as the deputy commander of USFA from June 1945 to July 1947. Ancell and Miller, Biographical Dictionary, 316. 9. John George Erhardt served as envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary in Occupied Austria from August 1946 to June 1950. “John George Erhardt (1889–1951),” Office of the Historian, US Department of State, https:// history.state.gov/departmenthistory/people/erhardt-john-george (accessed June 13, 2022). 10. Colonel Stanley J. Grogan served as USFA’s public affairs officer. Clark, Calculated Risk, 368. 11. General Jesmond Dene Balmer served as the deputy high commissioner for Occupied Austria from 1947 to 1948. “Generals from USA” (accessed June 13, 2022). 12. General Holmes Ely Dager served as the commander of USFA from 1946 to 1947. Ancell and Miller, Biographical Dictionary, 74. 13. General Vladimir V. Kurasov served as the commander in chief of the Soviet Central Group of Forces and as Stalin’s representative on the Allied Council. Carafano, Waltzing into the Cold War, 88. 14. Pierre Voizard, the former prefect for the Department of Seine-et-Oise, served as the French governor-general of occupied Tirol, Austria. Karl Gruber, Between Liberation and Liberty : Austria in the Post-War World (New York: Praeger, 1955), 27. 15. General Ralph A. Snavely served as the commander of the Air Division, 15th Army Group, in Austria from February 1945 to March 1947. Ancell and Miller, Biographical Dictionary, 443.

Notes to Pages 278–289  423 16. General Walter Melville Robertson served as the US delegate to the Allied Control Commission for Bulgaria from March 1, 1946, to September 10, 1947. “Generals from USA” (accessed June 13, 2022). 17. General Joseph Pescia Sullivan served as quartermaster for USFA from July 1945 to May 1947. Ibid. 18. General Paul D. R. Cherriere served as the French deputy high commissioner in Occupied Austria. Carafano, Waltzing into the Cold War, 178. 19. Herbert Hoover, “The President’s Economic Mission to Germany and Austria: Report No. 2. Austrian Agriculture and Food Requirements—Economic Reorganization,” March 7, 1947, Truman Presidential Library, https://web.archive.org /web/20160310204637/http://www.trumanlibrary.org/hoover/internaltemplate .php?tldate=1947-03-08&groupid=5168&collectionid=hoover (accessed June 13, 2022). 20. Clay, Decision in Germany, 268. 21. Brigadier Ronald Basil Bowen Bancroft Cooke served as chief of staff for the Allied Control Commission in Austria from 1946 to August 1947. “Generals from Great Britain” (accessed June 14, 2022). 22. Warren W. Williams, “British Policy and the Occupation of Austria, 1945– 1955” (Ph.D. diss., University of Wales, 2004), 52–53, cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record /cronfa43184 (accessed July 25, 2022). 23. Donald R. Whitnah and Edgar L. Erickson, The American Occupation of Austria: Planning and Early Years, Contributions in Military Studies 46 (Westport, Conn.: Greenwood Press, 1985), 226–227. 24. Ibid., 225–226. 25. “The Austrian Legislation on Art Restitution after World War Two,” Artdatabase, https://www.kunstdatenbank.at/the-austrian-legislation-on-art-restitutionafter-world-war-two#note_down_4 (accessed August 30, 2022). 26. Fred H. Klopstock, “Monetary and Fiscal Policy in Post-Liberation Austria: A Case Study of Financial Reconstruction in Post-War Europe,” Political Science Quarterly 63, no. 1 (March 1948): 99–124, 120. 27. Louis Galambos, The Papers of Dwight David Eisenhower: The Chief of Staff, vol. 8 (Baltimore, Md.: Johns Hopkins Univ. Press, n.d.), 1497–1498. 28. Ibid., 1563–1566. 29. Ibid., 1565–1566. 30. Colonel James Alexander Samouce served as the deputy US commander for the Vienna Inter-Allied Command from December 1946 to August 1950. “COL James Samouce,” togeherweserved.com, https://army.togetherweserved.com/army /servlet/tws.webapp.WebApp?cmd=ShadowBoxProfile&type=AssignmentExt &ID=562595 (accessed July 21, 2022). 31. Clark, Calculated Risk, 370. 32. “Register of the Anson Conger Goodyear Papers,” https://oac.cdlib.org /findaid/ark:/13030/tf0m3n97hd/entire_text/ (accessed July 21, 2022).

424  Notes to Pages 289–306 33. General Alexander Oscar Gorder served as the commander of the American sector of Occupied Vienna from March 1947 to May 1948. “Generals from USA” (accessed June 15, 2022). 34. General Thomas Francis Bresnahan served as the commanding general of the Continental Base Section, US European Theater of Operations, from January 1946 to March 1947. Ibid. (accessed June 16, 2022). 35. General Lowell Ward Rooks, following his retirement from the US Army, served as general-director of the United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration from 1945 to 1947. Ibid. (accessed July 21, 2022). 36. “A Decade of American Foreign Policy 1941–1949,” The Avalon Project, Yale Law School, https://avalon.law.yale.edu/20th_century/decade24.asp (last modified 2008, accessed August 5, 2022). 37. Dr. Adolph Schaerf, the Socialist Party leader, served as vice chancellor of Austria. Hiscocks, The Rebirth of Austria, 46. 38. Gunter Bischof, Austria in the First Cold War, 1945–55: The Leverage of the Weak, Cold War History (New York: St. Martin’s, 1999), 109. 39. General George Jacob Richards served as the War Department’s Budget Division director from January 7, 1943, to September 19, 1947. “Generals from USA” (accessed June 20, 2022). 40. Carafano, Waltzing into the Cold War, 100. 41. Williams, “British Policy and the Occupation of Austria, 1945–1955,” 101. 42. “U.S. Officers in Austria Get Motto Citing Duties,” New York Times, June 15, 1947, 30, https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1947/06/15 /87767862.html?pageNumber=30 (accessed September 20, 2022). 43. General Daniel Noce served as the director of the War Department’s Civil Affairs Division from December 21, 1946, to July 31, 1948. Ibid. (accessed June 20, 2022). 44. General Maxwell Taylor served as the superintendent of the US Military Academy from September 4, 1945, to January 27, 1949. “Generals from USA” (accessed June 20, 2022). 45. Williams, “British Policy and the Occupation of Austria, 1945–1955,” 90. 46. Carafano, Waltzing into the Cold War, 124–125. 47. David M. Crawford, “United States Foreign Assistance Legislation, 1947– 1948,” Yale Law Review 58, no. 6 (May 1949): 871–922, 878. 48. J. B. Duroselle, “The Turning-Point in French Politics: 1947,” Review of Politics 13, no. 3 (July 1951): 301–328, 304. 49. “House Committee Told Self-Interests of U.S. Would Be Served by Admission of DP’s,” Jewish Telegraphic Agency, https://www.jta.org/archive/housecommittee-told-self-interests-of-u-s-would-be-served-by-admission-of-dps (accessed August 30, 2022). 50. William Lloyd Stearman, “The Soviet Union and the Occupation of Austria: An Analysis of Soviet Policy in Austria, 1945–1955” (Ph.D. diss., University of Geneva, 1960), 104.

Notes to Pages 306–323  425 51. General Georgii Karlovich Tsinev served as the assistant military commissar for the Soviet delegation to the Allied Control Commission in Austria from 1946 to 1950. “Soviet Generals” (accessed July 22, 2022). 52. General Walter Melville Robertson served as the US delegate to the Allied Control Commission for Bulgaria from March 1946 to September 1947. “Generals from USA” (accessed June 22, 2022). 53. Albion Ross, “U.S. Austrian Chief Prods Soviet on Oil,” New York Times, August 8, 1947, 6. 54. General Arthur Gilbert Trudeau served as chief of the Manpoer Control Group, G-1 Division, War Department general staff, from June 1, 1946, to March 4, 1948. “Generals from USA” (accessed June 23, 2022). 55. “Summary of AG-057 United Nations Special Committee on Palestine (UNSCOP) (1947),” United Nations Archives and Records Management Section, https://search.archives.un.org/downloads/united-nations-special-committeeon-palestine-unscop-1947.pdf (last modified June 4, 2015, accessed June 24, 2022). 56. Stearman, “The Soviet Union and the Occupation of Austria,” 104–105. 57. B. Henry Mack was a British foreign service officer. Carafano, Waltzing into the Cold War, 22. 58. Williams, “British Policy and the Occupation of Austria, 1945–1955,” 6. 59. General Louis Aleck Craig served as the inspector general for the US European Command from August 24, 1947, to April 5, 1948 (accessed June 25, 2022). 60. Hiscocks, Rebirth of Austria, 96. 61. General Alexander Galloway served as the British high commissioner for Occupied Austria, 1947–1950. “Generals from Great Britain” (accessed July 14, 2022). 62. Jewish Telegraphic Agency Daily News Bulletin, September 9, 1947, https://www.jta.org/archive/u-s-military-court-starts-trial-of-eight-austrianscharged-with-attacking-dp-camps (accessed August 30, 2022). 63. Ibid., September 26, 1947. 64. Ibid., October 10, 1947. 65. Hiscocks, Rebirth of Austria, 211. 66. Britain’s Air Marshal Sir Sholto Douglas served as the military governor of the British occupation zone in Germany from May 1, 1946, until early 1948. “Marshal of the RAF Lord Douglas of Kirtleside,” Air of Authority—A History of RAF Organization, https://web.archive.org/web/20090104005836/http:// www.rafweb.org/Biographies/Douglas.htm (last modified June 16, 2007, accessed June 27, 2022). 67. “Executive Order 9586,” Harry S. Truman Library and Museum, https:// www.trumanlibrary.gov/library/executive-orders/9586/executive-order-9586 (last modified June 6, 1945, accessed June 27, 2022). 68. Hiscocks, Rebirth of Austria, 84–87. 69. Bischof, Austria in the First Cold War, 113.

426  Notes to Pages 324–339 70. Anne Deighton, The Impossible Peace: Britain, the Division of Germany, and the Origins of the Cold War (Oxford: Oxford Univ. Press, 1993). 71. Hiscocks, Rebirth of Austria, 131–137. 72. “A Decade of American Foreign Policy 1941–1949.” 73. Carafano, Waltzing into the Cold War, 103. 74. Jose A. Carrasco-Gallego, “The Marshall Plan and the Spanish Postwar Economy: A Welfare Loss Analysis,” Economic History Review 65, no. 1 (2012): 91–119, 95. 75. Katie Lange, “The Berlin Airlift: What It Was, Its Importance in the Cold War,” US Department of Defense: Inside DOD, www.defense.gov/News/InsideDOD (last modified June 25, 2018, accessed August 31, 2022). 76. General Paul Wilkins Kendall served as the deputy commander of US Forces Austria from 1948 to 1950. Ancell and Miller, Biographical Dictionary, 172–173. 77. “Andrey Vyshinsky: Soviet Statesman,” Britannica, https://www.britannica .com/biography/Andrey-Vyshinsky (accessed June 29, 2022). 78. General Vernon Edwin Prichard served as the director of operations, plans, organization and training for the US European Command from March 15, 1947, to July 1, 1949. “Generals from USA” (accessed June 29, 2022). 79. “Austrian State Treaty 1955,” US Department of State Archive, https:// 2001-2009.state.gov/r/pa/ho/time/lw/107185.htm (last modified January 20, 2009, accessed August 31, 2022). 80. General George Price Hays served as the deputy military governor of the American occupation zone in Germany from 1947 to 1949. “Generals from USA” (accessed July 16, 2022). 81. General Wade Hampton Haislip served as the US Army’s deputy chief of staff for administration from 1948 to 1949 prior to serving as the US Army’s vice chief of staff. Ibid. (accessed July 12, 2022). 82. Lawrence Preuss,“Consular Immunities: The Kasenkina Case (U.S.-U.S.S.R.),” American Journal of International Law 43, no. 1 (January 1949): 37–56. 83. General Loyal Moyer Haynes served as the commanding general of the Land Upper Austria Area Command from January 1947 to October 1948. “Generals from USA” (accessed July 12, 2022). 84. General Oliver Lincoln Haines reverted to the rank of colonel in February 1946. Ancell and Miller, Biographical Dictionary, 128. 85. Carafano, Waltzing into the Cold War, 101–102. 86. Ibid., 107. 87. “Atlantic Report on the World Today: Austria,” The Atlantic, December 1948, 17. 88. General Dimitri Lvovich Abakumov served in the Soviet Central Group of Forces and as military commandant of Vienna in 1948 and 1949. “Soviet Generals” (accessed July 13, 2022).

