Replies

On 13 December, the 2D Battalion, 126TH Infantry, with mortar and tank support, was able to assault through the enemy positions that had been holding it up. It was also able to eliminate some of the pockets that had been bypassed earlier, in spite of determined resistance. By the end of the day it was in a position about 200 yards north of a roadblock established by elements of 3D Battalion, 126TH Infantry Meanwhile, 3D Battalion (minus Co. L holding high ground above the road) advanced down the east side of the road to come up alongside the 1ST Battalion, 126TH Infantry, the southernmost unit of the Division. Late in the afternoon, 3D Battalion spotted six Japanese tanks approaching, but after a fierce fight the tanks were turned back. The 1ST Battalion, forced to advance over open ground, successfully dislodged a Japanese position between it and 3D Battalion.

“The men of the battalion were hungry, having been without food since the previous afternoon. The commanding officer of the battalion renewed a request for additional rations and ammunition, since the one-third ration that had been received the day before was insufficient.” (Cannon 326)

Meanwhile, the 1ST and 2D Battalions, 127TH Infantry, were ordered to move south, past 3D Battalion, 126TH Infantry, and establish contact with 1ST Battalion, 126TH Infantry. The 1ST Battalion, 127TH Infantry, had gone 400 yards before it was stopped by about 50 Japanese on some high ground just west of the road who threw TNT charges and grenades down on them.

“The night of 13-14 December was not quiet. At 2300 an enemy force from the 1st Infantry Regiment [1st Division] broke into the command post of the 126TH Infantry. The Japanese set up a machine gun in the area and attacked with grenades and rifles. Bitter hand-to-hand fighting ensued but by 0325 the enemy force was evicted and the area quieted down.” (Cannon 326)

32nd Division history in World War II