75TH FIELD ARTILLERY BATTALION FIELD MOVEMENT DURING WW2

* Note: The above silhouette represents a U.S. Army horse-drawn section. The illustrations were originally published in the "The Field Artillery Journal" and created by Mr H.S. Parker, son of Lt. Colonel Edwin P. Parker, FA. (Field Artillery Journal, Jan/Feb 1938, page 78). Source and permission: United States Army Fires Bulletin, Fort Sill, Oklahoma

TIME LINE HISTORY 75TH FIELD ARTILLERY BATTALION DURING WW2

31 October 1936 the present 75th Field Artillery Battalion was originally organized at Camp Sheridan, Alabama, in October 1918 as the 75th Field Artillery Regiment. The regiment did not serve overseas during World War 1 and was demobilized at that post December 11, 1918. It was reconstituted and consolidated on October 31, 1936 with the 75th Field Artillery Regiment, which was constituted as an inactive unit, effective October 1, 1933. 21 January 1941, the 75th Field Artillery Regiment was redesigned the 75th Field Artillery Battalion (Horse-Drawn), which was concurrently made active by the transfer thereto of personnel and equipment of the 2nd Battalion, 76th Field Artillery Regiment (Horse-Drawn), Camp Clayton (Fort Ord), California (per S.O. No 13, Hq. 76th F.A.). This regiment is entitled to no battle honors.

19 June 1940 by direction of the Secretary of War there are furnished herewith the following blazonry and description of the Coat of Arms for the 75th Field Artillery Battalion approved by letter AG 424.5 Coat of Arms (6-19-40) M, The Adjutant General's Office, 8 October 1940; amended by letter AG 424.5 Coat of Arms (8-13-40) M, the Adjutant General's Office, 29 October 1940 and redesignated by letter AG 421.7 75th Field Artillery Battalion (5-10-41) M (Ret), the Adjutant General Office 10 May 1941; also painting of the Coat of Arms.

BLAZONRY
Shield - Gules, a lizard statant or.
Crest - None
Motto - Paratus facere (Prepared to do)

DESCRIPTION
The 75th Field Artillery was originally organized at Camp Sheridan, Alabama, in October 1918, and demobilized there December 11, 1918. It was reconstituted and consolidated, October 31, 1936, with the 75th Field Artillery, which had been constituted as an inactive unit of the Regular Army October 1, 1933.

The shield is Red for artillery, and the gold lizard represents the origin of the 75th Field Artillery in the State of Alabama, Alabama being known as the Lizard State.

1940

16 December 1940 the personnel and equipment of the 2nd Battalion of the 76th Field Artillery Regiment (Horse-Drawn), were transferred to the 75th Field Artillery Battalion (Horse-Drawn), , pursuant to instructions contained in a letter from the War Department, AG 320.2 (11-15-40), dated 16 December 1940. Such action does not entitle the 75th Field Artillery Battalion to inherit any of the history of the 76th Field Artillery Regiment, but it does inherit the history of the World War I, 75th Field Artillery Regiment. The 75th Field Artillery Battalion is entitled to no battle honors. 1941

21 January 1941 the 75th Field Artillery Battalion (Horse-Drawn), was formed at Fort Ord, California, from the 2nd Battalion of the 76th Field Artillery Regiment. At that time the organization was armed with 75mm guns, and were Horse-Drawn.

The 75th Field Artillery Battalion was at that time a Field Artillery Battalion, 75mm Gun, Horse-Drawn, with a strength of 30 Officers, 643 enlisted men and 456 animals with permanent station at Fort Ord, California, and assigned to the Seventh Infantry Division, Major General Joseph W. Stillwell "Uncle Joe" Commanding. Service Battery, Truck Drawn was organized at that time by transferring men from the other batteries with strength of three Officers, 60 enlisted men and 16 vehicles.

22 January 1941 to 14 December 1941, permanent station Fort Ord, California.

9 April 1941 to January 25, 1942 the following is the amount of men transferred into the 75th Field Artillery Battalion to bring it up to strength:

9 April 1941 - 34 enlisted men from the 391st Engineers, Fort Ord, California.
12 May 1941 - 53 enlisted men from the 19th Engineers, Fort Ord, California.
13 May 1941 - 14 enlisted men from the 391st Engineers, Fort Ord, California.
13 May 1941 - 11 enlisted men from the 4th Ordinance, Fort Ord, California.
25 May 1941 - 28 enlisted men from the Q.M.C. Section, CASC No.1943 Ft McArthur,California.
25 May 1941 - 5 enlisted men from the 19th Engineers, Fort Ord, California.
27 May 1941 - 32 enlisted men from CASC No. 1968, Fort Douglas, Utah.
13 Dec. 1941 - 190 enlisted men from FARTC, Camp Roberts, California.
8 Jan. 1942 - 2 enlisted men from FARTC, Fort Sill, Oklahoma.
10 Jan. 1942 - 31 enlisted men from FARTC, Fort Sill, Oklahoma.
15 Jan. 1942 - 47 enlisted men from FARTC, Fort Sill, Oklahoma.
22 Jan. 1942 - 62 enlisted men from FARTC, Fort Sill, Oklahoma.
25 Jan. 1942 - 5 enlisted men from FARTC, Fort Sill, Oklahoma.
13 Dec, 1941 - 58 animals from Fort Reno, Oklahoma.
May, 1942 - 22 animals from Fort Reno, Oklahoma.

14 June 1941 at 0600 the Battalion left Fort Ord, California enroute to Hunter Liggett Military Reservation for 4th Army Maneuvers. Arrived at Dougherty Ranch at 1100. Distance: 16.3 miles.

15 June 1941 at 0530 left Dougherty Ranch arrived at Soledad, California at 1030. Distance: 20.7 miles.

16 June 1941 at 0530 left Soledad, California arrived at King City, California at 1030. Distance: 21.7.

17 June 1941 at 0530 left King City, California and arrived at the Thurman Ranch, California at 0830. Distance: 14.3 miles. 18 June 1941 left Thurman Ranch, California arrived at Hunter Liggett Military Reservation (HLMR) at 1000. Distance: 19.3 miles.

Total distance of the march (Horse-Drawn): 92.3 miles. Roads: good. Weather: Excellent.

19 June 1941 to 21 June 1941 usual camp duties (HLMR).

22 June 1941 to 27 June 1941 4th Army Maneuvers.

Left Hunter Liggett Military Reservation enroute to Fort Ord arrived at San Lucas, California at 0930. Distance: 20 miles.

Left San Lucas, California, arrived at Greenfield, California at 0930. Distance: 24.9 miles.

Left Greenfield, California, arrived at Gonzales, California at 1000. Distance: 24.4 miles.

Left Gonzales, California, arrived at Fort Ord, California at 0940. Distance of march: 24.4 miles.

Total distance marched: 93.7 miles. Roads: good. Weather: good.

8 December 1941 moved to bivouac area, Machine Gun Flats, Fort Ord, California.

8 December 1941 relieved from attached to the 7th Division and attached to III Army Corps, Machine Flat, Fort Ord, California.

12 December 1941 per Par. 9, S.O. No. 178, Hq. III Army Corps, Presidio of Monterey, dated 12 Dec. 1941 the 75th Field Artillery Battalion left Fort Ord, California enroute to Seeley, California. Marched to Monterey, California, entrained on troop train. Left Monterey, California at 1945 hours with 24 Officers, 604 enlisted and 450 animals.

15 December 1941 arrived at Los Angeles, California at 1755 hours, watered and fed the horses.

16 December 1941 left Los Angeles, California at 0135, arrived at Seeley, California at 1600 hundred hours, marched to Camp Seeley, California and made camp. Total distance on train: 597 miles.

1942

16 December 1941 to 22 May 1942 permanent station Camp Seeley, California. The Battalion was sent with the same equipment (Horse-drawn) to Camp Seeley, California, a small camp near El Centro where we had the mission of guarding the "All American Canal" in support of the 11th Cavalry. This gave us much time and ideal conditions to train, and under the Command of Lt. Col. (now Brig. Gen. Dec. 1944) L. J. Stewart we passed Battery and Battalion tests with horses on May 1-6, 1942.

10 April 1942 the 75th Field Artillery Battalion left Camp Seeley, California at 0700 enroute to Calexico, California on the border with Mexico at 1030. Distance marched: 20 miles. Roads: good. Weather: Excellent.

11 April 1942 left bivouac at 1430, marched to Calexico, California, crossed border at Mexicali, Mexico. Took part in Desert Cavalcade, returned to bivouac.