Notes to Pages 339–347  427 89. General Ira Platt Swift served as the commanding general of US Forces Austria from 1948 to 1951. “Generals from USA” (accessed July 13, 2022). 90. General Charles Kenon Gailey Jr. served as the chief of staff of the US Office of Military Government in Berlin from October 15, 1946, to August 8, 1949. Ibid. (accessed July 14, 2022). 91. Dana Gray, “Researcher Gets International Help Looking into 1948 Killing,” Nation and World, Seattle Times, https://www.seattletimes.com/nationworld/researcher-gets-international-help-looking-into-1948-killing/ (last modified November 20, 2017, accessed July 14, 2022). 92. Dr. Julius Raab served as the minister of reconstruction and later as the chancellor of the Republic of Austria from 1953 to 1961. “Dr. Julius Raab Dies in Austria: Ex-Chancellor Forged Republic,” New York Times, January 9, 1964. 93. Samuel Reber served as a political advisor to the high commissioner from 1949 to 1950. “Working Diplomats,” Life, May 29, 1950. 94. Williams, “British Policy and the Occupation of Austria, 1945–1955.” 95. Bischof, Austria in the First Cold War, 115–119. 96. Stearman, “The Soviet Union and the Occupation of Austria,” 106. 97. Sonja Schmöckel, “Schönbrunn after the Second World War—Nostalgia and Imperial Cult,” The World of the Hapsburgs, https://www.habsburger.net /en/chapter/schonbrunn-after-second-world-war-nostalgia-and-imperial-cult (accessed August 6, 2022). 98. History.com editors, “Cardinal Mindszenty of Hungary Sentenced,” History, https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/cardinal-mindszenty-of-hungarysentenced (accessed August 6, 2022). 99. Hiscocks, Rebirth of Austria, 195. 100. “General George S. Patton, Jr., Buried in Luxembourg American Cemetery,”https://www.abmc.gov/news-events/news/general-george-s-patton-jr-buriedluxembourg-american-cemetery (last modified December 21, 2020, accessed July 16, 2022). 101. “Voest up to the Austrian State Treaty: 1945–1955,” Voestalpine, https:// www.voestalpine.com/group/en/group/overview/history/1945-1955.html (accessed July 14, 2022). 102. Bischof, Austria in the First Cold War, 118–119. 103. General William Morris Hoge served as the commanding general of US troops in Trieste, Italy, from 1948 to 1951.“Generals from USA” (accessed July 14, 2022). 104. Alexander E. Squadrilli, from 1946 to 1948, served as director of Displaced Persons Operations for the US Army in Germany and coordinated efforts with other countries, international organizations, and private agencies. “Alexander E. Squadrilli: Aided Refugees,” Chicago Tribune, https://www.chicagotribune .com/news/ct-xpm-1993-06-21-9306210019-story.html (last modified June 21, 1993, accessed July 14, 2022).

428  Notes to Pages 347–369 105. Bischof, Austria in the First Cold War, 99. 106. General Frederick Gallagher Galleghan served as head of the Australian Military Mission to Germany from December 10, 1948, to November 17, 1949. “Australian Generals,” Generals.Dk, https://www.generals.dk/nation/Australia .html (accessed July 14, 2022). 107. Mark R. Elliott, “The United States and Forced Repatriation of Soviet Citizens, 1944–47,” Political Science Quarterly 88, no. 2 (June 1973): 253–275. 108. Williams, “British Policy and the Occupation of Austria, 1945–1955,” 166. 109. “Air Marshal Sir Thomas Williams,” Air of Authority—A History of RAF Organization, http://www.rafweb.org/Biographies/Williams_TM.htm (accessed July 15, 2022). 110. Ingeborg L. Wollmertorpher, “Austrian Federation of Trade Unions” (Master’s thesis, Montana State University, 1952), 49, https://scholarworks.umt .edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=5892&context=etd (accessed July 26, 2022). 111. Williams, “British Policy and the Occupation of Austria, 1945–1955,” 196. 112. Bischof, Austria in the First Cold War, 92. 113. “Oscar Von Kohorn Dies at 80: Manufacturer of Fiber and Yarn,” New York Times, July 1, 1963, 23. 114. Carafano, Waltzing into the Cold War, 114. 115. Peter Berger, “Elections and Parties in Austria,” Journal of Politics 12, no. 3 (August 1950): 511–529, 511–514. 116. “A Decade of American Foreign Policy 1941–1949” (accessed August 6, 2022). 117. Hiscocks, Rebirth of Austria, 61. 118. “Robert Albert Bauer,” Obituary, Washington Post, October 2, 2003, https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/local/2003/10/02/robert-albert-bauer /fc573bec-3e8e-4cb5-a6f5-c7ecd516e90a/ (accessed July 28, 2022). 119. Carafano, Waltzing into the Cold War, 180–182. 120. Williams, “British Policy and the Occupation of Austria,” 186. 121. Ibid., 189. 122. Ibid. 123. Ibid., 246–269.

Conclusion 1. The Weapons Systems Evaluation Group (WSEG) was created in 1946 to evaluate a variety of weapons and weapon systems, and to study American versus Soviet actions in World War II in order to understand potential future combat. It produced reports, staff studies, and working memoranda, many of which are still classified. “The Weapons Systems Evaluation Group,” The NDC Blog, https:// declassification.blogs.archives.gov/2018/03/07/the-weapons-systems-evaluationgroup/ (last modified March 7, 2018, accessed September 5, 2022).

Notes to Pages 369–383  429 2. Robert H. Adleman, “LTG Geoffrey Keyes,” reel-to-reel tape, May 1966, US Military Academy Library. 3. Robert H. Berlin, “U.S. Army World War II Corps Commanders: A Composite Biography” (Ft. Leavenworth, Kans.: US Army Command and General Staff College, 1989), 3, https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Portals/7/combatstudies-institute/csi-books/berlin2.pdf (accessed March 5, 2022). 4. Taaffe, Marshall and His Generals, 101. 5. Ibid. 6. Ibid., 102. 7. Ibid., 104. 8. Ibid., 119. 9. Ibid., 131. 10. Ibid., 133. 11. Blumenson, The Patton Papers 1940–1945, 798. 12. Carlo D’Este, Patton: A Genius for War (New York: HarperCollins, 1995), 420. 13. Carafano, Waltzing into the Cold War, 98. 14. Brigadier General James W. Holsinger, personal communication with the author, n.d. 15. “U.S. Officers in Austria Get Motto Citing Duties,” 30. 16. Carafano, Waltzing into the Cold War, 137. 17. “U.S. Officers in Austria Get Motto Citing Duties,” 30. 18. Williams, “British Policy and the Occupation of Austria, 1945–1955,” 195. 19. Ibid., 183. 20. Ibid., 186. 21. Adleman, “LTG Geoffrey Keyes.”

Appendix A 1. Patton Jr., letter to Eisenhower. 2. Chandler, Papers of Dwight David Eisenhower, vol. 3, 1438. 3. Keyes, letter to Eisenhower. 4. Chandler, Papers of Dwight David Eisenhower, vol. 3, 1465.

Appendix B 1. Geoffrey Keyes, “Letter to Patton,” December 11, 1944, Patton Papers, box 33, Library of Congress Manuscript Collection. 2. George S. Patton Jr., letter to Geoffrey Keyes, December 23, 1944, Patton Papers.

References

Adleman, Robert H. “BG James W. Holsinger.” Reel-to-reel tape, April 23, 1966. US Military Academy Library. . “LTG Geoffrey Keyes.” Reel-to-reel tape, May 1966. US Military Academy Library. Adleman, Robert H., and George Walton. Rome Fell Today. Boston, Mass.: Little, Brown, 1968. “Air Marshal Sir Thomas Williams.” Air of Authority—A History of RAF Organization. http://www.rafweb.org/Biographies/Williams_TM.htm. Accessed July 15, 2022. “Aleksey Sergeevich Zheltov.” Prabook.com. https://prabook.com/web/aleksey .zheltov/953014. Accessed January 7, 2022. “Alexander E. Squadrilli: Aided Refugees.” Chicago Tribune. https://www .chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1993-06-21-9306210019-story.html. Last modified June 21, 1993. Accessed July 14, 2022. Ancell, R. Manning, and Christine M. Miller. The Biographical Dictionary of World War II Generals and Flag Officers: The U.S. Armed Forces. Westport, Conn.: Greenwood, 1996. “Ancon (AP-66, Later AGC-4), 1942–1946.” Naval Historical Center. https:// www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/OnlineLibrary/photos/sh-usn/usnsh-a/agc4.htm. Accessed April 12, 2021. “Andrey Vyshinsky: Soviet Statesman.” Britannica. https://www.britannica.com /biography/Andrey-Vyshinsky. Accessed June 29, 2022. Apple, Carolyn. “World War II: ‘Donut Dollies’ and the American Red Cross.” Delaware Historical and Cultural Affairs. https://history.delaware.gov/wwii-donut-dollies-the-american-red-cross/. Accessed November 29, 2021. Atkinson, Rick. An Army at Dawn: The War in North Africa, 1942–1943. New York: Holt, 2002. . The Day of Battle: The War in Sicily and Italy, 1943–1944. New York: Holt, 2007. “Atlantic Report on the World Today: Austria.” The Atlantic, December 1948. “Auguste Nogues, French Admiral: Vichy’s Leader in Morocco, 95, Dies—Fought Allies.” New York Times, April 22, 1971. “Australian Generals.” Generals.Dk. https://www.generals.dk/nation/Australia .html. Accessed July 14, 2022.

431

432 References “The Austrian Legislation on Art Restitution after World War Two.” Artdatabase. https://www.kunstdatenbank.at/the-austrian-legislation-on-art-restitutionafter-world-war-two#note_down_4. Accessed August 30, 2022. “Austrian State Treaty 1955.” US Department of State Archive. https://20012009.state.gov/r/pa/ho/time/lw/107185.htm. Last modified January 20, 2009. Accessed August 31, 2022. “Barney Oldfield: American Race-Car Driver.” Encyclopedia Britannica, January 25, 2022. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Barney-Oldfield. Accessed February 22, 2022. Berger, Peter. “Elections and Parties in Austria.” Journal of Politics 12, no. 3 (August 1950): 511–529. Berlin, Robert H. “U.S. Army World War II Corps Commanders: A Composite Biography.” Ft. Leavenworth, Kans.: US Army Command and General Staff College, 1989. https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Portals/7/combat-studiesinstitute/csi-books/berlin2.pdf. Accessed March 5, 2022. Biess, Frank. “Fears of Retribution in Post-War Germany.” National World War II Museum. https://www.nationalww2museum.org/war/articles/fears-ofretribution-in-post-war-germany. Last modified September 21, 2021. Accessed June 1, 2022. Binder, L. James. Lemnitzer: A Soldier for His Time. Washington, D.C.: Brassey’s, 1997. “Biography.” Mark W. Clark Collection, The Citadel Archives and Museum Collection. http://www3.citadel.edu/museum/Clark_Inventory.pdf. Accessed November 5, 2021. Bischof, Gunter. Austria in the First Cold War, 1945–55: The Leverage of the Weak. Cold War History. New York: St. Martin’s, 1999. Black, Jeremy. Warfare in the Western World, 1882–1975. Bloomington: Indiana Univ. Press, 2002. Blackwell, Ian. Fifth Army in Italy, 1943–1945. Barnsley, UK: Pen and Sword Books, 2012. Blazich, Frank. “When the Piper Cub Roamed the Battlefield.” War on the Rocks. https://warontherocks.com/2017/12/when-the-piper-cub-roamed-thebattlefield/. Last modified December 20, 2017. Accessed February 21, 2022. Blumenson, Martin. The Patton Papers 1940–1945. Boston, Mass.: Da Capo Press, 1974. Caddick-Adams, Peter. Monte Cassino: Ten Armies in Hell. Oxford: Oxford Univ. Press, 2013. Capa, Robert. “The Surrender of Palermo.” Life 15, no. 9 (August 23, 1943): 25–28. Carafano, James. Waltzing into the Cold War: The Struggle for Occupied Austria. College Station: Texas A&M Press, 2002. Carrasco-Gallego, Jose A. “The Marshall Plan and the Spanish Postwar Economy: A Welfare Loss Analysis.” Economic History Review 65, no. 1 (2012): 91–119.

References  433 Chandler, Alfred D., Jr., The Papers of Dwight David Eisenhower: The War Years, vol. 3. 5 vols. Baltimore, Md.: Johns Hopkins Univ. Press, 1970. Chandler, Alfred D., Jr., and Louis Galambos, eds. The Papers of Dwight David Eisenhower: Occupation 1945, vol. 6. Baltimore, Md.: Johns Hopkins Univ. Press, 1978. Chanter, Alan. “Emile Muselier.” World War II Database. https://ww2db.com /person_bio.php?person_id=418. Accessed March 23, 2021. Chronology 1941–1945. U.S. Army in World War II: Special Studies. Washington, D.C.: Office of the Chief of Military History, 1960. “Churchill’s Broadcast from Quebec.” American War Documents. https://www .jstor.org/stable/45306409?seq=1. Accessed May 12, 2021. “Clare Boothe Luce.” History, Art and Archives, US House of Representatives. https://history.house.gov/People/Detail/17213. Accessed December 30, 2021. Clark, Mark W. Calculated Risk. New York: Enigma Books, 2007. Clay, Lucius D. Decision in Germany. Garden City, N.Y.: Doubleday, 1950. Colbert, Richard M., et al., Operation Joss, 10–16 July 1943. Student Paper. Combat Studies Institute, US Command and General Staff College, May 1984. https://apps.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a159346.pdf. Accessed April 15, 2021. “COL James Samouce.” togeherweserved.com. https://army.togetherweserved. com/army/servlet/tws.webapp.WebApp?cmd=ShadowBoxProfile&type=Assi gnmentExt&ID=562595. Accessed July 21, 2022. “COL Richard Lawrence Creed.” Find a Grave. https://www.findagrave.com /memorial/56307812/richard-lawrence-creed. Accessed August 10, 2021. “Colonel James Fuller McKinley.” Arizona Republic, September 4, 2001. “Colonel William F. Shildroth Sr.” Arlington National Cemetery website. http:// www.arlingtoncemetery.net/whshildroth.htm. Accessed December 18, 2021. “Conolly, Richard Lansing (1892–1962),” The Pacific War Online Encyclopedia, http://pwencycl.kgbudge.com/C/o/Conolly_Richard_L.htm (accessed April 12, 2021). Crawford, David M. “United States Foreign Assistance Legislation, 1947–1948.” Yale Law Review 58, no. 6 (May 1949): 871–922. Crosswell, D.K.R. Beetle: The Life of General Walter Bedell Smith. Lexington: Univ. Press of Kentucky, 2010. Dear, I.C.B. The Oxford Companion to World War II. Oxford: Oxford Univ. Press, 1995. “A Decade of American Foreign Policy 1941–1949.” The Avalon Project, Yale Law School. https://avalon.law.yale.edu/20th_century/decade24.asp. Last modified 2008. Accessed August 5, 2022. Deighton, Anne. The Impossible Peace: Britain, the Division of Germany, and the Origins of the Cold War. Oxford: Oxford Univ. Press, 1993. Demitz, Sherwood H. “Lieutenant General Geoffrey Keyes: A Family Statement,” n.d. Keyes Family Archive.

