Official After action report from
March 1st, 1945 to april 30th, 1945
After action report transcribed:
(transcribed by S. Mandos)
COMPANY “EASY” 17TH ARMORED ENGINEER BATTALION
A.P.O. # 252
31 March 1945
SUBJECT: Report of Operations for Company “Easy” 17th Armored Engineer battalion for period from 1 March 1945 to 31 March 1945, inclusive.
TO: Commanding Officer, 17th Armored Engineer Battalion, APO # 252.
1. The following is a Report of Operations for this organization for the period from, 1 March 1945 to 31 March 1945, inclusive
1 Mar 45: Forward command post located at Battalion Headquarters. Rear command post located at vK856467 vicinity AACHEN, GERMANY
2 Mar 45: Rear command post vK856467 to rA138797 vicinity JUCHEN, GERMANY
6 Mar 45: Forward and rear command posts moved to wF154950 vicinity SCHIEFBAHN, GERMANY
8 Mar 45: Company engaged in training with equipment in area.
9 Mar 45: Company alerted for attachment of XVI Corps. Second platoon relieved from attachment to 992nd Engineer Treadway Bridge Company.
11 Mar 45: Company assigned to 1153rd Engineer (Charlie) group and attached to 202 Engineer (Charlie) battalion. Command post located at vK717848 vicinity MAASBRACHT, HOLLAND
12 Mar 45: Company “Charlie” 202 Engineer (Charlie) battalion attached to this company for training and operations. One (1) power boat attached to this company for operations.
13 Mar 45: Company and attached unit engaged in training with M-2 Treadway Bridge om Meuse River vicinity MAASBRACHT, HOLLAND
17 Mar 45: Completed training with M-2 Treadway Bridge. Company alerted for movement.
19 Mar 45: Company with attached unit moved to new location. Command post located at rA146240 vicinity KAMPERBRUCK, GERMANY.
20 Mar 45: Preparing for bridge operations.
23 Mar 45: Company alerted for bridging operations. 1st platoon 1355th Engineer Dump Truck company attached to this company for operations. Two (2) Ducks attached for operations. One (1) crane attached for operations.
Report of Operations of Company Easy 17th Armored Engineer Battalion, continued.
24 Mar 45: Constructed 1152 M2 Treadway Bridge on Rhine River at rA207334 vicinity SPELLEN, GERMANY.
25 Mar 45: Maintenance of Bridge at rA207334*.
(Edit: * rA207334 = original map location from “After Action rapport” in google maps: 51°35’37.7″N 6°35’33.6″E)
26 Mar 45: Continued maintenance of bridge. All attached units relieved from attachment to company. Drawing new bridge equipment from dump.
27 Mar 45: Relieved from attachment to 1153rd Engineer (Charlie) Group. Continued maintenance of Bridge. Continued drawing equipment.
28 Mar 45: Continued maintenance of bridge. Returned damaged equipment to dump.
29 Mar 45: Completed drawing bridge equipment from dump. Company relieved of maintenance of bridge.
30 Mar 45: Company less 2nd Platoon attached to XIX corps. Company (-) assigned to 1104th Engineer (Charlie) Group. 2nd Platoon in support of 8th Armored Division. Command Post moved to rA225355 vicinity SPELLEN, GERMANY.
31 Mar 45: Company relieved from attachment to 1104th Engineer (Charlie) Group. Company reverted to Battalion control. Command Post moved to rB153591 vicinity ENNIGER, GERMANY.
James E McADAMS
Captain, 17 Armored Engineer Battalion,
Commanding.
HEADQUARTERS 17th ARMORED ENGINEER BATTALION
AFTER ACTION REPORT
From : 1 April 1945.
To: 30 April 1945.
17th Armored Engineer Battalion
1 May 1945
Einbeck, Germany (0473607)
Maps: Europe, GS.,GS 4416.
-
- ENEMY: Not in contact.
- OWN SITUATION:
a. As of 2359, 30 April 1945 this Battalion was dispersed with other Division Troops generally between the Weser and Elbe Rivers just north of the Harz mountains.
b. Battalion Headquarters, Headquarters Company and Bravo Company and two platoons of Charlie Company are attached to CC”R” and are located in vicinity of Einbeck, Germany (rC4760).
A Company is attached to CC”A” located at Gebhardshagen, Germany (rC799930).
