The Decoy Doughboy

Souvenir Edition -- Printed in Czechoslovakia

May 23, 1945. -- Publishes by and for the men of the 18th Combat Team. -- First Infantry Division, U. S. Army.

Easy Was Not Easy

Capt. John Synowsky, then executive officer of 'G' Company, was preparing to move into the attack with his company when ordered to take command if 'E' Company.

Receiving only vague instructions as to the whereabouts of his new command, he proceeded along the suggested route. 'Easy' Co. was allegedly set up in a small town east of the Rhine; however, one of its platoons was still dug in in the woods approaching the town.

Traveling, at high speed, Capt. Synowsky and driver breezed along until machine-gun fire opened up on their jeep, several rounds hitting the back seat. There followed a mad dash to the comparative safety of the town. The new C.O. hunted for the CP, but the village was unaccountably deserted, and with artillery zooming in, Synowsky decided to head back for better directions.

Racing out of town he stopped at the wooded area where his one platoon was reportedly dugin, and to his great surprise found the entire company. From his new charges he learned that this road was covered by German small arm fore, and that the road itself was heavily mined.

Commented Capt. Synowsky "I certainy hope they dont send me out to take over the battalion."