434 References D’Este, Carlo. Bitter Victory: The Battle for Sicily, 1943. New York: Dutton, 1988. . Eisenhower: A Soldier’s Life. New York: Holt, 2002. . Fatal Decision. New York: Harper, 1991. . Patton: A Genius for War. New York: HarperCollins, 1995. “Directive to Commander-in-Chief of United States Forces of Occupation Regarding the Military Government of Germany. JCS 1067,” April 1945. https://usa.usembassy.de/etexts/ga3-450426.pdf. Accessed April 5, 2022. “Dr. Julius Raab Dies in Austria: Ex-Chancellor Forged Republic.” New York Times, January 9, 1964. Duin, Geoffrey E. “Purloined Jewels, Moles and Royal Mischief in World War II.” Historynet. https://www.historynet.com/purloined-jewels-moles-royal-mischiefworld-war-ii/. Last modified November 15, 2018. Accessed May 24, 2022. Duroselle, J. B. “The Turning-Point in French Politics: 1947.” Review of Politics 13, no. 3 (July 1951): 301–328. Eisenhower, Dwight D. Crusade in Europe. Garden City, N.Y.: Doubleday, n.d. Elliott, Mark R. “The United States and Forced Repatriation of Soviet Citizens, 1944–47.” Political Science Quarterly 88, no. 2 (June 1973): 253–275. Ellis, John. Cassino: The Hollow Victory. London: Andre Deutsch, 1984. Esposito, Vincent J., ed. The West Point Atlas of American Wars 1900–1953, vol. 2. 2 vols. New York: Praeger, 1959. “Executive Order 9586.” Harry S. Truman Library and Museum. https://www .trumanlibrary.gov/library/executive-orders/9586/executive-order-9586. Last modified June 6, 1945. Accessed June 27, 2022. Fifth Army at the Winter Line. American Forces in Action Series. Washington, D.C.: Military Intelligence Division, US War Department, June 14, 1945. “Fifth Army History: Race to the Alps.” Ike Skelton Combined Arms Research Library. https://cgsc.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/p4013coll8/id/1569. Accessed April 2, 2022. “Flivver, Noun.” Merriam-Webster. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary /flivver#:~:text=%3A%20a%20small%20cheap%20usually%20old%20 automobile. Accessed November 29, 2021. “FM 100-5 Field Service Regulations: Operations.” Washington, D.C.: War Department, US Government Printing Office, April 26, 1944. “FM 100-15 Field Service Regulations: Larger Units.” Washington, D.C.: US Government Printing Office, June 29, 1942. Fowler, Glenn. “Ira Hirschman Dead at 88.” New York Times, October 10, 1989. “Francis Cardinal Spellman.” Fordham University Hall of Honor. https://www .fordham.edu/info/26211/hall_of_honor/9555/francis_cardinal_spellman. Accessed September 9, 2021. “Fritz Kuhn Death in 1951 Revealed.” New York Times, February 2, 1953. Fuller, J.F.C. A Military History of the Western World, vol. 3. 3 vols. New York: Funk and Wagnalls, 1956.

References  435 Galambos, Louis. The Papers of Dwight David Eisenhower: The Chief of Staff, vol. 8. Baltimore, Md.: Johns Hopkins Univ. Press, n.d. Garland, Albert N., and Howard M. Smyth. Sicily and the Surrender of Italy. U.S. Army in World War II: Mediterranean Theater of Operations. Washington, D.C.: US Government Printing Office, 1965. “General Carl A. Spaatz.” US Air Force. https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Biographies /Display/Article/105528/general-carl-a-spaatz/. Accessed March 25, 2021. “General George S. Patton, Jr., Buried in Luxembourg American Cemetery.” https://www.abmc.gov/news-events/news/general-george-s-patton-jr-buriedluxembourg-american-cemetery. Last modified December 21, 2020. Accessed July 16, 2022. “Generals from Brazil.” Generals.Dk. https://www.generals.dk/nation/Brazil .html. Accessed March 11, 2023. “Generals from France.” Generals.Dk. https://www.generals.dk/nation/France .html. Accessed March 26, 2021. “Generals from Germany.” Generals.Dk. https://www.generals.dk/nation /Germany/K.html. Accessed January 17, 2022. “Generals from Great Britain.” Generals.Dk. https://www.generals.dk/nation /Great_Britain.html. Accessed April 6, 2021. “Generals from Italy.” Generals.dk. https://www.generals.dk/nation/Italy.html. Accessed September 25, 2021. “Generals from New Zealand.” Generals.Dk. https://generals.dk/nation/New_ Zealand.html. Accessed November 19, 2021. “Generals from USA.” Generals.Dk. https://www.generals.dk/nation/USA.html. Accessed April 2, 2021. “Geoffrey Keyes.” The Hall of Valor Project. https://valor.militarytimes.com /hero/31624. Accessed February 25, 2022. “Geoffrey Keyes, Combat Leader: Commanding General of 2d Corps in Italy Dies at 78.” New York Times, September 19, 1967. “George Fleming Eliot, 76, Dies; Military Writer of World War II.” New York Times, April 22, 1971. “Going for Broke: The 442nd Regimental Combat Team.” National World War II Museum.https://www.nationalww2museum.org/war/articles/442nd-regimentalcombat-team. Last modified September 24, 2020. Accessed February 23, 2022. Graham, Dominick, and Shelford Bidwell. Tug of War: The Battle for Italy 1943– 45. Barnsley, UK: Pen and Sword Books, 2004. Gray, Dana. “Researcher Gets International Help Looking into 1948 Killing.” Nation and World. Seattle Times. https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world /researcher-gets-international-help-looking-into-1948-killing/. Last modified November 20, 2017. Accessed July 14, 2022. Gruber, Karl. Between Liberation and Liberty : Austria in the Post-War World. New York: Praeger, 1955.

436 References “Harold L. Ickes.” Encyclopedia Britannica, n.d. https://www.britannica.com /biography/Harold-L-Ickes. “Harvey Bundy, 75, Ex-Diplomat, Dies.” New York Times, October 8, 1963. Headquarters, Seventh Army. “Auld Lang Syne.” Heidelberger Gutenberg-Drckerei GmbH., March 31, 1946. Holsinger Family Archive, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky. “Headquarters, U.S. Forces, Austria.” https://www.usarmygermany.com/Sont .htm. Accessed April 6, 2022. “Henry A. Wallace (1945–1946).” UVA-Miller Center. https://millercenter.org /president/truman/essays/wallace-henry-a-1945-secretary-of-commerce. Accessed May 10, 2022 Hiscocks, Richard. The Rebirth of Austria. London: Oxford Univ. Press, 1953. History.com editors. “Cardinal Mindszenty of Hungary Sentenced.” History.com. https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/cardinal-mindszenty-ofhungary-sentenced. Accessed August 6, 2022. . “Eisenhower Assumes Command of U.S. Troops in Europe.” History.com. https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/eisenhower-assumes-commandof-u-s-troops-in-europe. Last modified June 23, 2020. Accessed March 8, 2021. “History of the U.S. Constabulary 10 Jan 46–31 Dec 46.” US Army Center for Military History. Historical Manuscripts Collection. https://history.army.mil /reference/cstb46.htm. Last modified 1947. Accessed April 29, 2022. Holland, James. Sicily ’43: The First Assault on Fortress Europe. New York: Atlantic Monthly Press, 2020. Holsinger, James W. Letter to Ruth Holsinger, misc. letters. Holsinger Family Archive, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky. Hoover, Herbert. “The President’s Economic Mission to Germany and Austria: Report No. 2. Austrian Agriculture and Food Requriements—Economic Reorganization,” March 7, 1947. Truman Presidential Library. https://web.archive .org/web/20160310204637/http://www.trumanlibrary.org/hoover/internaltemplate.php?tldate=1947-03-08&groupid=5168&collectionid=hoover. Accessed June 13, 2022. “House Committee Told Self-Interests of U.S. Would Be Served by Admission of DP’s.” Jewish Telegraphic Agency. https://www.jta.org/archive/house-committeetold-self-interests-of-u-s-would-be-served-by-admission-of-dps. Accessed August 30, 2022. Howe, George F. Northwest Africa: Seizing the Initiative in the West. U.S. Army in World War II: Mediterranean Theater of Operations. Washington, D.C.: US Government Printing Office, 1957. The Howitzer. West Point, N.Y.: US Military Academy, 1913. Hymel, Kevin M. Patton’s War: An American General’s Combat Leadership, vol. 1. Columbia: Univ. of Missouri Press, 2021. II Corps: A Brief History. Rome, Italy: Editoriale Domus, 1945.

References  437 “Initial Occupation Force: U.S. Forces, Austria.” US Army Germany. https://www .usarmygermany.com/. Accessed March 29, 2022. “James Grigg Dies; A Churchill Aide; War Secretary ’42–’45; Long-Time Civil Servant.” New York Times, May 7, 1964. “James K. Pollock Papers, 1920–1958.” Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan. https://quod.lib.umich.edu/b/bhlead/umich-bhl-8635?view=text. Accessed January 13, 2022. Jay, Henry D. “Italian Campaign: Final Phases, July 25, 1944 to Victory in Italy May 2, 1945.” II Corps Artillery, June 10, 1945. Holsinger Family Archive, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky. “John George Erhardt (1889–1951).” Office of the Historian, US Department of State. https://history.state.gov/departmenthistory/people/erhardt-john-george. Accessed June 13, 2022. Keegan, John. The Times Atlas of the Second World War. New York: Harper and Row, 1989. Kennedy, David M. Freedom from Fear: The American People in Depression and War, 1929–1945. The Oxford History of the United States, vol. 9. Oxford: Oxford Univ. Press, 1999. Keyes, Geoffrey. “Congratulatory Messages,” May 10, 1945. Holsinger Family Archive, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky. . “Corps Staff Functions and Procedures in Combat.” Military Review 24, no. 8 (November 1944): 3–8. . Letter to Eisenhower, September 21, 1943. Eisenhower Presidential Library. Abeline, Kansas. . Letter to Patton, December 11, 1944. Patton Papers, box 33, Library of Congress Manuscript Collection. . “Patton Papers,” December 11, 1944. George S. Patton Jr. Correspondence, 1903–1945, box 33, Library of Congress Manuscript Collection. . “To II Corps,” April 10, 1945. Holsinger Family Archive, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky. . “To the II Corps,” May 11, 1944. Holsinger Family Archive, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky. Keyes, Geoffrey. “To: The Officers and Men,” April 30, 1945. Holsinger Family Archive, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky. Klopstock, Fred H. “Monetary and Fiscal Policy in Post-Liberation Austria: A Case Study of Financial Reconstruction in Post-War Europe.” Political Science Quarterly 63, no. 1 (March 1948): 99–124. Krisman, Michael J., ed. “Geoffrey Keyes.” Assembly 32, no. 2 (September 1973): 132–133. Lange, Katie. “The Berlin Airlift: What It Was, Its Importance in the Cold War.” US Department of Defense: Inside DOD. www.defense.gov/News/InsideDOD. Last modified June 25, 2018. Accessed August 31, 2022.

438 References “Laurence Adolph Steinhardt, 1892–1950.” Office of the Historian, US State Department. https://history.state.gov/departmenthistory/people/steinhardt -laurence-adolph. Accessed April 25, 2022. “La Voie de La Liberte (Liberty Road).” http://www.gia-vuc.com/remember /libertyroad.htm. Accessed May 10, 2022. Lindner, Brian. “History of the Sinking of DD-622.” USSMaddox.org. http:// www.ussmaddox.org/DD622.htm. Accessed April 12, 2021. Majdalany, Fred. The Battle of Cassino. Boston, Mass.: Houghton Mifflin, 1957. “Marshal of the RAF Lord Douglas of Kirtleside.” Air of Authority—A History of RAF Organization. https://web.archive.org/web/20090104005836/http:// www.rafweb.org/Biographies/Douglas.htm. Last modified June 16, 2007. Accessed June 27, 2022. McKinley, Marney. “Berenice Mary Anderson.” Letter to James W. Holsinger Jr., September 2022. “Mission Accomplished: Third United States Army Occupation of Germany: 9 May 1945–15 February 1947.” Engineer Reproduction Plant, March 1947. Molony, C.J.C. History of the Second World War: The Mediterranean and Middle East, vol. 5. London: Her Majesty’s Stationary Office, 1973. “Monrovia (AP-64).” Naval History and Heritage Command. https://www .history.navy.mil/research/histories/ship-histories/danfs/m/monrovia.html. Accessed April 12, 2021. “Navy Day.” National Day Calendar. https://nationaldaycalendar.com/navy-day -october-27/. Accessed February 21, 2022. 19 Days: The Final Campaign across Northwest Italy, 14 April–2 May, 1945. Reprint. Nashville, Tenn.: Battery Press, 1987. “Norman H. Davis of Red Cross Is Dead.” New York Times, July 2, 1944. “Nürnberg Trials.” Encyclopedia Britannica, November 30, 2021. https://www .britannica.com/event/Nurnberg-trials. Accessed May 11, 2022. “Nuremberg Trial, International Military Tribunal, 1945–1946.” The Robert H. Jackson Center. https://www.roberthjackson.org/nuremberg-timeline/#081946. Accessed May 10, 2022. “Obituary: Henry Cabot Lodge.” Army 35, no. 4 (April 1985): 15. Ojo, Praise. “Mountain Warriors of WWII—Moroccan Goumiers.” War History Online. https://www.warhistoryonline.com/world-war-ii/mountain-warriorswwii-goumiers.html. Accessed April 12, 2021. “Oscar Von Kohorn Dies at 80: Manufacturer of Fiber and Yarn.” New York Times, July 1, 1963. Patton, George S., Jr. Letter to Eisenhower, September 19, 1943. Eisenhower Presidential Library, Abeline, Kansas. . Letter to Geoffrey Keyes, December 23, 1944. Patton Papers, box 33, Library of Congress Manuscript Collection. Peters, Edward. “Resources on the Roman Rota.” CanonLaw.info. http://www .canonlaw.info/personal_rotademo.htm. Last modified January 7, 2013.