12 April 1942 left Calexico, California at 0720 for return march to Camp Seeley, California, arrived: 1045, Distance marched: 20 miles. Roads: good. Weather: Excellent.

1 May 1942 left Camp Seeley, California at 0400 enroute to Borego, California for G.H.Q. test of a light Field Artillery Battalion. Arrived at Kane Springs, California at 1000 hundred hours. Distance marched: 30.5 miles.

2 May 1942 left Kane Springs, California at 0400 arrived at Ocotillo, California at 0930. Distance marched: 28.5 miles.

3 May 1942 left Ocotillo, California at 0200, arrived at Borego, California 0830. Distance marched: 27.2 miles.

Total distance marched: 86.2 miles. Roads: good. Weather: Excellent. 4-6 May 1942 Borego, California undergoing G.H.Q. Firing Tests. Results: very satisfactory.

7 May 1942 left Borego, California enroute to Camp Seeley, California at 0200, arrived Ocotillo, California 0900. Distance marched: 28 miles.

8 May 1942 left Ocotillo, California 0200, arrived Westmoreland, California 0815. Made temporary bivouac, and left Westmoreland, California at 1700. Arrived at Camp Seeley, California 2230. Distance marched: 61.1 miles.

Total distance marched: 89.1 miles.

22 May 1942, per S.O. No. 99, Hq. Camp Lockett, California, dated 21 May1942, left Camp Seeley, California 1000 hours enroute by train to Hunter Liggett Military Reservation for temporary change of station.

23 May 1942 arrived at Bradley, California 1215. Distance traveled by rail: 450 miles.

24 May 1942 left Bradley, California 0500, marched to Hunter Liggett Military Reservation (HLMR), Jolon, California. Arrived 0900. Distance traveled: 16.2 miles. Roads: good. Weather: Excellent.

ORDERED TO TURN IN THEIR HORSES MAY 24, 1942

24 May 1942 to 13 June 1942 in the unit was transferred to Jolon, California (temporary station) where we were suddenly ordered to turn in our horses and equipment (75mm guns, limbers, caissons, harness and saddles along with issued horse riding equipment) and reorganized with 75mm guns M-2, Truck Drawn and precede to Seattle, Washington, P.O.E. (Point of Embarkation).

13 June 1942 at 0100 hours, Battery A, 75th Field Artillery Battalion left HLMR, Jolon, California by motor vehicle per Par. 1, S.O. No. 56 (Secret) Hq. Hunter Liggett Military Reservation, Jolon, California, 1942 as amended by Par. 1, S.O. No. 75, Hq. H.L.M.R., Jolon, California dated 16 July 1942 for Fort Randall, Cold Bay, Alaska, by way of Port of Embarkation, San Francisco, California. The organization was changed from Field Artillery Battalion, 75mm Gun, Horse-Drawn to Field Artillery Battalion, Light, Truck-Drawn 105mm Howitzers.

13 June 1942 at 1630, Battery A, 75th Field Artillery Battalion arrived at Fort McDowell, Angel Island, California. Distance traveled: 214 miles.

13 June 1942 the 75th Field Artillery Battalion (less Battery A) left Hunter Liggett Military Reservation, Jolon, California, at 1830 enroute to overseas station by way of Fort Lewis, Washington, per Par. 7, S.O. No. 56, H.L.M.R., Jolon, California dated 12 June 1942 (a permanent change of station) arrived at Bradley, California 1930 hours. Distance marched 16 miles.

14 June 1942 entrained at Bradley, California 1830 hours enroute to Camp Murray, Washington.

16 June 1942 arrived at Camp Murray, Washington at 2200 hours. Distance traveled by rail: 1200 miles.

THE ALEUTIAN ISLANDS CAMPAIGN
Click on the below link:
The Aleutian Islands Campaign

THE FORGOTTEN BATTLE: THE JAPANESE INVASION OF ALASKA
Click on the below link:
The Forgotten Battle: The Japanese Invasion of Alaska

VIDEO: ALEUTIAN ISLANDS CAMPAIGN WW2
Click on the below link:
Video: The Aleutian Island Campaign WW2

18 June 1942 at 1600 hours, Battery A, 75th Field Artillery Battalion embarked from Port of Embarkation, Oakland, California aboard the U.S.A.T. MAUI, sailed at 1930 hours to Fort Randall, Cold Bay, Alaska.

Note: A.P.O. 944 Fort Randall, Cold Bay, Alaska

21 June 1942 the 75th Field Artillery Battalion (less Battery A) left Camp Murray, Washington at 2130 by motor vehicles enroute to Seattle, Washington, per Par. 3, S.O. No. 146, Hq. Ft. Lewis, Washington, dated 18 June 1942. Arrived at Seattle Port of Embarkation, Washington at 2400 hours. Distance traveled: 42.6 miles.

22 June 1942 embarked at 0100 on the U.S.A.T. COLOMBIA, sailed enroute to APO No. 948, Seattle, Washington. We embarked and 15 days later we landed at APO 948 (Alaskan Department) where we built and garrisoned what was the most westerly American outpost, under constant threat of enemy attack (which never materialized) and severe weather condition. The outpost grew and housing and facilities were improved and the threat of enemy action declined until APO 948 because during 1943 and 1944 a garrison where activities and training were much the same as any garrison in the United States. We were reorganized 105mm Howitzers M-2, Truck Drawn in September 1942.

Note: APO 948 (Alaskan Department) Fort Glenn, Umnak Island, Alaska

Click on the below links:

Fort Glenn, Umnak Island, Alaska

Fort Glenn, Umnak Island, Alaska, A.P.O. 948, Images WW2

25 June 1942 Battery A, 75th Field Artillery Battalion disembarked at Fort Randall, Cold Bay, Alaska at 0400 hours. Distance traveled by water: 2292 miles.

Note: A.P.O. 944 Fort Randall, Cold Bay, Alaska

5 July 1942 the 75th Field Artillery Battalion (less Battery A), disembarked at APO 948, Seattle, Washington at 1430. Weather: good. Distance traveled by water 2300 miles.

5 July 1942 to 22 April 1944 stationed at APO 948, Seattle, Washington (Alaskan Department), permanent station.

HEADQUARTERS 75TH FIELD ARTILLERY BATTALION
APO No. 948, Seattle, Washington
August 11, 1942

Note: APO 948 (Alaskan Department) Fort Glenn, Umnak Island, Alaska

General Orders No. 15

1. Under the provisions of Section III, War Department Circular No. 104, April 9, 1942, the following named officers and enlisted men, 75th Field Artillery Battalion and Battery "B" 209th Field Artillery Battalion, who entered upon a period of active Federal service of 12 months or longer and who, in the discharge of such service served at any time between September 8, 1939 and December 7, 1941, both dates inclusive, are entitled to the award of the American Defense Medal. Pending the issue of the medal, the wearing of the ribbon is authorized.

Note: This is not a complete roster of the 75th Field Artillery Battalion only a listed of the men who are entitled to the American Defense Medal.

Note: 6 July 1942 to 21 April 1944 Alaska Defense Command the 75th Field Artillery Battalion (less Battery A) manned outposts' positions at a radius of 25 miles, training and worked on building installations on the island, such as piers, buildings of all types and landing strips. During the winter of 1942-43, Lt. Col. Stewart was transferred and Lt. Col. W. T. Kirn assumed command.

LIEUTENANT COLONEL
LeRoy J. Stewart

MAJOR
William T. Kirn

CAPTAINS
Charles A Mauck
John K. Helferty
Robert H. Camp
Albert R. Sewall
Woodward, Melone
Edward B. Elliott
John T. Bacon
John S. O'Neill Jr.
John W. Elder
Paul A. Loop

FIRST LIEUTENANTS
Norman E. Holland
Robert P. Wills
John E. Murphy
Leonard W. Golden
John T. Alstrom Jr.
Alfred H. Barbour
Albert P. Hobrecht
Harold E. Parker
William D. Nafziger
Mark S. Edson
Carl M. Monroe
Clark Kuppinger
Paul V. Miller

SECOND LIEUTENANTS
Will H. Brown -
Click on the below link:
Lt. Will Brown 75th Field Artillery BN 1941-45

Allen Zaring

WARRANT OFFICER
Leo F. Jerome

ENLISTED MEN

HEADQUARTERS BATTERY

MASTER SERGEANT
Don D. Bradford

FIRST SERGEANT
Walter N. Castanedo

TECHNICAL SERGEANTS
Odoss C. Hogan
Burns B. DuBose
John O'Brien

STAFF SERGEANTS
Leslie O. Gragg
Raymond C. Martin
Lyle H. Fullerton
Reuben C. Haas
Cromwell C. Reeves
Ray R. Rutledge
Phillip J. Graber