C Company is under Division Control at Wolfenbuttel, Germany (rC911994).
D Company is attached to CC”B” and is locate at Söllingen, Germany (rC823988). (*EDIT, location and coordinates don’t match up)
E Company is attached to Division Trains at Immendorf, Germany (rC823968)
c. The 1140th, 1147th and 1148th Engineer Combat Groups are responsible for areas within de Division area.
d. Operations for the period:
Throughout the month Company A was attached to Combat Command Am Company D was attached to Combat Command B and Company C was attached to Combat Command R. The battalion (-) operated under Division Control until 20 April when it was attached to Combat Command R. Headquarters Platoon of 179th Tank Battalion (Special Flame Thrower) was attached to Battalion at the beginning of this period. The 82nd Engineer Combat Battalion with 992nd Bridge Company (-) attached were in close support of the Division and moved with this Battalion.
On 2 April the Battalion (-) with attachments moved from Bivouac near Oelde, Germany (rB2756) to area near Kaunitz, Germany (rB5865). Company Able 430th Anti-Aircraft Artillery battalion was attached to the Battalion on 2 April and Company Charlie 430th Anti-Aircraft Artillery battalion was attached to 82nd Engineer Combat Battalion.
On 4 April the Battalion with attachments moved to Lemgo, Germany (rB7981). Here the Battalion outposted Division Headquarters.
On 5 April the Battalion (Plus) moved to the vicinity of Aerzen, Germany (rCO585).Company’s Able, Baker and Easy placed 384 foot treadway bridge across Weser River near Ohr (rC113864), The Flame Throwers from 739th Tank battalion were attached to Combat Command Able.
(Edit 2: more info about the treadway bridge: Treadway bridge across Weser at Ohr, Germany, april 5, 1945)
On 7 April the Battalion moved to Eime , Germany (rC3689) where the area was outposted and control of the town was set up. Shower unit was set up in this town. General engineer work and reconnaissance was made in area. The Flame Throwers reverted to this Battalion on 8 April.
On 9 April Battalion Able constructed a 144 foot tread way bridge across zweikanal, 4 miles north of Hildesheim, Germany but it was never used, due to change in plans. Company Baker with Flame Thrower Platoon attached was attached to 702d Tank Destroyer Battalion as part of Division Reserve.
On 10 April the Battalion (Plus) moved to area near Nette, Germany (rC6185). First Platoon of Company Easy rejoined the Battalion after being separated from the Battalion since before the Rhine River Crossing.
On 11 April the Battalion (Plus) moved to Kl Elbe (rC7289) and again to Schladen, Germany (rC9381). Reconnaissance Platoon with extra peeps patrolled Blumberg, Germany,
Removed 35 plastic Anti Personal mines from road near Gitter.
12 April the Battalion (Plus) moved to Oschersleben, Germany (rD4187) and again to Gr. Ottersleben, Germany (rD6494). Here Company Dog and Company Easy started construction of a bridge across the Elbe River south of Magdeburg rD703925 at 2300B. The bridge construction was stopped at 0600B, 13 April by artillery fire, was resumed later and stopped again at 1245B the same day by intense artillery fire. This site was abandoned and a large portion of the floats were damaged. The bridge lacked only 36 feet being completed.
(Note: read more here about: Treadway bridge Roosevelt Bridge across the Elbe river, at Westerhusen, Germany on April 13-14, 1945
Report of Operations, HQ. 17th Armored Engineer Battalion continued.
The 82d Engineer Combat Battalion started construction of a ferry and bridge at Schanebeck, Germany but it had to be abandoned because of artillery fire.
The Battalion (Plus) moved to Langenweddingen, Germany (rD6088) 14 April. Platoon of 458th Amphibious Truck Company. Company was attached to Battalion.
During the period 14-19 April the Battalion remained at Langenweddingen. All Flame Throwers were attached to Combat Command Able for operation in Magdeburg. Dozers were used to clear streets of Magdeburg.
20 April all attached units were detached from the Battalion and the Battalion (Able, Dog & Easy company) was attached to Combat Command R, and moved to bivouac at Northeim, German (rC5649)
The Battalion moved again 21 April to Einbeck, (rC4760) where the Battalion reconnoitered its assigned area and set up a provisional Military Government.