References  439 Pohanka, Vit. “The 1946 US Operation That Proved a Propaganda Coup for Czechoslovakia’s Communists.” Radio Prague International. https://english .radio.cz/1946-us-operation-proved-a-propaganda-coup-czechoslovakiascommunists-8139149. Accessed May 31, 2022. “Polish Generals.” Generals.Dk. https://www.generals.dk/nation/Poland.html. Porch, Douglas. The Path to Victory. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2004. “Potsdam Declaration.” Encyclopedia Britannica, July 19, 2021. https://www .britannica.com/topic/Potsdam-Declaration. Accessed April 18, 2022. Preuss, Lawrence. “Consular Immunities: The Kasenkina Case (U.S.-U.S.S.R.).” American Journal of International Law 43, no. 1 (January 1949): 37–56. “Register of the Anson Conger Goodyear Papers.” https://oac.cdlib.org/findaid /ark:/13030/tf0m3n97hd/entire_text/. Accessed July 21, 2022. “Robert Albert Bauer.” Obituary. Washington Post, October 2, 2003. https:// www.washingtonpost.com/archive/local/2003/10/02/robert-albert-bauer /fc573bec-3e8e-4cb5-a6f5-c7ecd516e90a/. Accessed July 28, 2022. “Robert D. Murphy.” US Department of State Archive. https://2001-2009.state. gov/r/pa/ei/rls/stamps/67016.htm. Accessed January 13, 2022. “Robert Porter Patterson: Soldier, Judge, Statesman, Citizen,” n.d. https://www .pbwt.com/content/uploads/2015/07/RobertPorterPatterson_book.pdf. Accessed April 28, 2022. “Robert Porter Patterson Sr.” Federal Judicial Center. https://www.fjc.gov /node/1386151. Accessed January 6, 2021. Roehner, Bertrand M. Relations between Allied Forces and the Populations of Germany and Austria. Working Report. Paris, France: Institute for Theoretical and High Energy Physics, University of Paris, April 14, 2009. https://www .lpthe.jussieu.fr/~roehner/ocg.pdf. Accessed May 17, 2022. Rolf, David. The Bloody Road to Tunis: Destruction of the Axis Forces in North Africa, November 1942–May 1943. London: Greenhill Books, 2001. Ross, Albion. “U.S. Austrian Chief Prods Soviet on Oil.” New York Times, August 8, 1947. Sauermann, Heinz. “The Consequences of the Currency Reform in Western Germany.” Review of Politics 12, no. 2 (April 1950): 175–196. Schmöckel, Sonja. “Schönbrunn after the Second World War—Nostalgia and Imperial Cult.” The World of the Hapsburgs. https://www.habsburger.net/en /chapter/schonbrunn-after-second-world-war-nostalgia-and-imperial-cult. Accessed August 6, 2022. Schultz, Duane. Crossing the Rapido: A Tragedy of World War II. Yardley, Pa.: Westholme, 2011. “Schurz Bridge.” 333. http://333rd.de/html/schurz_bridge.html. Last modified September 19, 2019. Accessed April 29, 2022. “Simon Hirsch Rifkind.” Jewish Virtual Library. https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary .org/simon-hirsch-rifkind. Accessed April 20, 2022.

440 References “South African Generals.” Generals.Dk. Accessed December 16, 2021. https:// www.generals.dk/nation/South_Africa.html. “Soviet Generals.” Generals.Dk. https://www.generals.dk/nation/Soviet_Union. html. Accessed January 17, 2022. Starr, Chester G., ed. From Salerno to the Alps: A History of the Fifth Army, 1943–1945. Washington, D.C.: Infantry Journal Press, 1948. Stearman, William Lloyd. “The Soviet Union and the Occupation of Austria: An Analysis of Soviet Policy in Austria, 1945–1955.” Ph.D. diss., University of Geneva, 1960. “Stinson L-5 Sentinel.” Military Wiki. https://military.wikia.org/wiki/Stinson_L-5_ Sentinel. Accessed November 19, 2021. Stout, David. “Andrew J. Goodpaster, 90, Soldier and Scholar, Dies.” New York Times, May 17, 2005, National edition, sec. D. “Summary of AG-057 United Nations Special Committee on Palestine (UNSCOP) (1947).” United Nations Archives and Records Management Section. https:// search.archives.un.org/downloads/united-nations-special-committee-onpalestine-unscop-1947.pdf. Last modified June 4, 2015. Accessed June 24, 2022. Taaffe, Stephen R. Marshall and His Generals: U.S. Army Commanders in World War II. Lawrence: Univ. Press of Kansas, 2011. Taylor, Frederick. Exorcising Hitler: The Occupation and Denazification of Germany. New York: Bloomsbury Press, n.d. Taylor, Lynne. In the Children’s Best Interests: Unaccompanied Children in American-Occupied Germany, 1945–1952. Toronto: Univ. of Toronto Press, 2017. United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. “Foehrenwald Displaced Persons Camp.” Holocaust Encyclopedia. https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content /en/article/foehrenwald-displaced-persons-camp. Accessed April 30, 2022. . “Lampertheim Displaced Persons Camp.” Holocaust Encyclopedia. https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/article/lampertheim-displacedpersons-camp. Accessed April 22, 2022. . “Lansberg Displaced Persons Camp.” Holocaust Encyclopedia. https:// encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/article/landsberg-displaced-personscamp. Last modified April 19, 2019. Accessed April 28, 2022. . “Stuttgart West Displaced Persons Camp.” Holocaust Encyclopedia. https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/article/stuttgart-west-displacedpersons-camp. Last modified April 22, 2019. Accessed April 25, 2022. . “United Nations Relief and Rehabilitarion Administration.” Holocaust Encyclopedia. https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/article/unitednations-relief-and-rehabilitation-administration. Accessed April 30, 2022. . “Zeilsheim Displaced Persons Camp.” Holocaust Encyclopedia. https:// encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/article/zeilsheim-displaced-personscamp-1. Accessed April 22, 2022.

References  441 “The U. S. Constabulary in Post-War Germany (1946–52).” US Army Center for Military History. https://history.army.mil/html/forcestruc/constab-ip.html. Last modified April 2000. Accessed January 20, 2022. “U.S. Military Court Starts Trial of Eight Austrians Charged with Attacking Dp Camps.” Jewish Telegraphic Agency. https://www.jta.org/archive/u-s-militarycourt-starts-trial-of-eight-austrians-charged-with-attacking-dp-camps. Last modified September 9, 1947. Accessed August 30, 2022. “U.S. Officers in Austria Get Motto Citing Duties.” New York Times, June 15, 1947. “U.S. Returns Part of Hesse Jewels.” New York Times, August 2, 1951. “Voest up to the Austrian State Treaty: 1945–1955.” Voestalpine. https://www .voestalpine.com/group/en/group/overview/history/1945-1955.html. Accessed July 14, 2022. “WAC’s Colonel Westray Battle Boyce—A Proud North Carolinian.” NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. https://www.ncdcr.gov/blog/2013 /02/08/wacs-colonel-westray-battle-boyce-a-proud-north-carolinian. Last modified February 8, 2016. Accessed May 17, 2022. Wagner, Margaret E., Linda B. Osborne, Susan Reyburn, and Staff of the Library of Congress. The Library of Congress World War II Companion. Edited by David M. Kennedy. New York: Simon and Schuster, 2007. “The Wespons Systems Evaluation Group.” The NDC Blog. https://declassification .blogs.archives.gov/2018/03/07/the-weapons-systems-evaluation-group/. Last modified March 7, 2018. Accessed September 5, 2022. Weigley, Russell F. Eisenhower’s Lieutenants: The Campaigns of France and Germany, 1944–1945. Bloomington: Indiana Univ. Press, 1981. Weinberg, Gerhard L. A World at Arms: A Global History of World War II, 2nd ed. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge Univ. Press, n.d. Whitnah, Donald R., and Edgar L. Erickson. The American Occupation of Austria: Planning and Early Years. Contributions in Military Studies 46. Westport, Conn.: Greenwood Press, 1985. Williams, Warren W. “British Policy and the Occupation of Austria, 1945–1955.” Ph.D. diss., University of Wales, 2004. cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa43184. Accessed July 25, 2022. Wilson, John B. Armies, Corps, Divisions and Separate Brigades. CMH Pub 60-7. Army Lineage Series. Washington, D.C.: US Government Printing Office, 1999. https://history.army.mil/html/books/060/60-7/cmhPub_60-7-1.pdf. Accessed April 13, 2022. Wollmertorpher, Ingeborg L. “Austrian Federation of Trade Unions.” Master’s thesis, Montana State University, 1952. https://scholarworks.umt.edu/cgi /viewcontent.cgi?article=5892&context=etd. Accessed July 26, 2022. Woodside, Nancy. “The Yoo Hoo Incident.” Notsofancynancy. https://notsofancy nancy.wordpress.com/2012/04/05/world-war-ii-chapter-6-the-yoo-hooincident/. Last modified April 5, 2012. Accessed October 15, 2021.

442 References Wooldridge, Dorothy Elizabeth. “Yugoslav-United States Relations, 1946–1947, Stemming from the Shooting of U.S. Planes over Yugoslavia, August 9 and 19, 1946.” Master’s thesis, Rice University, 1971. https://hdl.handle.net/1911 /89147. Accessed May 7, 2022. “Working Diplomats.” Life, May 29, 1950. “Yugoslavian Generals.” Generals.Dk. https://generals.dk/nation/Yugoslavia.html. Accessed March 25, 2022. Ziemke, Earl F. The U.S. Army in the Occupations of Germany: 1944–1946. Washington, D.C.: US Government Printing Office, 1975.

Oral History Interviews

Interviews in this section are archived at the USMA Library at 758 Cullum Road, West Point, New York, 10996-0000. For more information, please visit library.westpoint.edu. Anderson, Kingsley S. (engineer officer) Clark, Mark (commanding general, Fifth Army) Frederick, Robert T. (commander, 1st Special Service Force) Holsinger, James W. (G-4, II Corps) Keyes, Geoffrey (commanding general, II Corps) Lang, Will (William John Lang Jr.; European theater correspondent, LIFE Magazine) Liese, Theodore W. (intelligence officer) Lynch, George E. (commander, 142nd Infantry Regiment) Murphy, Robert Daniel (US ambassador) Porter, Robert W., Jr. (G-3, II Corps) Sevareid, Eric (CBS journalist) Sions, Harry (correspondent, YANK Magazine) Sloan, John E. (commanding general, 88th Division) Stack, Robert (assistant commander, 36th Infantry Division) Velde, Robert van de (intelligence officer, II Corps) Walker, Fred L. Walker (commanding general, 36th Division) Walter, Mercer C. (G-2, II Corps) Source: Adleman, Robert H., and George Walton. Rome Fell Today. Boston: Little, Brown, 1968.