SERGEANTS

Edwin L. McGrath
Louis I. Johns
Richard J. Roberts
James C. Bailey
William H. Brewer
Robert R. Rupert
Rufus J. Huckfeldt

CORPORALS
Warren E. Gillham
Kenneth F. Berry
Henry W. Schinhofen Jr.
Everett McHenry

T-5 GRADE
Michael W. Kuntz

PRIVATES FIRST CLASS
Hawkins Aldridge
Sodric, Ziko

PRIVATES
Francis R. McKenna
Charles Rogers

BATTERY A - 18 June 1942 at 1600 hours, Battery A, 75th Field Artillery Battalion embarked from Port of Embarkation, Oakland, California aboard the U.S.A.T. MAUI, sailed at 1930 hours to Fort Randall, Cold Bay, Alaska. (Reason for not be on this roster)

BATTERY B

FIRST SERGEANT
Bernhard Fengel

STAFF SERGEANTS
Isaac V. Dark Jr.
John A. Gray
Ruel Marchbanks

SERGEANTS
Max L. Breckeridge
William B. Dixon
George T. Huey
Donald C. Lea
Leslie J. Mendenhall
Enfield A. Simonton

T-4 GRADE
James A. Sherman

T-5 GRADE
Richard L. Jones

CORPORALS
William A Hilton
Thomas W. Kilbury
James R. Russell
Ernest Wyttenbach
Russell Ebardo
Harold Cole

PRIVATES FIRST CLASS
Nak Goumer
Reuben O. Friedrich

PRIVATES
Clifford C. Albertson

BATTERY C

FIRST SERGEANT
Michael P. Stafford

STAFF SERGEANTS
Mark R. Aungst
Irvino W. Levi
Casper C. Showalter

SERGEANTS
Howard E. Bixler
Charles W. Flemming
Stanley E. Narusiewicz
John Rathovich
Harold M. Walk

T-4 GRADE
Clarence B. Eisaman
Marion P. Moorehead

CORPORALS
Roy H. Appleby
Charles E. Goff

T-5 GRADE
John W. Agnor
Leo Woicekowski
Dan M. Stocks

PRIVATES FIRST CLASS
Levi L. Littlejohn
Arnold E. Pietz

PRIVATES
Franklin J. Samuels
Warren Siglor
Hugh E. McMorris
Albert M. Ulrich

SERVICE BATTERY

MASTER SERGEANT
Thurman R. Duvall

FIRST SERGEANT

Robert W. Brownell TECHNICAL SERGEANT

J. D. Foster

STAFF SERGEANTS
Frank W. Driscoll
William Forsyth
Jack W. Miller

SERGEANTS
Alfred R. Loftin
Dean F. Renner

T-4 GRADE
George T. Keck

CORPORALS
Ross A. Morgan
Armando Troncoso

T-5 GRADE
David B. Holly

PRIVATES FIRST CLASS
Arthur M. Duncan
Sylvester G. Oaks

PRIVATES
Thomas M. Bottoms
Douglas L. Cooper
Wallace R. Eddinger
William F. May
Joseph Nowak

209TH FIELD ARTILLERY BATTALION, BATTERY B

Note: It appears that the 209th Field Artillery Battalion; Battery B was detached to the 75th Field Artillery Battalion during this period. I have included their roster for those entitled to the award of the American Defense Medal. This is not confirmed.

BATTERY B

SERGEANTS
Wayne Birdsong
Julian C. Conroy
Julius Radke

T-4 GRADE
John W. Crum
Claude H. Reeves

CORPORALS
Kenneth E. Barker
Harry R. Enlow
Donald G. Fowler
Charles E. Hall
Herbert Harding
Warren H. Kulthoff
Marvin S. Lazzello
Jack W. McKee
Louis T. Torlinson
Haldoan A. Warner

T-5 GRADE
Robert L. Johnson
Wilour E. Roberts
Ulys E. Ward

PRIVATES FIRST CLASS
Daniel C. Anderson
Cecil D. Angel
Calvin L. Belden
John F. Berry
Adrain B. Brickey
William G. Burnett
John B Clark
Clarence W. Cox
Jack K. Embrey
Leo M. English
Maurice I. Fallier
Dale L. Ghramn
John M. Hager Jr.
Henry C. Kampschroeder
William R. Kelly
Willard H. Kinslow
August C. Kraupp
Harold V. Lundine
Stanley H. Lundine
Jeryl C. McKinney
Loren M. Nelson
Woodrow E. Pickeral
Clarence C. Ross
Russell W. Rozell
William B. Russell
Carl W. Sleeth
Joseph E. Whitehead
Harland C. Wolf

PRIVATE
Clyde W. Anderson
Leroy E. Barnard
William Birchard
Donald L. Close
Ellis R. Dill
Eugene E. Elsheimer
Ross A. Farnsr
Merlin W. Hieronymus
John F. Hill
Raymond S. Holder
Francis P. Joyce
Mervin H. Kalchoff
Emery G. Keck
Chester L. Kelly
Fredrick R. Kipper
Everett E. Masters
William R. Mayberry
Michael P. McGuire
Les K. Myers
Waylard I. Myers
Roy I. O'Dell
Cecil C. Pierce
Marvin E. Sponseller
John Thomas

By order of Lt. Col. Stewart:

Signed:
W. T. Kirn
Major, 75th FA Bn
Executive Officer

1943

6 July 1942 to 21 April 1944 Alaska Defense Command the 75th Field Artillery Battalion (less Battery A) manned outposts' positions at a radius of 25 miles, training and worked on building installations on the island, such as piers, buildings of all types and landing strips. During the winter of 1942-43, Lt. Col. Stewart was transferred and Lt. Col. W. T. Kirn assumed command.

13 August 1943 one section Ammunition Train sent on D/S (detachment service) from APO 948, Seattle, Washington to join Battery A, 75th Field Artillery Battalion at Fort Randall, Cold Bay, Alaska per radio, Alaska Defense Command, dated 13 August 1943.

1944

22 April 1944 the 75th Field Artillery Battalion (less Battery A and one section Ammunition Train) embarked at 1500 hours aboard the U.S.S. Christopher Greenup, sailed enroute to Seattle Port of Embarkation; Washington. The 75th Field Artillery Battalion enroute to continental United States from overseas duty (Alaskan Department)

26 April 1944 Battery A, 75th Field Artillery Battalion and one section Ammunition Train embarked on the S.S. Baranof at Cold Bay, Alaska enroute to enroute to Seattle Port of Embarkation; Washington, per letter Headquarters Alaskan Department, APO 942, Seattle, Washington, file 370.5 dated 6 April 1944, Subject: Movement of 75th Field Artillery Battalion (105mm Howitzer, Truck-Drawn). Sailed 1700.

Note: A.P.O. 942 Fort Richardson and Elmendorf Field, Anchorage, Alaska

1 May 1944 we returned to Seattle with letters of commendation from Commanding General, APO 948 and Commanding General, Alaskan Department and awarded the Battle Steamer for the Aleutian Campaign.

1 May 1944 the 75th Field Artillery Battalion less Battery A and one section Ammunition Train, disembarked at Seattle Port of Embarkation, Seattle, Washington at 1100 hours. Distance traveled by water: 2300 miles.

1 May 1944 to 9 May 1944 the 75th Field Artillery Battalion less Battery A and one section Ammunition Train, left Seattle Port of Embarkation, Seattle, Washington at 1300 hours by motor vehicles enroute to Fort Lawton, Washington (temporary station). Arrived at Fort Lawton, Washington at 1345. Distance traveled: 12 miles.

9 May 1944 the 75th Field Artillery Battalion (less Battery A and one section Ammunition Train), left Fort Lawton, Washington, dated 28 April 1944, file SPTAH 370.5 TMD.

9 May 1944 at 1630 hours Battery A, 75th Field Artillery Battalion and one section Ammunition Train disembarked at Seattle Port of Embarkation, Seattle, Washington. Distance traveled by water: 2292 mile.

75th Field Artillery Battalion Aleutian Islands Campaign
1. Aleutian Campaign
2. 3 June 1942 to 24 August 1943
3. Secure the Aleutian Islands and Alaska
4. Western Defend Command and 4th Army

Battles:
1. This unit was awarded Battle Honors for the Aleutian Campaign per General Order No. 83 (Confidential) Headquarters Alaskan Department, APO 942, Seattle, Washington, dated 22 April 1944.