During the period 21—30 April the Battalion continued to patrol its area and collect and guard materials and installations. Allied Prisoners of war and Displaced Persons were Inventoried, cared for, and evacuation started. Platoons were posted in the towns of Markoldendorf, Salzderhelde, and Hockelheim. Company Charlie (-) was moved to Olfenbuttel on 27 April under Division Control.
e. The Combat Efficiency of this Battalion is excellent.
f. Results of operations: The swift and efficient bridging operations across the Weser River attributed greatly to the Division’s rapid advance to the Elbe River. At the of this period all Allied Prisoners of war and Displaced Persons were classified and segregated and evacuation started and the entire assigned area brought firmly under Military Control.
- ADMINISTRATIVE:
a. Strength Off W/O EM
Authorized: 45 2 1127
Actual: 42 1 1114
b. Casualties for period:
Off W/O EM Evac Not Evac
Killed 0 0 5
Sick, Gassed, Wounded 0 0 23 Wounded 22 1 LWA
22 Sick 23 16 Sick
Captured: None
Missing: 0 0 3
c. Replacement for period 1-30 April Off W/O EM
0 0 20 New Man
33 Former Battalion Men Ret.
55
d. Evacuation: Normal.
e. Division Engineer Supply located with Battalion Headquarters. Five Water Points were Operated throughout the period. Maps were furnished as required.
f. Status of Supply: Full Basic Loads.
g. The condition of roads in present area is good and circulation adequate.
- GENERAL: Nothing
For the Commanding Officer:
Robert E. HEREFORD,
Captain, 17th Armored Engineer Battalion,
S – 3.
Enclosures:
1 Copy of Battalion Journal.
1 Copy of each operations for all Company’s in Battalion.
COMPANY “ABLE” 17TH ARMORED ENGINEER BATTALION
P. O. # 252
30 April 1945
SUBJECT: Report of Operations for Company “Able” 17th Armored Engineer battalion for period from 1 April 1945 to 30 April 1945, inclusive.
TO: Commanding Officer, 17th Armored Engineer Battalion, APO # 252.
- The following is a Report of Operations for this organization for the period from, 1 April 1945 to 30 April 1945, inclusive.
1 April 1945: All three platoons were employed in the removal of roadblocks which consisted mainly of fells trees. 0 mines were encountered. Company Headquarters moved to an area near KAUNITZ. Water Point Installed at rB600682).
2 April 1945: Third platoon cleared rubble from road on Autobahn Highway. Second platoon was alerted to move with Skeleton Task Force to seize bridge. (Never Materialized, Company remained at some location.
3 April 1945: Small details were employed in road repair work in area. Company remained at same location.
4 April 1945: Water Point taken out at 0830. Company less two platoons moved out in Combat Command A column at 0915. Several undefended roadblocks were clears. Company closed in an area in Aerzen, (rC050848) at 2230B.
5 April 1945: Company constructed Treadway bridge across WESER RIVER in the vicinity of TUNDERD. (380 feet – completed in 4 hours.)
(Edit1; “Tunderd” this is Tündern, Germany) (this is the village across the bridge of Ohr)
(Edit 2: more info about the treadway bridge: Treadway bridge across Weser at Ohr, Germany, april 5, 1945)
6 April 1945: Company moved out at 0900 and crossed WESER RIVER and proceeded to EENSTORF where it closed 2400.
(Edit3: “Eenstorf” this is Estorf, a village to the North paralell to the Weser river)
7 April 1945: Company moved out at 0700 and proceeded to SCHULENBURG (rC376016) (*EDIT – location and coordinates don’t match). Water Point was installer at (rC372984). Frequent enemy air activity in area during mornings.
8 April 1945: Company spent day on maintenance of vehicles and weapons. Orders received at 1730 Hrs to construct bridge across ZWEIGKANAL, HILDESHEIM.
9 April 1945: Continue work on bridge until 1000 hrs when operation was called off.
10 April 1945: Company less two platoons moved out in Combat Command A column and closed in an area in LICHTENBERG (rC748957) at 1700 hrs. Water Point was installed at (rC703950). The enemy concentrated artillery air bursts in this area and 2 Enlisted Men from 1st platoon were killed.
(Edit 2: On the 10th of April Lieutenant Francis Turner was awarded the Silver star for an operation of Company A, with two men killed, Private George H Davisson and Private First Class Albert F Clark (and two wounded)
For more information: Veteran Mr Francis C. Turner.