443

Index

Page numbers in italics refer to illustrations. 1st Armored Division, US: Arno River crossing, 127, 134, 135; commanding generals, 16, 59, 61, 66, 69, 168, 388n47, 404n17, 414n94, 417n156; division of combat commands, 12; establishes Salvaro post, 181; Gothic Line, 151, 157, 162; invasion of North Africa, 6, 7, 8, 12; invasion of Sicily, 21; Italian campaign, 51, 55, 58, 59, 63, 71, 76, 77, 90, 117, 122, 127, 134, 181; liberation of Rome, 117, 122; occupation of Germany, 209, 213, 228; prisoners and deserters captured by, 179; spring 1945 offensive, 181, 209, 213, 228; transfer to II Corps, 151; Winter Line operations, 55, 58, 59, 63, 71, 76, 77 First Army, British, 6–8, 16, 20, 26, 47 1 Corps, Canadian, 109 1st Infantry Division, 6, 8, 29, 41, 45 1st Italian Motorized Group, 67, 69, 70 1st Parachute Division, German, 88 1st Ranger Battalion, 6 1st Special Service Force, 63, 65, 66, 72, 77, 109 1st US Volunteer Cavalry Regiment (Rough Riders), 1 2nd Armored Division: commanding generals, 204, 214, 388n47, 389n66, 392n104, 394n50, 395n80, 413n73, 413n78, 414n95; invasion of North Africa,

445

6; under Joss Task Force, 27, 29, 32; Keyes as chief of staff, 2, 16, 18, 32, 34–36, 44; under Provisional Corps, 28, 33, 34; Sicilian campaign, 28, 32, 33, 34–36 2 Corps, Polish, 109 II Corps, US: Battle of the Kasserine Pass, 8, 14; Bradley as commanding general, 8, 17, 19; under Center Task Force, 6; under Eastern Task Force, 27; under Eighth Army, 190–191; under Fifth Army, 49–50; Fourth Battle of Cassino, 369; Fredendall as commanding general, 7–8, 12; Gothic Line operations, 3; inactivation of, 200, 212; invasion of Sicily, 21, 26, 27, 28, 33, 37, 41; Keyes as commanding general, 3, 48–50, 54–55, 370–371, 377–378; Keyes relieved from, 200; Keyes’s congratulatory V-E messages to, 188–189; Lucas as commanding general, 46, 47; Patton as commanding general, 8, 16–17; Rapido River operations, 76–77; “Speedy” nickname, 12–13; spring 1945 offensive, 181, 182; under US Forces Austria, 191, 197–198, 200, 201; Winter Line operations, 66–67, 69 2nd Moroccan Division, 177 2nd New Zealand Division, 81, 87–88, 137, 190

446 Index 3rd Algerian Infantry Division, 104, 110, 117, 207 3rd Armored Division, 2, 210, 212, 213 Third Army, US, 191, 197, 200, 202, 203, 211, 224–225, 233; “Operation Plan for Reorganization, Ground Forces, United States Zone, Germany,” 248; Hodges as commanding general, 397n38; Keyes as commanding general, 3, 274; Patton as commanding general, 202, 206; Truscott as commanding general, 210, 414n90 3rd Infantry Division: commanding generals, 388n48, 388n55, 403n76, 417n155, 418n163, 418n175; deactivation and reactivation of, 248; under II Corps, 117; invasion of Sicily, 32, 33, 35, 39, 41, 42; under Joss Task Force, 27, 29, 32; liberation of Rome, 119; under Provisional Corps, 2, 28, 33 3rd Panzer Grenadier Division, 56, 75 3rd Ranger Battalion, 27, 29, 32, 67 4th Armored Division, 180 IV Corps, US, 89, 134, 140, 144, 150, 151, 153, 162–163, 165, 168–172, 181, 186–187, 216, 394n51 4th Indian Division, 81, 83, 86, 87–89, 99 4th Moroccan Mountain Division, 116, 124 Fifth Army, US: Arno River crossing operations, 124–125, 131, 134, 140; commanding generals, 3, 44; Gothic Line operations, 145–147, 150–151, 153, 159, 162, 167–170; Gustav Line operations, 74–75; invasion of mainland Italy, 47, 52–56; liberation of Rome, 87, 88, 92–93, 109, 114–115, 117, 119; spring 1945 offensive, 181–182, 184, 186, 189; Winter Line operations, 60, 62–64, 66

5 Corps, British, 8, 92, 109 V Corps, British, 19 5th Infantry Division, 28 5th Infantry Division, British, 53 5th Mountain Division, 75 Fifth Panzer Army, 7–8, 14 6th Armored Division, British, 7, 72, 73 6th Armored Infantry, 73, 78 Sixth Army, Italian, 27, 38 6th Cavalry Regiment, 2 VI Corps, US, 380; commanding generals, 20, 52, 55, 90, 412n57, 413n76, 418n164; composition, 52–53, 59; invasion of Sicily, 21; landing at Anzio, 75, 77–78, 80–81, 88; liberation of Rome, 115, 117–121; Winter Line operations, 52–53, 57, 59, 60, 61, 63, 64, 66, 69, 75, 380 6th South African Armored Division, 184–185, 187 VII Corps, US, 55 7th Armored Division, British, 8 Seventh Army, US: 1 Armored Corps redesignated as, 2, 12, 22; consolidation with Third Army, 225, 233, 243; Keyes appointed commander, 3, 202–203; occupation of Germany, 191, 201–203, 205, 208, 217–218, 224–225, 233; Operation Husky, 2, 27, 31, 32–33; Provisional Corps commanded by Keyes, 2–3, 28–44, 369; Western Task Force, 27 7th Infantry Regiment, 42, 57, 64, 230 Eighth Army, British: Italian campaign, 46, 47, 52–53, 56, 60, 75, 87, 92–93, 109, 119, 124, 140, 145, 151, 162, 181, 187, 190; North African campaign, 8–9, 14, 16, 18–19, 20, 22, 27–28, 32–33 9th Armored Division, 2, 63, 150, 177 9th Infantry Division, 6, 8, 243, 248

Index  447 10 Corps, British, 52–53, 55, 57, 62–66, 72–77, 91–93, 98–99, 109, 380 10th Armored Division, 177 10th Panzer Division, 7 11th Armored Division, 191, 197, 200, 303 11th Infantry Brigade, 88 13 Corps, British, 27, 135, 136, 138–142, 145, 156, 181 XIV Panzer Corps, 56, 75, 93, 109 XV Corps, 90, 177 15th Army Group, 26, 34, 46, 57, 60, 370, 371; activation of, 26; Italian campaign, 87, 89–90, 92, 160, 162–163, 178, 181–182; redesignated 15th Army Group from AAI, 166; redesignated US Forces Austria, 191, 194; renamed Allied Armies, Italy, 92, 160, 162–163. See also US Forces Austria 15th Panzer Grenadier Division, 63 16th Panzer Division, 48, 52 16th SS Panzer Grenadier Division, 125, 179 18th Army Group, 8, 20 18th Field Artillery Brigade, 77 XIX Corps, French, 7, 8, 20, 89, 92 19th German Air Force Field Division, 125 20th German Air Force Field Division, 125 XXIII Corps, 204, 205, 211 26th Infantry Division, 55, 196 26th Infantry Regiment, 33, 41 26th Panzer Division, 56, 125 28th Infantry Division, 16 29th Panzer Grenadier Division, 75, 125 30 Corps, British, 27 30th Infantry Division, 41, 44, 52 34th Infantry Division, 6, 8, 20, 57, 77, 79, 93, 116, 123, 181, 391n87 36th Infantry Division, 52, 63, 66, 76–77, 79, 90, 109, 114, 390n75, 413n77

39th Infantry Regiment, 34–35, 51, 250, 260 41st Armored Infantry Regiment, 46 44th Grenadier Division, 179 45th Infantry Division, 19, 24, 28–29, 31, 34, 37–38, 42–48, 52, 55, 59, 63, 74, 124, 134 46th Infantry Division, British, 52, 76–77 52nd Troop Carrier Wing (USAAF), 31 56th Infantry Division, British, 52, 56–57, 63–64 60th Infantry Regiment, 45 71st Antiaircraft Artillery Brigade, 59 71st Field Artillery Brigade, 63, 68, 77 71st Infantry Division, 178 71st Panzer Grenadier Division, 93, 109, 179 LXXVI Corps, German, 56 78th Division, British, 6, 81, 87, 96 78th Division, Canadian, 28 82nd Airborne Division, 2, 19, 28–29, 31–36, 43, 47, 52, 63, 68, 75, 215 84th Chemical Battalion, 162 84th Infantry Division, 204, 211–212, 214, 216 85th Infantry Division, 93, 96, 97, 99–102, 105–106, 108–120, 128–135, 140, 145, 147–158, 160–162, 168–169, 181, 188, 402n36 88th Infantry Division, 89, 93, 109, 190 90th Panzer Grenadier Division, 75, 125, 180 91st Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron, 59, 61, 96, 97, 106, 113–116, 120, 144, 146, 162 91st Infantry Division, 134, 181, 190 92nd Infantry Division, 154–155, 167, 168–170 94th Panzer Grenadier Division, 75, 93, 109 110th Quartermaster Battalion, 64 133rd Infantry Regiment, 90, 145, 149, 175, 176, 184

448 Index 141st Infantry Regiment, 69–70, 77–78, 84–85, 91 142nd Infantry Regiment, 66–67, 69–70, 77–81 143rd Infantry Regiment, 58, 67–71, 77–78, 96, 205 157th Mountain Division, German, 175 168th Infantry Regiment, 72, 79–80, 83, 84–85, 145, 149, 150, 176 334th Grenadier Division, 7, 145, 153 350th Infantry Regiment, 110, 112, 115, 135, 151, 153, 167, 175, 178, 299 356th Grenadier Division, 125, 179 442nd Infantry Regiment (Japanese American), 141–144 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 32, 34, 68, 70 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 31, 32 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 6 760th Tank Battalion, 99, 100, 117 Abakumov, Dimitri Lvovich, 339, 426n88 Abbey of Montecassino, 74–75, 82, 87–88, 109, 229 Acheson, Dean, 339 Adcock, Clarence Lionel, 206, 212–213, 235, 415n117 Adige Line, 171 Afrika Corps, German, 8 Alexander, Harold R. L. G., 8, 60, 64, 71, 82, 91, 381–382; liberation of Rome, 106, 108–109, 124; Rapido River crossing operation, 60, 64, 71, 82; Sicilian campaign, 26–28, 30, 32, 34, 37–38, 39–40, 391n92; Tunisian campaign, 19, 20, 22, 26, 391n92 Allen, Frank Albert, Jr., 72, 73, 401n18, 415n115 Allen, Gordon, 226, 251 Allen, Hank, 51, 71, 92, 99, 129, 212 Allen, Roderick R. “Red,” 209, 225, 227, 228, 236, 414n94

Allen, Terry, 40, 45, 393n37 Allied Control Commission for Bulgaria, 423n16, 425n52 Allied Control Commission in Austria, 411n41, 423n21, 425n51 Allied Control Council (ACC): approval of Currency Protection Law, 328; charter of, 192; Control Agreements, 275–276, 306; creation and structure of, 275– 276; first meeting chaired by Keyes, 278; Keyes as US High Commissioner for Austria, 3, 195, 295, 368; Potsdam agreement and, 224 Allied Military Government of Occupied Territories (AMGOT), 39, 40, 43, 46, 394n47 Allied Tactical Air Forces, 391n100 Almond, Edward Mallory, 154, 406n45 Almond, Edward Mallory “Ned,” Jr., 239, 269 Alsop, Joseph, 320 Ambrosio, Vittorio, 37, 45 Anders, Wladyslaw, 109, 186 Anderson, Jonathan W., 16, 388n48 Anderson, Kenneth A. N., 6, 7–8, 16, 20, 26, 386n14 Anderson, Paul, 321 Andresen, August H., 317 Andrus, Burton, 252 Andrus, Clift, 13, 240, 243, 419n181 Anfa (Casablanca) Conference, 13 Anfa Camp, 13 anti-Semitism, 227, 262, 311, 318 Apennine Mountains, 53, 60, 92, 109, 129, 138, 149, 151, 154, 182 Arcadia Conference, 5 Arnold, Archibald Vincent, 165, 407n66 Arnold, William Howard, 252, 420n196 Arno River, 3, 124–125, 130, 133– 134, 137–139, 141, 143, 144 atomic weapons, 367, 369 Austria: 1949 elections, 366; Linz steel plant, 340, 345, 346

Index  449 Austrian Treaty Commission, 294, 295, 300, 305, 312 Bad Ischl riot trial, 315, 318–319, 332 Badoglio, Pietro, 37 Baehr, Carl Adolph, 65, 68, 71, 72, 73, 96, 97, 102, 118, 398n55, 401n30 Baer, Joseph A., 58, 61, 396 Bailey, Thomas A., 308 Balmer, Jesmond Dene, 276, 277, 284, 292, 301, 304–305, 308–315, 322–323, 331, 340–341, 345–351, 422n11 Banfill, Charles Yawkey, 274, 422n228 Barré, Georges, 7 Battle for Cassino. See under Italian campaign Battle of Monte Lungo, 62 Battle of San Pietro, 61, 67–70 Battle of the Bulge, 167, 391n97 Battle of the Kasserine Pass, 8, 12, 14, 16 Bauer, Robert Albert, 366 Benes, Edvard, 321, 330 Berlin Airlift, 330, 332, 337 Berlin Blockade, 3, 332, 342, 355, 356, 358, 360, 372 Bernstein, Phillip Sidney, 251, 253, 273, 283, 303, 304, 310, 312 Bethouart, Marie-Emil-Antoine, 196–199, 254, 306–307, 323, 338, 340, 341, 346, 363, 411n34 Bevans, James Millikan, 212, 227, 266, 290, 415n114 Bevin, Ernest, 304, 315, 325, 328, 329, 341, 356 Bidault, Georges, 304, 323, 327 Bissell, Clayton L., 294, 324, 326, 330 Bizerte, Tunisia, 7, 8, 19, 20, 24, 29, 47, 391n89 Blaizot, Roger, 20 Bohlen, Charles E., 324, 325, 328–329 Boisson, Pierre F., 19 Bolling, Alexander Russell, 211, 213, 214, 245, 256, 415n109

Bolte, Charles Lawrence, 133, 137, 147, 156, 162, 163, 164, 168, 172, 173, 174, 176, 186, 404n18 Boyce, Westray Battle, 264, 421n213 Boyle, William, 359 Bradley, Omar, 8–9, 12, 16–23, 27–28, 38–40, 43–47, 49, 92, 317, 379, 383 Brann, Donald Weldon, 62, 64, 73, 90, 103, 132, 137, 141, 143, 199, 397n40 Brasic, Ilija D., 199, 411n43 Brazilian Expeditionary Force, 194, 405n29 Bresnahan, Thomas Francis, 274, 290, 424n34 Brewer, Carlos, 213, 214, 216, 217–218, 246, 250, 252, 265, 276, 282, 416n119 British Mandate, 313 Broadhurst, Harry, 37, 393n38 Brooke, Alan, 5 Brown, Thoburn Kaye, 91, 92, 93, 100, 102, 108, 112, 126, 160, 213, 230, 248, 292, 400n14, 401n25, 406n58 Browning, Frederick A. M., 22, 391n93 Bull, Harold Roe, 18, 204, 218–219, 226, 230–231, 233–236, 239–240, 247–252, 258, 389n68, 413n71 Bundy, Harvey Hollister, 130, 404n11 Burress, Withers A., 178, 201, 252, 273, 287, 412n57 Butler, Frederick B., 79, 80, 84, 97, 399n86 Byrnes, James F., 255–256, 270 Camp Marcus Orr, 279, 301, 315 Camp McCauley, 336, 340 Camp Robinson, 65 Camp Truscott, 315, 332, 345 Cannon, Cavendish W., 362 Cannon, John Kenneth, 17, 23, 388n54, 391n100, 401n32, 411n38