Commanding Officers in important engagements: none

Losses in action: Officers and men - none

Photographs of personnel, important scenes or events - none

Former member who has distinguished himself in action:
1. Island of Attu, Alaska
2. Colonel LeRoy J. Stewart, F.A., U.S. Army
3. For exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service
4. Legion of Merit per Section III, W. D. General Order No. 28, dated 15 November 1943

This Battalion was given letters of commendation upon departure from APO 948, Seattle, Washington by the Commanding General, Alaskan Department and Commanding General APO 948, Seattle, Washington, copies of which are enclosed.

14 May 1944 the 75th Field Artillery Battalion (less Battery A and one section Ammunition Train), arrived at Camp Van Dorn, Mississippi (permanent station) at 0415 hours. Distance traveled by rail: 3056 miles.

14 May 1944 at 2125 hours, Battery A, 75th Field Artillery Battalion and one section Ammunition Train entrained at Fort Lawton, Washington enroute to Camp Van Dorn, Mississippi (permanent station) per Par. 18, S.O. No. 133 ASF (FLSA) Fort Lawton, Washington, dated 12 May 1944.

18 May 1944 at 1630 hours, Battery A, 75th Field Artillery Battalion and one section Ammunition Train detrained at Camp Van Dorn, Mississippi and rejoined the Battalion. Distance traveled by rail: 3000 miles.

14 May 1944 to 20 July 1944 the 75th Field Artillery Battalion once again united were garrisoned at Camp Van Dorn, Mississippi (permanent station) and attached to the 214th Field Artillery Group. At this time being spent in furloughs and leaves and what training that could be accomplished. During this time Lt. Col. Kirn was transferred and Major R. H. Camp assumed command and we were reorganized 155mm Howitzers, M-1, Tractor Drawn.

1 June 1944 the 75th Field Artillery Battalion was reorganized as Field Artillery Battalion, motorized, 155mm Howitzer, Tractor-Drawn per G.O. No. 87, Headquarters Fourth Army, Fort Sam Houston, Texas, dated 16 May 1944.

20 July 1944 at 0815, the 75th Field Artillery Battalion left Camp Van Dorn, Mississippi for permanent change of station by rail to Camp Blanding, Florida, per letter 12th Hq. and Hq. Det. Special Troops, Fourth Army, file 370.5 GNMC12E, Subject: Movement of 75th Field Artillery Battalion to Camp Blanding, Florida, dated 18 July 1944.

22 July 1944 at 0815, the 75th Field Artillery Battalion arrived at Camp Blanding, Florida. Distance traveled by rail: 800 miles. The Battalion was assigned as Replacement and School Command Troops and given the mission of providing overhead firing for the Infantry.

20 July 1944 to 29 November 1944 stationed at Camp Blanding, Florida, (permanent station) attached to Infantry Replacement Center with the mission of firing an overhead artillery attack problem for the training of troops. This occupied approximately one-third of our time and so we continued POM and training for AGF tests.

29 November 1944 at 1000 hours the 75th Field Artillery Battalion left Camp Blanding, Florida by rail enroute to Fort Bragg, N. Carolina per letter Hq. AGF, file 370.5/261 (FA) (R) (23 NOV 44) GNGCT, Subject: Transfer of 75th Field Artillery Battalion, dated 23 November 1944.

30 November 1944 at 1100 hours the 75th Field Artillery Battalion arrived at Fort Bragg, North Carolina (permanent station), Distance traveled by rail: 445 miles.

27-30 November 1944 the Battalion took the AGF Firing Test, which was completed satisfactorily.

1945

January 1945 Organization Strength 75th Field Artillery Battalion - Beginning of the period: 39 Officers, 2 Warrant Officers and 519 enlisted men. End of period: 38 Officers, 2 Warrant Officers and 509 enlisted men.

February 1945 Organization Strength 75th Field Artillery Battalion - Beginning of the period: 38 Officers, 2 Warrant Officers and 509 enlisted men. End of period: 37 Officers, 2 Warrant Officers and 506 enlisted men.

March 1945 Organization Strength 75th Field Artillery Battalion - Beginning of the period: 37 Officers, 2 Warrant Officers and 506 enlisted men. End of period: 29 Officers, 2 Warrant Officers and 484 enlisted men.

19 March 1945 the 75th Field Artillery Battalion left Fort Bragg, North Carolina by troop train (APO designation 18590) shipment 4408-D enroute to Camp Patrick, Va. in preparation for overseas duty.

20 March 1945 arrived HRPE, (Camp Patrick Henry, Va.) Staging Area.

26 March 1945 embarked on the USS Wakefield (Shipment HR 280)

28 March 1945 sailed HRPE (Newport News, Va.) by transport boat, USS Wakefield (Formerly USS Manhattan).

29 March 1945 the 75th Field Artillery Battalion was assigned to Fifth (5th) Army.

April 1945 Organization Strength 75th Field Artillery Battalion - Beginning of the period: 29 Officers, 2 Warrant Officers and 484 enlisted men. End of period: 29 Officers, 1 Warrant Officers and 481 enlisted men.

7 April 1945 Battalion arrives at Naples, Italy.

8 April 1945 debarked at Naples, Italy and moved by motor convoy to Hq. Staging Area Peninsula Base Section, APO 782, U.S. Army, Bagnoli, Italy (arrived 1335 hours).

10 April 1945 left Bagnoli, Italy by motor convoy for troop transport. Embarked on the S.S.Sestriere (Formerly the Italian ship S. A. Franco Tosi).

11 April 1945 disbarked at Livorno (Leghorn) Italy marched by motor convoy to staging area near Pisa, Italy.

11-21 April 1945 in staging area near Pisa, Italy (Vecchie 4 km west of Pisa) processing and receiving material.

21 April 1945 the Battalion received orders to move with the 428th Field Artillery Group to the 92nd Infantry Division area near Massa, Italy (attached to the 92nd Infantry Division).

22 April 1945 the 75th Field Artillery Battalion left Pisa and moved into battle position near Luni, Italy (Battalion CP at coordinates 81.2-06.6). Length of march: 53.8 km. Weather: good. Route of march on Highway 1 thru Pisa, Viareggio, Massa to Luni. Battery B fired registration by use of air OP, 12 rounds. Able and Baker Batteries under moderate enemy fire.

23 April 1945 the 75th Field Artillery Battalion fired 28 missions, expending 503 rounds from battle positions near Luni, Italy. Fire was entirely unobserved except for registrations, and was directed against mortar and machine gun positions, personnel, and road junctions. Battalion moved from Luni and moved into battle positions at Sarzanello, Italy, south east of Sarzana (Battalion CP at coordinates: 78.60-09.54). Distance of march: 8.0 km. Weather: Good. Route of march along Highway 1.

24 April 1945 Battalion fired 6 missions, expending 129 rounds from battle position at Sarzanello, Italy. There missions were registration and fire at enemy personnel. Fire observers as effective but results were not reported. The Battalion moved from Sarzanello, Italy to battle positions near Posticciolo, Italy (Battalion CP at coordinates: 74.26-14.09). Distance of march: 7.3 km. Weather: good. Route of march on Highway 1 to Sarzana, Italy and Highway 62 to Posticciolo.

27 April 1945 Battalion marched from Posticciolo, Italy to Scorcitoli, Italy.

28 April 1945 the Battalion arrived at Scorcitoli, Italy and occupied battle positions (Bn. CP at coordinates: 74.18-37.28). Length of march from Posticciolo, Italy to Scorcitoli, Italy: 56.2 km over very mountainous country. Route of march via Highway 62 and Highway 1 from Posticciolo thru Sarzana to a point 2.5 km south of Sarzana when Highway 181 intersects Highway 1. thence to Fosdinova on Highway 181; thence to Highway 63 on Highway 180; thence on Highway 63 to Aulla, Italy; thence on Highway 62 to destination. The weather was very poor it rained all night long. Much trouble was experienced by the Battalion in bypassing roadblocks that the Germans had established by the use of demolition.

29 April 1945 Battery C fired registration from Scorcitoli position using air observation. Observation was very limited due to fog and rain. 14 rounds were expended no other missions were fired.

May 1945 Organization Strength 75th Field Artillery Battalion - Beginning of the period: 29 Officers, 1 Warrant Officers and 481 enlisted men. End of period: 29 Officers, 2 Warrant Officers and 481 enlisted men.

1 May 1945 Battalion marched from Scorcitoli to Sarzana and went into night bivouac in a schoolhouse. Length of march: 50.7 km. Route of march for light vehicles same as route of 28 April 1945. Heavy vehicles moved from Aulla to Sarzana via Highway 82. The weather was again bad with rain falling the entire day. Trouble in bypassing German demolitions were again experienced by the heavy columns.