11 April 1945: Company moved out to WITTMAR (rC989965) at 1500 hrs and closed in WITTMAR (rC989965) at 1930 hrs. Water Point was installed at (rC989965).
12 April 1945: Company moved out at 0730 in Combat Command A column and made a long march carrying them to IRXLEBEN (rY564029). Water Point installed at EICHENBARLEBEN (rY512028). Second Platoon put in roadblocks and outpost tanks.
13 April 1945: Day spent on maintenance of vehicles and weapons.
14 April 1945: Continued maintenance and security area.
15 April 1945:No change in situation. Continued maintenance and security.
Report of Operations, Company “Able” 17th Armored Engineer Battalion for April 1945 continued.
16 April 1945: Company less 2 platoons moved to town of SCHLEIBNITZ (rD574930) at 1300 hrs.
17 April 1945: Second platoon was attached to 119th Infantry Regiment for assault on MAGEDEBURG. Water Point was installed at (rD579978).
18 April 1945: Company less 3 platoons moved to town of SUDENBURG. (rD638965) at 1100 hrs.
19 April 1945: Company remained at same location. Second platoon released to company. Conducted maintenance of vehicles.
20 April 1945: Company (Complete) attached to Task Force “B” (1st Battalion 66AR) for movement to new area. Movement began at 1215 and company closed in GEBHARDSHAGEN (rC793965) at 1730 hrs and reverted to Combat Command ‘A’.
21 April 1945: Patrols and roadblocks were orginaizaed and investigations made of bridges, culverts, railroads, highways and public installations in Combat Command ‘A’ area.
22 April 1945: Company spent day on maintenance of vehicles, weapons and clothing. Patrols and roadblocks were continues and small details worked on roads in area. Company came under control of 2nd Battalion 66AR).
23 April 1945: Second Platoon was attached to 1st Battalion 66AR. Company continued maintenance patrols, roadblocks and security of installations in area.
24 to 30 Apr 45 Incl: Company continuing in occupational duties; maintaining roadblocks, patrolling towns, guarding installations, surveying cams, etc.
Captain, 17th Armored Engineer Battalion
Commanding.
COMPANY “BAKER” 17TH ARMORED ENGINEER BATTALION
P. O. # 252
30 April 1945
SUBJECT: Report of Operations for Company “BAKER” 17th Armored Engineer battalion for period from 1 April 1945 to 30 April 1945, inclusive.
TO: Commanding Officer, 17th Armored Engineer Battalion, APO # 252.
- The following is a Report of Operations for this organization for the period from, 1 April 1945 to 30 April 1945, inclusive.
1 April 1945: Company moved on tactical road march from Aschebert, Germany to 2 miles south Oelde, Germany, Command Post located at rB277555. 1st Platoon patrolled road leading south from Wiedenbruck, Germany and removed vehicle roadblocks from road. 2nd Platoon removed roadblocks at Superhighway on the Oelde Stromberg road and in woods on same road, took 10 prisoners, and removed roadblock on the Stromber-Wiedenbruck road. 3rd Platoon put out road block with tank south of bivouac. Took 5 Prisoners. Headquarters Platoon took 2 prisoners. Water Point in operation at Wiedenbruck, delivered 4672 gallons of water.
2 April 1945: Company moved on tactical march to 3 miles north Kaunitz, Germany. Command Post located at rB558655. Captured 10 Prisoners. Water Point in operation, delivered 1600 gallons of water.
3 April 1945: Command Post location unchanged. 57mm crew on outpost, no other operations Water Point in operation, 3214 gallons delivered.
4 April 1945: Company moved on tactical march to Lemgo, Germany, Command Post located at rB795817. 1st Platoon put out 57Mm gun road block, destroyed 2 88Mm guns and destroyed 50 rounds bazooka ammunition. 2nd Platoon put out road block in town of Lemgo. 3rd Platoon put out two road blocks with 57 Mm gun plus one Medium tank on main road leading south from Lemgo. Company took 30 prisoners. Reconnaissance Section removed demolition from bridge including 10 “S” mines. 1st and 3rd Platoons furnished 5 non-commissioned officers and 20 men for hospital guard. No Water Point in operation.