450 Index Carleton, Don Emerson, 43, 62, 63, 234–236, 238, 394n53, 397n43, 414n91 Carl Schurz Bridge dedication ceremony, 244 Carpentier, Marcel-Maurice, 102, 131, 178, 402n42, 408n22 Casablanca Conference, 13, 25 Castellano, Giuseppe, 45 Cecina River, 125 Center Task Force, 6 Chamberlin, Stephen J., 294 Chandler, Albert B. “Happy,” 92 Chandler, Benjamin Chandler, III, 92, 401n17 Cherriere, Paul D. R., 68, 279, 281–282, 295, 296, 302, 323, 423n18 Chevillon, Andre-Claude, 204, 207, 413n68 Chiang Kai-Shek, 420n211 Chidlaw, Benjamin Wiley, 157, 167, 175, 406n50 Churchill, Winston, 328; broadcast from Quebec Conference, 46; Casablanca Conference, 13; meeting with Tito, 139; Operation Torch and, 5; speech at Lord Mayor’s banquet (1944), 161; succeeded by Attlee, 192; Tehran Conference, 68; on Truscott’s succeeding Clark, 163, 261 civilian internment camps, 248, 249, 270 Clark, Mark W.: acceptance of German surrender, 190; commanding general of 15th Army Group, 166; commanding general of Fifth Army, 3; commanding general of US Forces Austria, 194–195, 197, 198–199, 264, 270, 410n26; Keyes and, 3, 168, 174, 370–371; in Keyes–Patton correspondence, 381–382; Operation Anvil, 125; Operation Avalanche, 44; Operation Torch, 6, 10; Rapido River operations,

237; US high commissioner for Austria, 194–195, 410n26 Clay, Lucius DuBignon, 192, 206, 210, 214, 225, 255, 270–274, 286–287, 303–306, 310–311, 321, 324–325, 356, 357, 359–360, 412n52 coal shortages, 268–269, 300, 305, 308–310, 318, 320, 332 Coffey, John Will, 175, 407n6 Colbern, William Henry, 155, 406n46 Collier, John Howell, 206, 216, 414n79, 416n123 Collier, William Albert, 177, 408n17 Collins, Joseph Lawton, 163, 242, 252, 254, 289, 304–305, 331, 360, 361–362, 406n62, 420n194 Command Post Exercise (CPX), 10 Coningham, Arthur, 17 Conolly, Richard L., 19, 20, 29, 32, 390n76 Cook, Gilbert Richard, 204, 413n74 Cooke, Ronald Basil Bowen Bancroft, 306, 423n21 Coulter, John Breitling, 97, 98, 100, 107, 130, 132, 134, 135, 164–165, 402n36 Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM), 291, 295, 323–330, 356–358, 361, 362, 366–367 Craig, Louis Aleck, 201, 207, 229, 317, 412n54, 425n59 Crain, James K., 48, 395n73 Crane, William C. “Pink,” 42, 89, 100, 104, 105, 106, 127, 151, 165, 168, 394n51 Creed, Richard L. “Dick,” 62 Crittenberger, Townsend, 205, 238 Crittenberger, Willis D., Jr., 177, 245 Crittenberger, Willis D. “Critt,” 89–94, 100, 102–104, 107–108, 112, 116–117, 129–136, 138–141, 162–177, 180, 205, 381, 382–383 Cunningham, Andrew, 13, 387n34 Currency Protection Law, 328 Czechoslovakia, 191, 306, 330, 360, 418n166

Index  451 Dager, Holmes Ely, 200, 276, 280, 284–285, 287, 288, 289, 412n50, 422n12 Dahlquist, John Ernest, 212, 415n111 Dalbey, Josiah Toney, 261, 274, 420n210 Dapino, Cesare V., 62, 66, 68, 71, 73, 76, 397n39 Darby, William O., 35 Darlan, François, 7 Davidson, Garrison H., 90, 272, 400n11 Davidson, Lyal Ament, 39, 42, 43, 50, 113, 403n65 Davis, Forrest, 277, 289 Davis, Jack, 72, 179 Davis, Norman H., 48 Dawley, Ernest J., 18, 19, 20, 50, 52, 389n67 de Gaulle, Charles, 13, 61, 113, 128–129, 133, 388n46 de Guingand, Francis, 26, 37 de Lattre de Tassigny, Jean-JosephMarie-Gabriel, 176, 226, 234, 259, 351, 408n12 Demitz, Charles Geoffrey, 117 Demitz, Robert “Bob” (Keyes’s son-in-law), 121, 204–205, 210, 228–229 de Monsabert, Joseph-Jean de Goislard, 79, 104, 123, 204, 207, 215–216, 235, 237, 238, 257, 259, 260, 399n88, 413n67 Dempsey, Miles, 26 Desobry, William (Keyes’s son-in-law), 176, 179, 371 Devine, John Matthew, 204, 206, 209, 212, 214, 215, 216, 413n73, 413n78, 414n95 Dirksen, Everett, 318 displaced persons (DPs), 191–192, 203, 207; in Austria, 275, 283, 308, 311–312, 314, 317, 353–354; congressional briefings on, 363; demographics, 354; protests and riots, 249, 261, 287, 294, 303,

311–313, 319; Stratton Bill (Displaced Persons Act), 305 displaced persons camps: Badenhausen, 259–261; Bad Ischl, 315, 319, 332; Bindermichel, 340; Braunau am Inn, 315; Darmstadt, 212, 218, 228, 261; discipline and control, 240; Enns, 302; Foehrenwald, 249; Franz Joseph Kaserne, 303–305; Funk Kaserne, 247, 249, 269; Lampertheim, 227, 228, 230; Lansberg, 241; living conditions, 208, 211–212, 228, 247–248; Mannheim, 208, 230, 268; New Palestine, 331; Steyr, 302; Stuttgart, 234, 235, 237–238, 240; Zeilsheim, 227, 228 Displaced Persons Operations, US Army in Germany, 427n104 Dodge, Joseph, 257, 294–295, 298, 300, 302, 309, 310, 311, 312, 313, 325, 327, 329, 343, 345, 355 Dody, Andre-Marie-Francois, 63, 65, 125, 177, 397n48 Dönitz, Karl, 259 Donnelly, Walter J., 368 Dorr, Goldthwaite “Goldie,” 267 Douglas, Sholto, 320, 425n66 Douglas C-47 Skytrain, 31, 51, 176, 178, 240, 242, 247, 250, 251, 253, 259, 294, 365 Draper, William H., Jr., 334, 337, 348 Duff, Robinson Earl, 263, 277 Duke, James T., 177, 351, 352, 394n58 Duke, Jimmie, Jr., 44, 51, 57, 351, 352, 394n58 Dulles, Eleanor Lansing, 296 Dulles, John Foster, 324, 325, 327 Durant, Jack W., 266 Dutra, Eurico Gaspar, 152 Eagles, William W., 63, 397n49 Eaker, Ira Clarence, 104, 198, 402n51, 411n39 Eastern Task Force, 6, 11, 26–27 Eberhalter, Herman, 320

452 Index Eberle, George Leland, 175, 407n8 Eddy, Manton S., 21, 23, 37, 50, 51, 177, 390n86, 393n39, 408n14 Edwards, Idwal Hubert, 78, 104, 212, 218, 228–229, 238, 243, 274, 288, 289, 290, 291, 326, 370–371, 399n83, 417n160 Eisenhower, Dwight D., 6, 127, 163, 164, 172, 192, 197, 200, 201, 205–208, 210; attends Nuremberg trials, 257; correspondence with Keyes, 377–378; on Keyes as commander of II Corps, 48–49, 50–51, 376–377; in Keyes–Patton correspondence, 381, 383; leadership advice to Keyes, 371; letter of censure to Patton, 43, 65; Operation Torch, 8; relieves Fredendall, 12–13 Elliott, Dabney, 68, 398n62 Erhardt, John George, 276, 284, 304–318, 328–351, 356, 363–365, 368, 422n9 Esslingen denazification office bombing, 267 European Recovery Program (Marshall Plan), 304–306, 324–325, 331–332, 346, 367, 372 Eyster, George Senseny, 212, 415n116 Farrand, Edward G., 226, 234, 246, 269, 314, 417n154 Figl, Leopold, 275, 277, 289, 292– 294, 298–299, 301, 306–307, 318–322, 337–338, 346–348, 353–354, 355, 368 Flory, Lester DeLong, 195, 411n28 food crisis, Austrian, 322 Frank, Hans, 262 Frank, Pat, 286, 288, 289, 290 Fredendall, Lloyd R., 6, 7, 11, 12–13, 16, 26, 388n47, 389n66 Frederick, Robert T., 63, 68, 102, 119, 120, 397n46 Frémont, John C., 1 French Army of the Rhine, 414n86

French Expeditionary Corps (FEC), 72, 75, 78, 81, 82, 88, 92–93, 111, 117, 124, 125, 127, 134 Freyberg, Bernard C., 75, 81, 86, 87, 90, 101 Frick, Wilhelm, 262 Fry, James Clyde, 135, 152, 167, 178, 267, 321, 405n40 fuel shortages, 268–269, 300, 305, 308–310, 318, 320, 332 Gaffey, Hugh J., 24, 35, 36, 38, 42, 50, 177, 180, 392n104, 394n50, 395n80, 408n15 Gailey, Charles Kenon, Jr., 339, 340, 427n90 Gairdner, Charles H., 21, 26–27, 390n83 Galleghan, Frederick Gallagher, 348, 428n106 Galloway, Alexander, 315, 318, 319, 326, 338, 341–342, 344, 348–351, 355–357, 367, 425n61 Gammell, James A. H., 78, 399n82 Gardner, Alex O., 288 Garigliano River, 53, 56, 58, 66, 72, 74–75, 81, 92–93, 114 Gari River, 74 Gavin, James M., 31 Gay, Hobart Raymond, 24, 28, 29, 40, 41, 45, 177, 220, 245–247, 392n16, 417n156 gendarmerie, Austrian, 316, 342, 344, 346, 347, 348, 367 Genghis Khan Line, 171, 182 George VI of United Kingdom, 135 Gerhardt, Charles Hunter, 60, 206, 207, 208, 214, 218, 257, 396n31, 414n83 German-American Bund, 229 German defensive lines in Italy: Gothic Line, 3, 54, 119, 124, 131, 134, 140, 145, 147–150, 167, 182, 183, 369; Winter Line, 53, 54, 56–57, 62, 66, 67, 73, 74 German Tenth Army, 56, 109, 117 Germany defensive lines in Italy, 54

Index  453 Gerow, Leonard Townsend, 20, 60, 163, 199, 390n82, 412n46 Gibson, Eddy, 17 Gibson, Harvey, 211–212, 289 Giles, Benjamin F., 78, 399n84 Gilliot, Auguste-Jean, 269, 421n221 Giraud, Henri-Honoré, 13, 59, 61, 79, 101, 129, 387n35, 388n46 Glass, Monty, 292 Goodyear, Anson Conger, 289 Gorder, Alexander Oscar, 289, 303, 309, 424n33 Gothic Line, 3, 54, 119, 124, 131, 134, 140, 145, 147–150, 167, 182, 183, 369 Graf, Maximillian, 365 Grigg, James, 23, 392n103 Grogan, Stanley J., 276, 278, 422n10 Grow, Robert Walker, 210, 212, 215, 415n101 Gruber, Karl, 294, 298, 299, 302, 306–307, 312, 315–316, 319, 329, 337, 351, 366 Gruenther, Alfred M., 55, 61, 71–72, 78, 92, 95, 99–106, 115–117, 139–149, 165, 180, 197, 410n27 Guillaume, Augustin-Leon, 99, 106, 108, 115, 235, 402n38, 403n54 Gustav Line, 3, 53, 54, 74–75, 78, 81, 82, 85, 92–93, 97, 109–110, 111, 124, 369 Guthrie, John Simpson, 226, 233, 418n168 Guzzoni, Alfredo, 27, 38 Haines, Oliver Lincoln “Ollie,” 206, 312, 336, 414n80, 426n84 Haines, Ralph, 299 Haislip, Wade Hampton, 89, 90, 200, 202, 205, 241, 335, 400n8, 412n48, 426n81 Hall, John L., 18, 19, 20, 29, 392n18 Handy, Thomas Troy, 23, 231, 241, 242, 310, 362, 365, 391n98, 418n165, 419n178 Hardigg, Carl Adolphus, 147, 305, 323, 405n32