2 May 1945 the Battalion received orders at Sarzana, Italy at 0807 to have two batteries in firing position near Ponzano Magra by 0830 to support the 370th Infantry in landing on Isola del Tino, Italy. Length of march: 5.5 km. Batteries were in battle position by 0900. Battalion CP was established at coordinates: 74.10-13.10 near Posticciolo, Italy. Mission was completed at 1430 without firing a round. Message received relieving us from attachment to the 92nd Division and ordering Battalion to move to vicinity of Verona, Italy.

3-4 May 1945 Battalion moved from Ponzano Magra to Isola della Scala via Sarzana, Italy (Highway 62), Fosdinova (Highway 1 and 181), Rometta (Highway 180), Fivizzano and Reggio Nell Emila (Highway 63), Modena (Highway 9) and thru Mirandola and Nogara to Isola della Scala, Italy. A short stop was made at Reggio Nell Emila for food and refueling the vehicles. Length of the march: 237.4 km. Weather: Good.

5 May 1945 Battalion ordered to guard captured enemy dump in vicinity of Verona and Vicenza, Italy. Battalion Headquarters, Headquarters Battery, Service Battery, C Battery and Medical Detachment remained at Isola della Scala, Italy (F6536). Battery A moved its CP into Verona, Italy, (F648533). The Battery established outposts at captured enemy ordinance, engineer and signal dumps in and around Verona. Battery B moved its CP into Vicenza, Italy, (G084644). The Battery established outposts at captured enemy quartermaster dumps and enemy hospitals in vicinity of Vicenzia, Italy.

6 May 1945 Service Battery established outpost guard on enemy material dump near Verona (F648533). Headquarters Battery established its CP at Montibelluno, Italy, (G4989) and furnished outpost guard detail at Feltre, Italy (B3816) for the purpose of guarding enemy chemical warfare dumps.

END OF THE WAR was officially announced by the Supreme Allied Commander effective 0001 9 May 1945.

9 May 1945 Battery C established CP at Trento, Italy (A7923). Outpost was established in the vicinity of Rovereto, Italy, (A7103).

11 May 1945 Service Battery relieved of assignment in vicinity of Verona and returned to Base Camp at Isola della Scala, Italy.

12 May 1945 Headquarters Battery established outpost at San Martino, Italy, (B3144) to guard enemy medical supplies at that point.

13 May 1945 Battery A relieved of guard assignments in the vicinity of Verona and entire Battery moved into vicinity of Bressanone, Italy, (B2294). Headquarters Battery relieved of guard duties at San Martino and Feltre, Italy. Battery returned to Base Camp at Isola della Scala, Italy.

14 May 1945 Battalion CP moved to Lasize, Italy, (F4562). CP established on grounds of Countess Bereninni. Camp located on edge of Lake Garda. Swimming beach and shower was unit available to entire command. Headquarters Battery, Service Battery and Medical Detachment in bivouac at Battalion CP. Battery B relieved of guard assignments at Vicenza and moved to Merano, Italy, (A8391). Battery received billet in hotel in Merano.

15 May 1945 Battery A assigned guard duty of captured enemy engineer dumps in vicinity of Bressanone, Italy. Battery B assigned guard duty of captured enemy engineer dumps near Merano and captured signal dumps near Glorenza, Italy, (A355946).

18 May 1945 the CP of Battery C, moved to Bolzano, Italy, (A9772). Battery relieved of guard assignment at Trento and assigned guard assignments in the vicinity of Bolzano.

18-30 May 1945 75th Field Artillery Battalion CP remained at Lasize, Italy. Headquarters Battery, Service Battery and Medical Detachment stayed with Battalion CP. Battery A remained at Bressanone, Battery B at Merano and Battery C at Bolzano, Italy, all guarding captured enemy dumps.

June 1945 Organization Strength 75th Field Artillery Battalion - Beginning of the period: 29 Officers, 2 Warrant Officers and 481 enlisted men. End of period: 30 Officers, 3 Warrant Officers and 530 enlisted men.

June 1945 the 75th Field Artillery Battalion was charged with the responsibility of guarding captured enemy dumps in or near the Italian towns of Coldrano (A5786), Laces (A5985), Naturno (A7388), Merano (A8391), Postal (A8584), Vipiana (A8779), Bagni (V8408), S. Leonardo (V9006), Colle Isarco (W0720), Vipiteno (W0416), Campo di Trens (W0813), Sciaves (W2201), Varna (B2197), Bolzano (A9772), Appiano (A8867), Laives (A9662), Dermulo (A7454) and Lavis (A7532).

The Battalion was also charged with guarding the Brenner Pass into Austria. The guard post for Benner Pass was located in the town of Passo d Brennero, Italy (W1127).

During part of this same period the 75th Field Artillery Battalion also was charged with guarding Prisoners of War (German) at the towns of Bressanone, Merano, and Bolzano. All prisoners of war in Northern Italy were eventually congregated at Bolzano and were motor convoyed from Bolzano to Gheidi, Italy (F0852) where the Battalion turned the prisoners over to Prisoner of War Stockade. All POW motor convoys were made up of German vehicles driven by German drivers. An Officer of this Battalion was motor convoy Officer and an enlisted man of this unit rode in the cab of each truck.

July 1945 Organization Strength 75th Field Artillery Battalion - Beginning of the period: 30 Officers, 3 Warrant Officers and 530 enlisted men. End of period: 29 Officers, 2 Warrant Officers and 484 enlisted men.

1-15 July 1945 the 75th Field Artillery Battalion was guarding captured German dumps in Northern Italy. Unit History was submitting 14 July 1945 from APO 464 c/o Postmaster, New York, NY.

16 July 1945 Orders received from Hq. 5th Army stating that the 75th Field Artillery Battalion would report to Montecatini Redeployment Training Area on 18 July 1945 for indirect redeployment to the Pacific Area. (Bn. placed in category 2b, which meant return to the U.S. for 30-day leaves and furloughs before going to Pacific Area). See Secret Letter, Hq. 428th Gp. 20 June 1945, Attached.

17 July 1945 Batteries A, B, C, were relieved of guard duty and returned to Battalion CP at Lazise, Italy. Battery A moved from Bressanone to Lazise. Distance: 216.3 km. Battery B moved from Merano to Lazise. Distance: 208.5 km. Battery C moved from Bolzano to Lazise. Distance: 168.5 km.

18 July 1945 Entire 75th Field Artillery Battalion moved from Lazise, Italy to Montecatini Redeployment Training Area, Montecatini, Italy. Distance traveled: 243 km. Route of march: Lazise to Peschiera via Hwy. 11, to Modena via Hwy. 12, to near Bologna via Hwy. 9 to Junction Hwys. 943 and 6423, to via Hwy. 943, to junction 6423 and 64 via Hwy. 6423, to Pistoia via Hwy. 64, to Montecatini via Hwy. 6627. Weather and travel conditions: Excellent. Since Battalion was required to turn in nearly all two and half ton trucks, German vehicles with German drivers were used to supplement organic transportation. See Outgoing Message, Hq. 5th Army, 12 July 1945.

19-27 July 1945 period used for processing Battalion for return to United States. During this period this unit was designated to travel to the U.S. with elements of the 10th Mountain Division.

24 July 1945 an advance party from this Battalion, consisting of three Officers and eight enlisted men departed from Italy with the advance party from the 10th Mountain Division for the U.S. (This advance party, 75th FA Bn will herein be called the "Advance Party from Italy" for the sake of clarity).

28 July 1945 the 75th Field Artillery Battalion less Battery B moved by motor convoy furnished by the Montecatini Redeployment Training Area (MRTA) to the Port of Embarkation, Leghorn (Livorno, west of Florence, Italy). Distance traveled: 75 km. Battalion less Battery B boarded ship, USS Blue Ridge Victory and sailed from Leghorn at 1740 this date. Battery B was moved by Montecatini Redeployment Training Area (MRTA) from Montecatini to Staging Area, Pisa, Italy to await call from Port of Embarkation, Leghorn. Distance traveled: approximately 50 km.

29 July 1945 Battalion, less Battery B a board the USS Blue Ridge Victory ship bound for POE, Hampton Roads, Va., U.S.A.

29 July to 14 August 1945 Battery B remained at Staging Area, Pisa, Italy waiting "call" to port.

30 July 1945 Battalion less Battery B arrives at Oran, Africa.

31 July to 8 August 1945 Battalion less Battery B departed Oran, Africa bound for U.S. aboard the USS Blue Ridge Victory Ship.