5 April 1945: Company moved on tactical march to Aerzen, Germany. 2nd Platoon 1st and 3rd constructed 400 foot of treadway bridge across WESER RIVER at Ohr, Germany. No Water Point in operation.
6 April 1945: 1st and 2nd Platoons maintaining treadway bridge at Ohr, Germany. 3rd Platoon used as guard around Division Radio Halftrack at rC245872. No Water Point in operation, CP location unchanged
7 April 1945: moved on tactical march to Eime, Germany. Command Post location rC365889. Company reloading vehicles plus 1st and 2nd Echelon Maintenance, Water Point located at Elze, Germany, 5182 gallons delivered. took over guard of warehouses.
8 April 1945: Command Post unchanged. Company doing maintenance of vehicle and equipment. Company Water Point unchanged, 4311 gallons delivered. Had road blocks East and West of town.
9 April 1945: Command Post unchanged. 1st Platoon constructed Treadway bridge in vicinity of Hasete, Germany and stood by for maintenance and guard.
10 April 1945: Company moved on march to Nette, Germany, Command Post located at rC627861. 1st Platoon removed bridge and rejoined company. Company attached to 702nd TD Battalion. No Water Point in operation.
Report of Operations, Company “Baker” 17th Armored Engineer Battalion continued.
11 April 1945: Company to Hornburg, Germany. Command Post located at rC697855. Company put out local security and road block, with Tank Destroyer north of town. No Water Point in operation.
12 April 1945: Company moved to Oschersleben, Germany. 2nd and 3rd Platoons engaged in clearing town. 3rd Platoon stopped three riots and guarded warehouses until relieved by security Battalion, Company later moved to Kl Wanzleben, Germany. Command Post located at rD482918, 2nd Platoon policed town and guarded warehouses, Company took five (5) prisoners, No Water Point in operation. Sgt. Hawkins LWA.
13 April 1945: Company moved on tactical march to Benneckenbeck, Germany. Command Post located at rD631941. Company reverted back to Battalion Control. 2nd Platoon constructed floats for bridge. No Water Point in operation.
14 April 1945: Company moved to 1 mile north of Langenweddingen, Germany. Command Post located at rD604905. Company attached to 702nd TD Battalion. No Water Point in operation.
15 April 1945: Company Command Post location unchanged. Three platoons moved out at 2100 hrs to take up positions for expected counterattack. Command Post halftrack moved to rD622941. 1st Platoon had one squad at road junction rD662939 with one Tank Destroyer, one squad at road intersection rD645941, plus one roving squad patrol around town of Benneckenbeck. 2nd Platoon deployed as outpost in vicinity Kl Ottersleben with one squad as roving patrol. 3rd Platoon deployed as outpost around road junction rD6399500. No Water Point in operation.
16 April 1945: Command Post and three line Platoons moved back to old area 1 mile north of Langenweddingen, Germany. Rested during day. Command Post halftrack and 3 line platoons moved out at 1930 hrs and took up positions of previous night. No Water Point in operation.
17 April 1945: Three Line platoons relieved from forward positions and moved back to Langenweddingen. Command Post located at rD601897, All flame thrower operators with equipment moved out at 2000 hrs to vicinity of Magdeburg, Germany. No Water Point in operation.
18 April 1945: Command Post location unchanged. Company continued maintaining of vehicles and cleaning of equipment. No Water Point in operation.
19 April 1945: Command Post location unchanged. No operation. Company continued maintaining and cleaning of vehicles and equipment. No Water Point in operation.
20 April 1945: Company moved on 97 mile road march from Langenweddingen, Germany to Northheim Germany. Command Post located at rC565488. Water Point in operation at Einbeck, Germany.
21 April 1945: Company moved to Einbeck, Germany, Command Post located at rC470700. 1st Platoon made road and bridge reconnaissance to a point Northeast about 20 miles this side of Magdeburg, Germany approximately 150 miles. 2nd Platoon made reconnaissance of roads from Einbeck, Kohnson, Markoldendorf, Hullersen and returned to Einbeck, also made reconnaissance and checked freight train at railroad station near Salzderhelde, 3rd Platoon made reconnaissance of roads from Einbeck to Salzderhelde, Immensen, Sulbeck, Drüber, Buensen, Strodhagen, Odagsen, and from Einbeck to Dassensen. Water Point unchanged.