Harkins, Gary, 216 Harkins, Paul D., 18, 19, 24 Harkins, Tom, 139 Harmon, Ernest Nason, 16, 18, 23, 59, 236, 245–246, 273–274, 276, 280, 380, 388n47, 389n66, 418n164 Harrison, Marjorie, 21, 96, 151 Hawkesworth, John L. I., 65, 398n54 Haynes, Loyal Moyer, 266, 336, 426n83 Hays, George Price, 334, 357, 426n80 Helmer, Oskar, 348, 356, 359, 365 Hendrix, Raleigh R., 85, 97, 103, 400n98 Henry, Guy Vernor, 128, 129, 242, 404n10 Henry, Stephen Garrett, 174, 407n3 Hermann Goering Panzer Division, 7, 31, 52, 56, 75, 125 Hess, Walter Wood, Jr., 65, 398n56 Hewitt, Henry Kent, 17, 19, 22, 24, 29, 389n60 Hickey, Francis F., 276, 280, 288–289, 297–300, 327–329, 331, 338–339, 343, 363–364, 422n7 Hicks, Levin, Jr., 407n5 Hitler, Adolf, 27, 133, 150, 154, 328 Hitler Line, 3 Hobson, William H., 48, 395n74 Hodges, Courtney H., 61, 397n38 Hoge, William Morris, 347, 352, 427n103 Holsinger, James W., 18, 89, 160, 161, 175, 202, 205, 371, 389n62, 406n59, 413n75 Hoover, Herbert, 280–281 House, Edwin J., 39, 394n46 Hube, Hans V., 38 Huebner, Clarence R., 20, 23, 26, 29, 250–252, 258, 270–274, 276, 283–284, 287, 290, 338, 357, 390n80, 393n37 Hughes, Everett Strait, 29, 62, 66, 176, 178, 179, 218, 219, 391n96, 416n131 Hughes, John H., 45

454 Index Hull, John Edwin, 13, 91, 177, 242, 387n36 Hume, Edgar Erskine, 155, 179, 197, 411n35 I Armored Corps, 2, 12, 16, 17, 22 Ickes, Harold L., 209, 414n97 infiltrees (post-hostilities refugees), 247, 251 International Military Tribunal war crimes trials, 235–236, 251, 253–258, 259–260, 262, 269, 418n171 Irwin, Stafford LeRoy, 103, 177, 402n47 Italian campaign: attacks on Cassino and Monastery Hill, 83, 85, 88, 90; capture of Rome, 116–123; First Battle of Cassino, 85; Fourth Battle of Cassino, 109; German surrender, 116–123, 187, 188, 190–191; invasion of mainland Italy, 46–51; invasion of Sicily, 13, 22, 25–43, 25–43, 30, 31, 39, 76; Salerno landings, 52–55; Second Battle of Cassino, 87–88; spring 1945 offensive, 181–189; Third Battle of Cassino, 97, 109 Japan: Pearl Harbor attacks, 2, 5; surrender of, 194, 196 Jay, Henry Davis, 97, 98, 100, 143, 148, 401n35 Jodl, Alfred, 259, 262 John, Allan Francis, Baron Harding of Petherton, 82–83, 102, 137, 400n97 Johnson, Louis A., 348, 355 Joss Task Force, 27, 29, 32 Juin, Alphonse, 65, 78–81, 83, 100–102, 104–106, 109, 112–114, 120–121, 135, 186, 254, 260, 371 Kaltenbrunner, Ernst, 262 Keightley, C. F., 87 Keitel, Wilhelm, 235–236, 259, 262, 418n171

Keithley, Charles, 349–350 Kelley, Augustine Bernard, 307, 308 Kendall, Paul Wilkins, 141, 142, 166, 332, 336, 344, 347, 352, 354, 355, 358, 363, 365, 404n23, 426n76 Kenner, Albert Walton, 219, 220, 416n135 Kesselring, Albert, 14, 56, 93, 119, 180, 181 Keyes, Alexander S. B., 1 Keyes, Geoffrey: Allied Council chair, 368; Army commission, 2; assigned to 6th Cavalry Regiment, 2; athleticism of, 1; birth of, 1; children of, 2; Cold War service, 3; commander of 9th Armored Division, 2; commander of Provisional Corps, Seventh Army, 2–3, 28–44, 369; commander of Seventh Army, 3, 202–203; commander of US Forces Austria, 372; death and burial of, 4, 373; death of wife, Leila, 372–373; decorations and awards, 4; departure from Austria, 368; Distinguished Service Cross and Oak Leaf Cluster awarded to, 4, 44, 170; Distinguished Service Medal and Oak Leaf Clusters awarded to, 4, 44, 45, 273–274; education, 1–2; interwar service, 2; Keyes–Patton correspondence, 379–384; leadership skills, 369–371; marriage to Leila Harrison, 2; parents of, 1; personality and temperament of, 3–4; promotion to brigadier general, 2; promotion to major general, 2; retirement in Tucson, Arizona, 4, 372–373; Silver Star and Oak Leaf Cluster awarded to, 4, 44, 147; student at US Military Academy, West Point, 1–2; teacher and coach at US Military Academy, West Point, 2; US high commissioner for Austria, 295, 372; World War II service, 2–3

Index  455 Keyes, Geoffrey B. (Keyes’s son), 2, 40 Keyes, Jacqueline (Keyes’s daughter), 2, 154, 212, 267, 269, 271–272 Keyes, Leila (Keyes’s daughter), 2 Keyes, Leila Harrison (Keyes’s wife), 2, 4, 372 Keyes, Leslie (Keyes’s daughter), 2 Keyes, Maxwell (Keyes’s brother), 1 Keyes, Virginia (Keyes’s daughter), 2 Keyes, Virginia Maxwell (Keyes’s mother), 1 Kilroe, Robert H., 123, 207, 403n78 King, Clyde Nelson, 337–338, 339–340, 342–343, 345, 347–348, 349, 350, 355, 360, 363–364 Kippenberger, Howard Karl, 92, 401n19 Kirwan, Michael, 320 Koenig, Egmont Francis, 231, 232 Koenig, Marie-Joseph-Pierre-Francois, 207, 210, 235, 238, 257, 338, 414n86 Kohorn, Oscar von, 355 Korean War, 368, 372 Krauland, Peter, 337, 347–348 Kronberg Castle scandal, 266 Kroner, Hayes Adlai, 152, 406n42 Kuhn, Fritz, 229 Kurasov, Vladimir V., 278, 281, 282, 283, 292, 303, 308–309, 311–312, 319, 320–322, 340, 348–349, 357, 422n13 Kurtz, Guy Orth, 81, 141, 399n94, 405n24 Ladue, Lawrence Knight, 91, 144, 270, 400n15, 421n223 LaGuardia, Fiorello, 247, 252, 253, 269 Lahoulle, Auguste-Joseph-Marie, 61, 397n36 Lange, Otto F., 18 Larkin, Thomas Bernard, 23, 46, 47–48, 108, 241, 403n55 Lascroux, Georges-Eugene-Joseph, 18, 19, 61, 389n64 Lear, Ben, 64–65

Lee, John Clifford Hodges, 14, 201, 214, 234, 289–290, 297, 310–311, 318, 320, 387n40, 412n59 Lee, Robert Merrill, 201, 412n55 Lee, Winthrop H., 55, 64, 80, 90, 396n17 Leese, Oliver, 100, 101, 131, 138, 402n40 Lemelsen, Joachim, 125 Lemnitzer, Lyman L., 21, 26, 37, 38, 43, 105, 157, 391n90, 393n37 Leonard, John William, 150, 177, 408n21 Leventhal, Harold, 310, 312, 315, 317, 323 Lewin, Kurt, 341–342 Lewis, Crosby, 244 Lewis, John Earle “Jack,” 273, 421n226 Liberty Road (France), 254 Libya, 7–8, 14 Liri Valley, Italy, 3, 60, 64, 72, 74, 92–93, 106, 109 Livesay, William G., 102, 134, 147, 158–159, 162, 164, 166, 186, 310–311, 402n43 Lobau oil refinery seizure, 311–313 Lodge, Henry Cabot, Jr., 41, 89, 90, 91–92, 95, 100, 104, 205, 268 Loewen, Charles Falkland, 144, 148, 405n28 Loomis, Harold F., 176, 178, 396n30, 408n11 Lucas, John P., 23, 29, 32, 38, 43–44, 46–49, 55–62, 90, 91, 94, 102, 391–92n101 Luna, Maximiliano (Keyes’s brotherin-law), 1 Maddox, Halley G., 90, 177, 243, 382, 400n12 Maher, Marty, 1 Malitch, Nicholas Vladimir, 63, 76, 162, 171, 230–231, 252, 258 Malony, Harry James, 177, 408n18 Mareth, Tunisia, 8, 15

456 Index Marshall, George, 5, 13, 23, 59, 102, 105, 129, 370–371, 381, 382, 383. See also Marshall Plan Marshall Plan, 304–306, 324–325, 331–332, 346, 367, 372 Martin, William H., 58, 396n28 Mascarenhas de Morais, Joao Batista, 144, 152, 162, 405n29 Maxwell, Lucien B., 1 McBride, Horace Logan, 240, 247, 256, 263, 264, 266, 270, 271, 274, 276–277, 419n176 McCloy, John J., 16, 68, 357 McCouch, David, Jr., 163, 407n63 McCreery, Richard Louden, 52, 57, 65, 74, 94, 98–99, 109, 197–199, 396n7, 411n42 McKinley, James F. (Keyes’s son-inlaw), 116, 281, 403n69 McMahon, William Claude, 106, 135, 404n21, 421n214, 421n222 McNair, Leslie J., 19–20, 139 McNarney, Joseph Taggart, 158, 172, 218–219, 234–236, 240–241, 253, 258, 261–262, 270–274, 278–279, 283–284, 286, 291, 382, 406n51, 416n129 McSherry, Frank J., 23, 46, 48, 392n102 Medal of Freedom, 320–321 Mediterranean Theater of Operations (MTO), 21, 60, 212, 236, 251, 253 Mediterranean Theater of Operations USA (METOUSA), 158, 173, 175, 179 Menoher, Pearson, 200, 412n49 Messe, Giovanni, 9, 14, 20 Mexican Expedition, 2 Meyer, Vincent, 61, 65, 71, 72, 73, 97, 397n35 Middleton, Troy H., 19, 23, 42, 47, 55, 57, 59, 63, 177, 390n74 Milburn, Frank William, 200, 204, 205, 228, 246, 251, 258, 262, 263, 266, 267, 270, 273, 274, 279, 310–311, 412n53, 420n208

Miller, Charles H., 38, 394n40 Miller, Francis P., 266 Miller, Luther D., 292 Mindszenty, József, 343, 344, 346 Molinero, Giuseppe, 3, 35–36 Molotov, Vyacheslav, 290, 325–326, 329, 330, 333, 334 Montgomery, Bernard, 8, 14, 16, 20, 22, 26–28, 30, 32, 34, 37, 45, 52, 71, 362 Moore, Cecil Ray, 245 Moore, William Henry Harrison, 298, 300, 417n159 Morganthau Plan, 280 Morris, William Henry Harrison, Jr., 47, 48, 177, 205, 228, 408n19, 413n76 Moscow Conference of Foreign Ministers, 280, 282–283, 292– 295, 300 Moscow Declaration, 275, 306 Mozart Express, 288 Muller, Walter Joseph, 216, 243, 416n124 Murphy, Maxwell C., Jr., 201, 204, 207, 211, 213, 248–250, 272, 279, 412n56 Murphy, Robert D., 46, 213, 228, 306, 363 Muselier, Emile, 16, 388n46 Musmanno, Michael, 269 Mussolini, Benito, 14, 27, 36–37 Nash, Kathleen B., 266 Nehring, Walther, 7 Nevins, Arthur Seymour, 17, 18, 19, 21, 37, 210, 415n100 Newgarden, Paul Woolever, 133, 404n16 New Zealand Corps, 81, 87–88, 92, 97 Niblo, Urban, 166, 173, 175, 179, 407n67 Nicholson, John Gerald, 175, 408n9 Noce, Daniel, 175, 301, 309, 311, 319, 407n4, 424n43

Index  457 Noguès, Auguste, 13, 16, 17, 18, 61, 254, 388n45 North African campaign, 5–22, 388n47, 388n54, 389n57, 389n66; Battle of the Kasserine Pass, 8, 12, 14, 16; Second Battle of El Alamein, 9; Tunisian Campaign, 2, 7–8, 14–21, 15, 22, 25–27; victory celebration, 21–22 North African Theater of Operations, US Army (NATOUSA), 18, 46, 89, 129, 137, 389n65, 398n62, 403n55 Nuremberg War Crimes Trials, 235–236, 251, 253–258, 259–260, 262, 269, 418n171 occupation zones, 294; in Austria, 193, 195; in Germany, 202, 203, 208, 247, 271 O’Daniel, John Wilson, 119, 403n76 Office of Military Government, United States (OMGUS), 209–210, 225, 298, 305, 306, 310, 314, 321, 364 Oldfield, Barney, 65, 398n57 Oliver, Lunsford Errett, 201, 412n58 Ombrone River, 125 Operation Anvil. See Operation Dragoon Operation Avalanche, 44, 47–48, 52 Operation Baytown, 46, 52 Operation Dragoon (initially Operation Anvil), 47, 91, 103, 104, 119, 124–125, 130, 136–137, 139, 386n20 Operation Husky, 13, 22, 25–43, 30, 31, 39, 76; Task Force 141, 17, 19, 22, 26–27, 29, 34, 37, 389n61, 390n83 Operation Overlord, 13, 25, 47, 52, 60, 68, 121, 124 Operation Raincoat, 66 Operation Shingle, 75–78, 391–92n101 Operation Torch, 5–12, 11 Ott, Edward Stanley, 91, 401n16