August 1945 Organization Strength 75th Field Artillery Battalion - Beginning of the period: 29 Officers, 2 Warrant Officers and 484 enlisted men. End of period: 29 Officers, 2 Warrant Officers and 484 enlisted men.

1 August 1945 advance party from Italy arrives at Miami, Florida via Army air.

2 August 1945 advance party from Italy arrives at Camp Blanding, Florida for purpose of receiving 30 day TDY, plus travel time.

9 August 1945 Battalion, less Battery B arrived POE, Hampton Roads, Va.

ARMY SERVICE FORCES HEADQUARTERS
Camp Patrick Henry, Virginia
August 9, 1945

SPTAK/CPH 370.5

Subject: Movement Orders (Reception Station Personnel) 75th Field Artillery Battalion (155mm HOW, TRAC DR) (W/Atchd Med)

To: All Concerned

1. The personnel on the attached Transfer Lists, which are part of this order, 75th FA Bn (155mm HOW, TRAC DR) (W/Atchd Med) arrived at Hampton Roads, Port of Embarkation (HRPE), Newport News, Va., on 9 August 1945, have been organized into reception station groups, as indicated, and WP, by rail c/a 10 August 1945 to their proper reception stations on TDY for the purpose of being ordered to desired places of recuperation, rehabilitation, and recovery, for a period not to exceed thirty (30) days, plus travel time, upon completion of which each individual will return to the reception station for further movement, in groups, to the assembly station Camp Carson, Colo. Personnel will not be ordered to a redistribution station. Each individual is a member of the 75th FA Bn (155mm HOW, TRAC DR) (W/Atchd Med) and Camp Carson, Colorado in the new station:

Group: 75th FA Bn (155mm HOW, TRAC DR) (W/Atchd Med)
1. Reception Station - Ft. Devons, Mass - 1 Officers, 10 enlisted - TTG TO - Ft. Devon, Mass
2. Reception Station - Ft Dix, N.J. - 2 Officers, 47 enlisted men - TTG TO - Ft Dix, N.J.
3. Reception Station - Ft Goo G. Meade, MD - 1 Officers, 20 enlisted men - TTG TO - Ft Goo G. Meade, MD
4. Reception Station - Ft. Bragg, N.C. - 0 Officers, 11 enlisted men - TTG TO - Ft. Bragg, N.C.
5. Reception Station - Cp Shelby, Miss. - 2 Officers, 7 enlisted men - TTG TO - Cp Shelby, Miss.
6. Reception Station - Cp Atterbury, Ind. - 0 Officers, 56 enlisted men - TTG TO - Cp Atterbury, Ind.
7. Reception Station - Camp Grant, Ill - 2 Officers, 58 enlisted men - TTG TO - Camp Grant, Ill.
8. Reception Station - Ft Logan, Colo - 1 Officers, 4 enlisted men - TTG TO - Denver, Colorado
9. Reception Station - Jefferson Bks, Mo. - 0 Officers, 15 enlisted men - TTG TO - Jefferson Bks, Mo.
10. Reception Station - Ft. Sam Houston, Tex - 0 Officers, 13 enlisted men - TTG TO - Ft. Sam Houston, Tex.
11. Reception Station - Ft. Bliss, Texas - 1 Officers, 6 enlisted men - TTG TO - Ft Worth, Texas 12. Reception Station - Ft Douglas, Utah - 0 Officers, 6 enlisted men - TTG TO - Salt Lake City, Utah
13. Reception Station - Ft. Lewis, Wash. - 3 Officers, 9 enlisted men - TTG TO - Ft. Lewis, Wash.
14. Reception Station - Camp Boalo, Calif. - 0 Officers, 12 enlisted men - TTG TO - Camp Boalo, Calif.
15. Reception Station - Ft. McPherson, Ga. - 0 Officers, 8 enlisted men - TTG TO - Atlanta, Ga.
16. Reception Station - Camp McCoy, Wisc. - 0 Officers, 28 enlisted men - TTG TO - Camp McCoy, Wisc.
17. Reception Station - Ft. Leavenworth, Kans. - 3 Officers, 10 enlisted men - TTG TO - Kansas City, Mo.
18. Reception Station - Cp Chaffee, Ark. - 1 Officers, 11 enlisted men - TTG TO - Monett, Mo.
19. Reception Station - Cp Blanding, Fla. - 0 Officers, 7 enlisted men - TTG TO - Cp Blanding, Fla.
20. Reception Station - Ft MacArthur, Calif. - 2 Officers, 8 enlisted men - TTG TO - San Pedro, California.
21. Reception Station - Indiantown Gap, Pa. - 2 Officers, 27 enlisted men - TTG TO - Indiantown Gap, Pa.
22. Reception Station - Camp Gordon, Ga. - 0 Officers, 1 enlisted men - TTG TO - Grovoton, Ga.

2. This is a PERMANENT CHANGE OF STATION with TDY enroute at a reception station.

3. Individual equipment and clothing necessary for appearance and comfort in traveling to reception stations and during period of recuperation will be taken. All other equipment, clothing and records not needed by the reception stations, will accompany the detachment to the assembly station. All personnel will be carried on the Morning Report of the detachment as on TDY.

4. The TO, QMC and Camp Mess Officer, will furnish necessary T, kitchen car facilities, meal tickets, box lunches, and troop training rations, sufficient to cover the number of personnel indicated in Par. 1 above for length of journey. TDN. 601-31 P 431-02-07-08 A 212/60425 S 99-999; 601-31 P433-02-03-07-08 A 212/60425 S99-999. (Auth: Ltr WD TAG AG 370.5 (22 July1945) CB-S-E-SPMCT-M subject: Movement Orders, 10th Mountain Division and Components Units dated 24 July 1945).

By order of Colonel Fountain

Signed:
J. J. Hanculak
1st Lt, TC
Asst Adjutant

ARMY SERVICE FORCES HEADQUARTERS
Camp Patrick Henry, Virginia
August 9, 1945

SPTAK/CPH 370.5

Subject: Movement Orders 75th Field Artillery Battalion (155mm HOW, TRAC DR) (W/Atchd Med)

To: All Concerned

1. The 75th FA Bn (155mm HOW, TRAC DR) (W/Atchd Med), having arrived at HRPE, Newport News, Va., on 9 August 1945, by rail c/a 10 August 1945, from this station to Camp Carson, Colorado, reporting upon arrival thereat to the Commanding Officer for assignment to the AGF and Fourth Army

2. This is a PERMANENT CHANGE OF STATION. EDCMR (Effective date of change on morning report) will be the date of arrival at new station.

3. A Detachment, 75th FA Bn (155mm HOW, TRAC DR) (W/Atchd Med), consisting of the following named officer (s) and EM (enlisted men), is organized for the purpose of accompanying the unit records, personnel records not needed by the reception stations, and any individual equipment not needed by other personnel for travel to reception stations. All organizational equipment arriving with unit will be shipped separately to the assembly station Camp Carson, Colo. Equipment arriving subsequently for the unit will be shipped to the assembly station. Detachment as follows:

Major LeRoy C Land, 75th FA Bn
Captain George D. Gabriel, 75th FA Bn
Tech. Sgt. Glen F. Reich, 75th FA Bn
Cpl. Milton J. Loop, 75th FA Bn

4. Upon arrival of the detachment at the assembly station and upon establishment of personnel and supply administration, the Commanding Officer thereof will process the detachment and will grant recuperation to all individuals for a period of not to exceed thirty (30) days, plus travel time, for the purpose of recuperation, rehabilitation and recovery, upon completion of which each individual will return to the assembly station.

5. Major LeRoy C. Land, FA is designated as Detachment Commander. He will take charge of and conduct the detachment to destination.

6. All Morning Reports prepared up to and including the day prior to departure, will be forwarded to the MRU, HRPE, through the Director of Personnel, this station. All personnel of the 75th FA Bn (155mm HOW, TRAC DR) (W/Atchd Med), will be carried by the detachment from date of departure from this station to date of arrival at new station. Morning Reports for the day of departure and those originating enroute (special attention is invited to Sec. III, AR345-400) will be forwarded to the MRU servicing the organization at its new location.

7. TCNT and meal tickets for number of EM indicated in Par. 3 above, for such time as length of journey requires. TDN. 601-31 P 431-02-03-07-08 A 212/60425 S99-999. (Auth: Ltr WD TAG 370.5 (22 July 1945) OB-S-E-SPMOT-M. Subject: Movement Orders, 10th Mountain Division and Component Units Dtd 24 July 1945).