22 April 1945: Command Post location unchanged, 1st Platoon moved from Command Post location to hotel in center of Einbeck, took over Military Government and duty of patrolling town. 2nd Platoon took over Military Government in Kohnson, Hullersen, Holtensen and Markoldendorf and moved to Markoldendorf and continued patrol of previous day. 3rd Platoon patrolled roads, reconnaissance of previous day, took over Military Government in Salzderhelde, Immensen, Sulbeck, Buensen, Strodthagon, Odagsen. Water Point unchanged.
Report of Operations, Company “Baker” 17th Armored Engineer Battalion continued.
23 April 1945: Command Post still located in Einbeck, Germany. 1st Platoon continued Military Government in Einbeck and placed guard on city jail. 2nd Platoon continued road patrol of previous day and control of Oldendorf. 3rd Platoon continued Military Government and road patrol of previous day and investigated a report of hidden weapons and ammunition in woods near town of Rotenkirchen; found 32 small arms (rifles), a few bazookas, three boxes of hand grenades, one demolition set, and explosives and etc., which were well camouflaged for use of underground. Water Point unchanged.
24 April 1945: Command Post location unchanged. 1st and 2nd Platoons engaged in same occupation as previous day. 3rd Platoon patrol area near Dassel to investigate report of SS men hiding there. Took 3 prisoners, turned them over to 82nd reconnaissance and made additional night patrol of assigned area. Water Point under Trains Headquarters control.
25 April 1945: Command Post location unchanged. 1st platoon took over guard of seven hospitals in addition to other duties. 2nd Platoon engaged in same duties and contacted all Displaced Persons in their assigned area. 3rd Platoon normal patrols. Took armed Patrol Garlebsen to stop riot. Contacted all Displaced Persons in area. Sent detail into woods at Dassel where they located and destroyed 3000 Panzerfausts, 30 cases blasting powder, 10 cases prepared charges, 4 mortars, 17 cases of rifles grenades, 5 cases hand grenades, one demolition set, 30 rifles and shotguns. Water Point in operation.
26 April 1945: CP location unchanged. 1st Platoon engaged in duties of previous, picked up eight members of Hitler Youth who were armed with pistols. 2nd Platoon duties of previous day. 2nd Platoon duties of previous day. Picked up 16 persons (Prisoner of War Suspects), 11 of which were sent in as Prisoners of War. Ran patrol into woods near Dassel to investigate report that Hitler Youth Leader was staying in house nearby, but did not find him. Headquarters guarding hospital, setting up camp for 1000 Displaced Persons, inspected prisoners picked up at jail. Took Prisoners of War to Prisoner of War cage and turned remainder to liberty. Water Point in operation.
27 April 1945: Command Post location unchanged. 1st Platoon, normal duties. Further investigation of Hitler Youth, Failed to make any arrests. 2nd Platoon normal duties. Ran night patrol. Picked up two Prisoners of War. 3rd Platoon duties normal, Ran night patrol, failed to make any arrests. Headquarters Platoon did duties of previous day.
28 April 1945: Command Post location unchanged. 1st Platoon engaged in duties of previous day, 2nd Platoon engaged in duties of previous day, 3rd Platoon engaged in normal duties. Sent patrol into woods SE of Dassel to investigate report about Brasche (Hitler Youth Leader) having been at a house there, but did not find said person. Headquarters Platoon began work on camps to care for 1600 Displaced Persons , also began work of getting food for Displaced Persons.
29 April 1945: Command Post location unchanged. 1st Platoon and 2nd Platoon engaged in normal duties. 2nd Platoon placed one squad as security in town of Hullersen. 3rd Platoon normal duties, posted squad as security on garage at Einbeck and at Odagsen. Headquarters Platoon collected all French Displaced Persons in company area of control and placed them in one of the camps prepared and acquired, and prepared to ship the french out in the morning.
30 April 1945: Command Post location unchanged, 1st Platoon engaged in normal duties. 2nd Platoon engaged in normal duties. 3rd Platoon engaged in normal duties. Headquarters Platoon kept French Displaced Persons in camp as no transportation was at hand and evacuated all Belgium, Dutch and Luzenburg Nationals instead. Also prepared train for 1400 Russians and obtained guard from 3rd Platoon to guard train.
JOSEPH M. REED
1st Lieutenant 17th Armored Engineer Battalion
Commanding.