Pacific Theater of Operations, 191, 192, 202, 388n48 Pakenham, Frank, 7th Earl of Longford, 302 Panama Canal Division, 2 Parker, Edwin Pearson, Jr., 211, 225, 240, 252, 285, 415n108, 418n175 Parkinson, G. B., 87 Parks, Floyd Lavinius, 206, 292, 414n81 Partridge, Richard C., 38, 394n42 Patch, Alexander “Sandy” McCarrell, 94, 102–103, 132, 142, 401n27, 414n96 Patterson, Robert Porter, Sr., 139, 196, 237, 241, 273, 298, 411n33 Patton, George S., Jr., 136, 139, 148, 166, 167, 176, 178, 180, 195, 196, 212–213, 215, 216, 219; burial relocation, 283, 284, 290, 344–345; commander of II Corps, 8, 16–17; commander of Third Army, 197, 200, 206, 210; Keyes–Patton correspondence, 379–384; letter of censure from Eisenhower to, 43; media coverage of, 65; Operation Husky, 40–41; Operation Torch, 6, 8, 11, 12; reassigned to 15th Army, 211, 215, 217; relieved from 7th Army, 73; relieved from Third Army, 210–211; slapping incidents, 40–41, 43; War as I Knew It, 327 Paul, Willard Stewart, 204, 207, 210, 236, 241, 242, 287, 288, 331, 413n72, 414n88, 419n179 Pearl Harbor attacks, 2, 5 Pence, Arthur William, 59, 101, 402n41 Penney, William R. C., 38, 394n41 Perrine, Henry Pratt, 246, 260, 277, 278, 420n209 Pershing, John J., 2 Persons, Wilton Burton, 132, 404n15 Petersen, Howard C., 241, 298 Peterson, Virgil Lee, 155, 406 Philippine Insurrection, 1

458 Index Piper J-3 Cub, 21, 23, 113 Po Line, 171 Pollock, James K., 213, 214, 219, 243, 415n118, 416n134 Poole, William Henry Evered, 143, 173, 174, 175, 187, 362, 405n27, 407n2 Po River, 145, 147, 153, 156, 171, 182, 186–187 Porter, Robert W., 50, 76, 80, 89, 117, 137, 143, 144, 160, 179, 198, 236, 238, 371 Potsdam Conference, 46, 192 Potsdam Declaration, 194, 202, 224, 327, 329 Pound, Dudley, 13, 58, 387n34 Po Valley, 150–151, 153–157, 182, 183, 185, 212, 369 Powell, Beverley E., 58, 94, 99, 100, 146, 174, 201, 312, 396n29 Poydenot, Marie-Antoine-ArthurOlivier, 99, 125, 402n39 Presidential Medal of Freedom, 320–321 Prichard, Vernon Edwin, 133, 138, 139, 143, 152, 161, 162–163, 166, 168, 333, 404, 426n78 Raab, Julius, 340, 427n92 Rapido River Crossing, 3, 74–86, 233, 237 Rapido River crossing attempt, 250, 251; investigation, 237, 250, 251 Reber, Samuel, 341, 349, 353, 354, 355, 427n93 Renner, Karl, 196, 275, 277, 280, 299, 307, 336 repatriation, 191, 192, 194, 203, 207, 225, 226, 264–265, 348 Richards, George Jacob, 295, 353, 424n39 Richardson, A. A., 22, 26, 55 Richardson, Alexander W. C., 22, 23, 37, 391n94 Richmond, Adam, 18, 389n65 Ridgway, Matthew B., 21, 23, 28–29, 55, 241, 390n84

Risden, Arthur F., 95, 120, 127, 166, 167, 176–177, 205, 401n29 Roberts, William Lynn, 177, 408n20 Robertson, Brian H., 210, 338 Robertson, Walter Melville, 317, 338, 423n16, 425n52 Robinett, Paul M., 21, 391n89 Robinson, Arthur Granville, 215, 416n121 Rodd, Francis J. Rennell, 40, 44, 394n47 Rome, liberation of, 109–120, 111 Rommel, Erwin, 7–8, 14 Rooks, Lowell Ward, 17, 23, 105, 290, 391n97, 402n53, 424n35 Roosevelt, Eleanor, 227 Roosevelt, Franklin D., 5–6, 13, 46, 68, 81 Roosevelt, Teddy, Jr., 29, 40, 73, 392n14 Roosevelt, Theodore, 1 Rose, Bill, 309–310 Rose, Maurice, 21, 35, 63, 391n88 Rosenberg, Alfred, 262 Ross, Albion, 294, 303 Ross, Irving, 339 Royall, Kenneth C., 310, 348 Russell, Carl A., 48, 395n71 Ryder, Charles W., 6, 11, 21, 74, 80–81, 83–85, 90–96, 116, 125, 133, 391n87 Samouce, James Alexander, 287, 309, 310, 423n30 Sangro River, 53, 56, 60 Sauckel, Fritz, 262 Sawbridge, Ben Menadue, 18, 127, 404n9 Schaerf, Adolph, 293, 294, 299, 302, 306, 315, 321, 339, 341, 347, 350, 353, 360, 424n37 Schmidt, William Richard, 226, 240, 243, 260, 273, 417n155, 418n163 Schönbrunn Castle, Austria, 280, 343 Schurz, Carl, 244 Sears, Hayden, 265

Index  459 Seignious, George M., 209, 210, 224, 228, 229, 415n98 Sevez, Francois-Adolphe-Laurent, 116, 257, 274, 403n70, 420n204 Seyss-Inquart, Arthur, 262 Sherman, Harry B., 42, 95, 165, 166, 394n52 Shildroth, William F., Sr., 149, 405n35 Sibert, Edwin Luther, 216, 253, 420n197 Sicilian campaign. See Operation Husky Slack, Julius E., 90, 400n13 Sloan, John Emmet, 81, 91, 96, 98, 100, 101, 107, 131, 134, 137, 138, 140–141, 142, 147, 399n93 Smith, Howard A., 318 Smith, Ralph Corbett, 415n112 Smith, Walter Bedell, 18, 20, 43, 45, 49, 65, 70, 94, 95, 199–200, 207, 210, 211, 212, 214, 217, 218–219, 324, 327, 412n45 Snavely, Ralph A., 278–279, 422n15 Sokolovsky, Vassily Danilovich, 210 Somervell, B. B., 306, 353 Spaatz, Carl, 17, 68, 176, 291, 389n57, 408n10 Spanish-American War, 1 Spellman, Francis, 17, 94, 134–135, 227, 389n59 Squadrilli, Alexander E., 347, 427n104 Stack, Robert Ignatius, 205, 413n77 Stalin, Joseph, 5, 46, 68, 330, 333, 343, 422n13 Stanford, Albert C., 73, 398n70 Starnes, Cuthbert, 16 Steele, James Stuart, 279, 280, 300, 302–303, 309, 315, 317 Steinhardt, Lawrence A., 231, 232, 313, 418n166 Stewart, George C., 108, 403n56 Stilwell, Joseph Warren, 261, 420n211 Streicher, Julius, 262 Stroh, Donald A., 51, 395n83 Sullivan, Joseph Pescia, 147, 279, 286, 405n33, 423n17

Summersby, Kay, 70 Superina, Dana, 339, 343 Surles, Alexander Day, 130, 404n11 Sviridov, Vladimir Petrovich, 359, 364, 365 Swift, Ira Platt, 339, 344, 347, 427n89 Task Force 141, 17, 19, 22, 26–27, 29, 34, 37, 389n61, 390n83 Task Force 343, 26 Task Force 545, 26 Task Force Benson, 18, 389n69 Task Force X, 34 Tate, Foster Joseph, 132, 404n14 Tate, Ralph Hamilton, 78, 198, 253–254, 269, 272, 276–277, 278, 282, 283, 284, 399n85, 411n37, 421n220, 421n225, 422n8 Taylor, Maxwell Davenport, 19, 75, 204, 301, 356, 390n72, 413n69, 424n44 Tedder, Arthur W., 17, 388n56 Templer, Gerald Walter Robert, 64, 65, 397n50 Thomas, Albert, 322 Thomas, Gwilym Ivor, 245, 419n185 Thorpe, Jim, 1 Todt Organization, 74 Townsley, Clarence Page, Jr., 263, 266, 274, 422n227 Trudeau, Arthur Gilbert, 312, 313, 425n54 Truesdell, Karl, 61, 397n37 Truman, Harry S., 188, 196, 241, 244, 280, 296, 320, 343; Executive Order 9586 (Medal of Freedom), 320–321 Truscott, Lucian King, Jr.: commanding general of Fifth Army, 163–165, 371, 414n90; commanding general of Third Army, 210, 211, 226–227, 234–238, 240; commanding general of VI Corps, 90, 96, 97, 101–103, 116–119; invasion of Sicily, 32, 34, 38–43, 388n55; Keyes and, 371; in Keyes-Patton

460 Index Truscott, Lucian King (continued) correspondence, 380, 381–382, 383; Operation Torch, 388n55 Tsinev, Georgii Karlovich, 306, 315, 365, 425n51 Tuker, Francis Ivan Simms, 87, 104, 402n52 Tunisian campaign, 2, 7–8, 13–22, 15, 25–27; Battle of the Kasserine Pass, 8, 12, 14, 16; capture of Bizerte, 8, 20; capture of Tunis, 8, 20; surrender of Axis forces, 9, 20 Twelfth Air Force, 389n57, 404n7 Tyrrhenian Sea, 53, 63, 74, 93, 110, 124, 134 United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration (UNRRA), 212, 213, 217, 247–252, 263, 265, 267, 272, 290, 322, 424n35 United Nations Special Committee on Palestine (UNSCOP), 312–313 US Air Forces in Europe, 417n160, 422n228 US Army Command and General Staff School, 2, 397n37, 412n46 US-Austrian Relief Agreement, 302, 306–311, 313–315 US Forces Austria (USFA): 15th Army Group redesignated as, 191, 194; Clark as commanding general, 194–195, 197, 198–199, 270; Keyes as commanding general, 3, 295, 300, 306, 333–334. 337, 338, 355, 364, 372; Keyes’s mission statement, 300; USFA-IRO agreement, 334 US Forces in China-Burma-India, 420n211 US Group Control Council (USGCC), 192, 421n226 US National Munitions Board, 395n74 US Naval Forces, Northwest African Waters, 389n60

US North African Theater of Operations Communications Zone, 391n96, 403n55 USS Ancon, 29, 393n19 USS Augusta, 9, 10, 12, 263, 265, 386n20 USS Biscayne, 32 USS Boyle, 10, 386n25 USS Calvert, 9, 10, 386n21 USS Maddox, 31, 393n22 USS Monrovia (AP-64), 24, 28, 29, 31 USS Philadelphia, 41, 50 USS Seraph, 10 US Strategic Air Forces in Europe, 408n10 Vandenberg, Hoyt Sanford, 176, 408n13 Vanderveer, Harold Cornelius, 103, 402n45 Vichy France, 2, 6–7, 12 Victor Emmanuel III of Italy, 37, 67 Vienna Inter-Allied Command, 423n30 Voizard, Pierre, 278, 422n14 Volturno River, 53, 56, 57, 58, 60, 62 von Arnim, Jürgen, 7–8, 14, 20 von Ribbentrop, Joachim, 262 Voorhees, Tracy S., 334 Vyshinsky, Andrei, 333 Waitt, Alden H., 312 Walker, Fred L., 19, 20, 57, 61, 68, 69–70, 72–74, 77–78, 92, 96, 105, 390n75 Walker, Walton Harris “Johnny,” 103, 177, 408n16 Wallace, Henry A., 258 Walsh, Robert L., 294 Walter, Mercer, 43, 84, 131, 133, 211 Ward, Orlando, 388n47 Ward, Peter, 18 Warnock, Alan Dudley, 103, 402n46 Watson, David N., 266 Watson, Edwin Martin “Pa,” 143, 405n26 Watson, Leroy Hugh, 235, 418n172

Index  461 Weapons Systems Evaluation Group (WSEG), 3, 369, 428n1 Webster, Robert Morris, 126, 404n7 Wedemeyer, Albert C., 13, 29, 32, 34, 46, 298, 322, 337, 392n17 Welsh, William, 17 Wessels, Theodore Francis, 213, 416n120 Western Task Force (WTF), 2, 6, 9, 12, 22, 24, 26, 27, 100, 216, 240 White, Arthur Arnim, 103, 178, 179, 402n48 White, Miller Grieve, 45, 218, 230, 231, 258, 259, 272, 273, 274, 416n132 Wickersham, Cornelius Wendell, 71, 398n67 Wilbur, William H., 16, 57, 61, 70, 78, 396n25 Wilby, Francis B., 128, 131, 132 Willems, John Murphy, 33, 55, 91, 148, 174–175, 196, 210, 212, 229, 232–235, 282, 339, 355, 371, 395n79, 410n23, 415n110 Williamson, Raymond Eccleston Seveira, 102, 136, 402n44 Wilson, Arthur Riehl, 104, 208, 233, 402n50, 414n92

Wilson, Henry Maitland “Jumbo,” 71, 76, 78, 89, 101, 104, 105, 163, 208, 251, 398n68 Wilson, Robert W., 14, 16, 387n42 Winter Line, 53, 54, 56–57, 62, 66, 67, 73, 74 Wolfe, Henry C., 18, 19, 22, 389n63 Wood, John Elliott, 406n47 Wood, John Shirley, 167, 273, 286, 287, 313, 323, 331, 334, 340, 341, 344, 348, 355, 407n68 Woodruff, Roscoe B., 55, 396n18 Wooten, Ralph Hudson, 152, 406n41 Wyche, Ira Thomas, 277 Wyman, Louis E., 341 Wyman, Willard Gordon, 179, 294, 408n23 Yugoslavia, 190–191, 199, 253, 254, 320, 334, 344, 347–349, 361–362 Zarubin, Georgiy, 349, 353 Zeller, Henri, 75, 81, 93, 121, 131, 399n95, 403n77 Zheltov, Aleksey Sergeevich, 197, 198, 292, 331, 348, 411n41 Zhukov, Georgii Konstantinovich, 229, 417n161 Zimmerman, Georg, 281, 301, 325, 337