By order of Colonel Fountain:

Signed:
J. J. Hanculak
1st Lt., TC
Asst. Adjutant

10 August 1945 the day spent in processing all personnel except POE advance party from Italy. Battalion less Battery B and POE advance party departed for Reception Centers and eventual 30 days TDY, plus travel time.

11 August 1945 POE advance party departed Camp Patrick Henry, Va. for Camp Carson, Colorado for purpose of transporting Battalion records to new station.

14 August 1945 POE advance party arrived at Camp Carson, Colorado.

15 August 1945 Battery B departed Staging Area, Pisa, Italy for Piambino, Italy. Distance traveled 50 km. Boarded USS Athos II approximately 1100 hours. Sailed for Livorno, Italy approximately 1700 hours.

16 August 1945 POE advance party departed Camp Carson, Colorado for period of 30 days TDY, plus time traveled. Battery B departed Livorno, Italy 1600 bound for U.S.A.

17-28 August 1945 Battery B aboard USS Athos II bound for U.S.A.

75th Field Artillery Battalion, Italy 1945 Campaign:

1. Name: Po Valley Campaign (Letter MTOUSA, AG 200.6/040 P-O, 26 May 1945, subject: "Battle Participation Awards".

2. Duration: 5 April 1945 to 8 May 1945

3. Purpose of the Po Valley Campaign was to drive the Germans from the industrial sections of Northern Italy and into the mountainous country of the Alps. The campaign resulted in the surrender of the German Army Force in Italy on 2 May 1945.

Battles: None designed

4. Combat Zone: Italy an adjacent waters north of the line; Pietrasanta-San Marcello-Riola-Castiglione-Brisinghella-Ravenna (all inclusive) Commanding Officers in important engagements:

1. Engagement: Po Valley Campaign

2. Name: Lt. Col. Robert H. Camp

Losses in Action: None

Commanding Officer June 1945: Lt. Col. Robert H. Camp

17 August to 7 September 1945 Battalion records were maintained by Hq. 33rd Special Troops, 4th Army, Camp Carson, Colorado. No personnel from Battalion were physically present during this time.

29 August 1945 Battery B arrived New York POE approximately 0900. Entire Battery moved to Camp Shanks, N.Y. via train.

30 August 1945 Battery B, Officers and enlisted men departed for various Reception Centers for purpose of obtaining TDY.

31 August 1945 Battery B advance party departed Camp Shanks, N.Y. for assembly area, Camp Carson, Colorado for purpose of transporting Battery records to new station.

September 1945 Organization Strength 75th Field Artillery Battalion - Beginning of the period: 29 Officers, 2 Warrant Officers and 484 enlisted men. End of period: 28 Officers, 2 Warrant Officers and 413 enlisted men. Commanding Officer during the period 1945: Lt. Col. Robert H. Camp

3 September 1945 advance party Battery B arrived at Camp Carson, Colorado.

5 September 1945 Battery B advance party departed Camp Carson, Colorado for purpose of 30 days TDY plus travel time.

8 September 1945 initial advance party from Italy arrived Camp Carson, Colorado.

9 September to 31 October usual garrison duties and reorganization due to loss of approximately 90 percent of former Officer and enlisted personnel.

October 1945 Organization Strength 75th Field Artillery Battalion - Beginning of the period: 27 Officers, 2 Warrant Officers and 409 enlisted men. End of period: 29 Officers, 2 Warrant Officers and 499 enlisted men. Commanding Officer during the period 1945: Lt. Col. Robert H. Camp. Present station, Camp Carson, Colorado.

November 1945 Organization Strength 75th Field Artillery Battalion - Beginning of the period: 29 Officers, 2 Warrant Officers and 521 enlisted men. End of period: 28 Officers, 2 Warrant Officers and 305 enlisted men. Commanding Officer during the period 1945: Lt. Col. Robert H. Camp. Present station, Camp Carson, Colorado.

December 1945 Organization Strength 75th Field Artillery Battalion - Beginning of the period: 24 Officers, 2 Warrant Officers and 305 enlisted men. End of period: 26 Officers, 2 Warrant Officers and 344 enlisted men. Commanding Officer during the period 1945: Lt. Col. Robert H. Camp. Present station, Camp Carson, Colorado.

20 December 1945 the 75th Field Artillery Battalion received written orders to transfer from Camp Carson, Colorado to Fort Ord, California: 370.5/4293(20 Dec 45) GNGCT-52 - It is desired that Commanding General, Second Army, issue necessary instructions to transfer 75th Field Artillery Battalion and 317th Ordinance Medium Maintenance Company from Camp Carson, Colorado to Fort Ord, California. Movements will be made at earliest practicable date after 10 January 1946. Movement of the 75th Field Artillery Battalion is a Permanent change of station. Upon arrival at Fort Ord, California, these units are released from assignment to the Second Army and assigned to VII Corps. Effective date of change on morning report will be date units arrive at new station. Notify Commanding General, VII Corps, of probable date of arrival of units. Detail of movement will be governed by Section IV, Circular No.358, WD, 1944, and letter, Hq. AGF, 370.5/4282 (20 Nov. 45) GNGCT-52, 20 November 1945, Subject: "Instruction Governing Domestic Troop Movements". Transportation of dependents and authorized baggage belonging to personnel of the 75th Field Artillery Battalion will be in accordance with the provisions of Section X, Circular No. 287, WD, 1945, as amended.

By Command of General Devers

Signed:
S. R. Knight
Lt. Col., AGD
Asst. Ground Adjutant General

29 December 1945 from 33D Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, Special Troops, Second army, Camp Carson, Colorado. Memorandum: To: C.O. 75th Field Artillery Battalion, Camp Carson, Colorado:

The following TWX from Headquarters, Second Army, GNMBD 1384, dated 28 December 1945 is quoted for your information:

"SUSPEND ALL ACTION ON MOVEMENT OF 75TH FA BN AND 317 ORD MED MAINT CO FROM CP CARSON PD PRESENT ORDERS BEING RESCINDED PD PLANS STILL CALL FOR DISPOSITION OF UNITS DURING JANUARY IN TIME FOR DISCONTINUANCE OF SP TRPS 5 FEBRUARY 1946 END GNMBD 1384"

BY ORDER OF COLONEL SCHJERVEN:

Signed:
Clyde T. McKinney
1st Lt., AGD
Actg Adj General

1946

January 1946 Organization Strength 75th Field Artillery Battalion - Beginning of the period: 22 Officers, 2 Warrant Officers and 287 enlisted men. End of period: 24 Officers, 2 Warrant Officers and 242 enlisted men. Present station, Fort Hood, Texas

7 January 1946 From: Headquarters Second Army, Office of Commanding General, Memphis 15, Tennessee, (370.5 GNMBD). To: Commanding Officer, 33d Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, Special Troops, Second Army, Camp Carson, Colorado. Subject: Transfer of 75th Field Artillery Battalion and 317th Ordinance Medium Maintenance Company:

In compliance with letter, Headquarters Army Ground Forces, dated 4 January 1946, file 370.5/4301 (4 Jan. 1946) GNGCT-52, Subject: "Transfer of Certain Units from Camp Carson, Colorado" issue necessary orders to move the 75th Field Artillery Battalion from Camp Carson, Colorado to Camp Hood, Texas for permanent change of station, and the 317th Ordinance Medium Maintenance Company from Camp Carson, Colorado to Fort Ord, California, for intermediate change of station. The 317th Ordinance Medium Maintenance Company is scheduled for movement from Fort Ord, California to a new permanent station to be designated about 1 April 1946.

Upon arrival at Camp Hood, Texas, the 75th Field Artillery Battalion is released from assignment to Second Army and attachment to 33d Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, Special Troops, Second Army, and is assigned to Fourth Army. Effective date of change on morning report will be date unit arrives at new station. Notify Commanding General, Fourth Army of probable date of arrival. Transportation of dependents and authorized baggage belonging to personnel of the 75th Field Artillery Battalion will be in accordance with the provisions of Section X, Circular No. 287, WD, 1945, as amended.

1-15 January 1946 Orders received from Hqs, Second Army, stating that 75th Field Artillery Battalion would move to Camp Hood, Texas, for a permanent change of station. See, Letter file 370.5 (GNMCD) dated 7 Jan. 1946, Hqs. Second Army, Subject: Transfer of the 75th FA Bn and 317th Ord. MM Co. and letter File AG 370.5 GNMWC, dated 15 Jan. 1946, 33rd Hqs and Hqs Det, Sp Trps, Second Army, Subject: Movement Orders, attached.

15 January 1946 From: 33d Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, Special Troops, Second Army, Camp Carson, Colorado. To: C.O. 75th Field Artillery Battalion, Camp Carson, Colorado. Subject: Movement Orders:

In compliance with letter, Headquarters Army Ground Forces, dated 4 January 1946, file 370.5/4301 (4 Jan. 1946) GNGCT-52, Subject:" Transfer of Certain units from Camp Carson, Colorado", and letter, Headquarter Second Army, dated 7 January 1946, file 370.5 (GNMBD), Subject: "Transfer 75th Field Artillery Battalion". The 75th Field Artillery Battalion this station will proceed to Camp Hood, Texas, departing no later the 20 January 1946 for a permanent change of station. Upon arrival at Camp Hood, Texas, unit will be released from assignment to Second Army and attachment to 33d Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, Special Troops, Second Army and is assigned to Fourth Army. Effective date of change of morning report will be date of arrival of unit at new station. Movement will be made by rail in accordance with the provisions of Circular No. 106, Headquarters Second Army, 25 October 1945, as amended by Circular No. 128, Headquarters Second Army, 29 November 1945.

16-19 January 1946 period used to prepare Battalion for movement to Camp Hood, Texas. All equipment was turned in with the exception of minimum essential equipment.

18 January 1946 From 33d Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, Special Troops, Second Army, Camp Carson, Colorado. To: C.O. 75th Field Artillery Battalion, Camp Carson, Colorado. Subject: Amendment Number 1 to Movement Orders:

1. So much of paragraph 7, Letter, 33d Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, Special Troops, Second Army, Camp Carson, Colorado, File AG 370.5 GNMWC, Dated 15 January 1946 as pertains to permanent change of station of 75th Field Artillery Battalion, Camp Carson, Colorado as reads: "QMC will furnish rations for three hundred (300) men two days journey" is amended to read: "QMC will furnish rations for one hundred ninety-two (192) men two days journey".

Signed:
Clyde T. McKinney
1st Lt., AGD
Actg Adj General

19-20 January 1946 the 764th Field Artillery Battalion moved from Camp Carson, Colorado to Camp Hood, Texas, leaving Camp Carson at 1000 hours 19 January, and arriving Camp Hood at 2330 hours 20 January 1946. Travel was made in day coaches. Upon arrival at Camp Hood, the Battalion was assigned to the 429th FA Group under control of 11th Hqs and Hqs Det, Sp Trps, Fourth Army.

20 to 31 January 1946 period were used to draw equipment and organization of Battalion and area. Training was resumed and the Bn settled down to usual garrison duties.

1 February to 10 February 1946 Organization Strength 75th Field Artillery Battalion - Beginning of the period: 22 Officers, 2 Warrant Officers and 287 enlisted men. End of period: 0 Officers, 0 Warrant Officers and 0 enlisted men. 75th Field Artillery Battalion: inactivated February 10, 1946. Present station inactivated, Fort Hood, Texas.

1-4 February 1946 usual garrison duties.

4 February 1946 verbal order was received from Commanding General, 11th Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, Special Troops, Fourth Army, to inactivate the Battalion by 10 February 1946.

5-7 February 1946 period used to turn in all equipment in preparation for inactivation.

7 February 1946 From: 11th Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, Special Troops, Fourth Army, Camp Hood, Texas:

General Orders No. 5:

Subject: Inactivation of Surplus Units:

1. Pursuant to authority contained in letter, Headquarters, Army Ground Forces, file 321/162 (R) (8 October 1945) GNGCT-42, 4 January 1946 as amended by letter, Headquarters, Army Ground Forces, same subject and file, 30 January 1946 and 1st Indorsement, Headquarters Fourth Army, file AG 321 GNMDC (30 January 1946), 4 February 1946, the following unit will be inactivated at this station on 10 February 1946:

429th Field Artillery Group, Headquarters and Headquarters Battery
558th Field Artillery Battalion
75th Field Artillery Battalion
764th Field Artillery Battalion
767th Field Artillery Battalion
661st Field Artillery Battalion
661st Tank Destroyer Battalion
135th Ordinance Medium Maintenance Company
16th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron
7th Field Artillery Observation Battalion

2.Separate instructions:
a. Separate instruction will be issued by this Headquarters on disposition of personnel.
b. Personnel on whom court-martial charges are pending, will be reported to this headquarters for disposition and the charges referred in accordance with letter, this headquarters, file 321 GNMC11, 24 October 1945, subject: "Standing Operating Procedure on Administration of Units Inactivating, Disbanding, or Discontinuing".
c. No enlisted man will be reduced in grade as a direct result of any action ordered herein.
3. Items of equipment will be turned in to post supply agencies as provided by letter, Headquarters, Army Ground Forces, file 400.703/400 (11 January 1946) GNGBS, 11 January 1946, subject: a "Disposition of Equipment", and st Indorsement, Headquarters, Fourth Army, file AG 475 GNMDC-C, 23 January 1946.
4. Equipment, unit funds, fund properties and unit records of inactivated units will be disposed of in accordance with applicable provisions of War Department RR 1-6, current series.
5. Records will be disposed of and reported in accordance with AR 15-15, and as prescribed in Section VIII, RR 1-6.
6. The provisions of letters, Headquarters, Army Ground Forces, 380.01/251 (12 September 1945) GNGBI, 12 September 1945, Subject; "Intelligence and Security Procedure during Inactivation of Units", will be complied with.
8-10 February 1946 remainder of equipment was turned in, personnel transferred, all records and documents prepared for storage, and the Battalion was completely inactivated on 10 February 1946.

(Left) March 16, 1941 - Gas is no respecter of men or beasts, and so the 75th Field Artillery provides gas masks for its horses before going through maneuvers at Fort Ord, including a simulated gas attack. The horses don't seem to like the idea much.

(Right) Not an elephant, just a horse wearing a gas mask, that weird animal out front, bearing a Fort Ord soldier of the 75th Field Artillery, one of the few horse-drawn battalions in the Regular Army. Gunners and horses alike wear the gas masks.

FORT ORD STATION VETERINARY HOSPITAL U.S. ARMY HORSE c1941
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Fort Ord U.S. Army Station Veterinary Hospital (Horse) WW2

11TH CAVALRY PRESIDIO OF MONTEREY, 1919 TO 1940
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11th Cavalry Presidio of Monterey, 1919 to 1940

76TH FIELD ARTILLERY REGIMENT PRESIDIO OF MONTEREY, 1922 TO 1940
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76th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Battalion

EAST GARRISON/CAMP ORD 1940's ARMY BUILDING DOCUMENTATION
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East Garrison/Camp Ord 1940's Army Building Documentation 2013

FORT ORD U.S. ARMY POST STOCKADE IN IMAGES
Fort Ord U.S. Army Post Stockade in Images

BRIEF HISTORY GENERAL ROBERT C. RICHARDSON, COMMANDER: VII ARMY CORPS, NORTHERN CALIFORNIA DEFENSE SECTOR AND CONNECTION WITH FORT ORD WW2
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General Richardson Fort Ord Defense of West Coast

7TH DIVISION HEADQUARTERS BUILDING, FORT ORD, 1941 WW2, GENERAL STILWELL
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7th Division Headquarters Buildings, Fort Ord, 1941, General Stilwell

FORT ORD BUILDINGS, COMPLETION REPORT IMAGES 1941-1942
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Fort Ord Buildings, Completion Report Images 1941-1942

250TH COAST ARTILLERY CAMP MCQUAIDE CALIFORNIA 1941
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250th Coast Artillery Camp McQuaide California 1941

THE ARMY VETERINARY SERVICE DURING THE GREAT WAR, WW1
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Veterinary Corps in WW1

LEONARD PATRICK MURPHY U.S. ARMY VETERINARY CORPS, A.E.F., WW1
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Leonard Murphy in WW1

U.S. ARMY VETERINARY CORPS HISTORICAL PRESERVATION GROUP

Motto: "Illic est Vires in Numerus" There is Strength in Numbers

"Working Hard to Preserve Our Country's History wherever it is being lost".

U.S. Army Veterinary Corps Historical Preservation Group is a group of individuals that are concerned about the preservation of the History of the Veterinary Corps, Remount Service and Cavalry or wherever our country's history is being lost in conjunction with our beloved "Horse and Mule". There is no cost to join and membership is for life. We believe by uniting together in numbers we will be a more powerful force to be heard. Our membership list is private and only used to contact our members. Email us and become a member.

Greg Krenzelok
[email protected]

FACEBOOK: U.S. Army Veterinary Corps Historical Preservation Group

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U.S. Army Veterinary Corps Historical Preservation Group