Unit History:  Activated on 1 June 1942 at Camp Chaffee, Arkansas. Converted to a towed battalion in June 1943. Arrived at Greenock, Scotland, on 31 July 1944 and landed at Utah Beach on 25 August. Took up rear-area security duties in France and Belgium. Guarded COMZ 8/44 to 11/44. Entered battle in the Hürtgen Forest with the 8th Infantry Division on 9 December. Shifted to Ardennes in February 1945 and then back to Roer River sector to fire as artillery. Participated in advance to Rhine River with the cavalry. Crossed river at Remagen on 15 March—the only towed TD battalion to enter the bridgehead. Began conversion to M18s on 26 March. Joined the 104th Infantry Division at the Ruhr Pocket in April. Two companies joined the drive eastward from Marburg in mid-April, fighting in the Harz Mountains. Helped capture Halle and advanced to the Mulde River, where offensive operations ceased. Attached to: 8th, 9th, 78th, 99th, 104th Infantry divisions; 4th, 14th Cavalry groups. History text from the book The Tank Killers by Harry Yeide. Used by permission.

Combat Equipment: 12/44 - Towed 3" Gun; 4/45 - M18

Commanding Officers:  William H. Bardes

Code Name/s:  Unknown

Campaign Credits:   Northern France...............Jul. 25, to Sept. 14, 1944

                                 Rhineland........................Sept. 15, 1944 to Mar. 21, 1945

                                 Central Europe.................Mar. 22, to May 11, 1945

Awards:  None

Location August 1945:  Warburg, Germany

Additional Information/Materials:

1.)  Photo Gallery

2.)  After Action Reports - from the Combined Arms Research Library of the Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.

                 Dec. 1 to 31, 1944...............3 Pages

                 Jan. 1 to 31, 1945..............19 Pages

                 Feb. 1 to 28, 1945..............12 Pages

                 Mar. 1 to 31, 1945..............28 Pages

                 Apr. 1 to 30, 1945..............32 Pages

3.)  Unit History and Roster - This 14 page pamplet contains a full roster of men including the unit's medical detachment as well as a map of the unit's operations from Aug. 25, 1944 to Apr. 25, 1945, a short history written by the unit commander, Lt. Col. William H. Bardes and a list of the unit's fallen comrades.

4.)  C Company Photo - Taken at Camp Campbell, KY on February 26, 1944.  A Cpt. R.L. McKenzie was the Commanding officer.  The photo was provided to me by Louis D'Amicantonio, son of Filomeno "Phil" D'Amicantonio who is shown in the photo.  He is standing in the third row from the front, thirteenth from the left.

5.)  HQ Company Photo - Taken at Camp Campbell, KY on February 26, 1944.  A Lt. W.E. Edgar was the Commanding Officer.  The photo was provided by Gail Bensink Kazmar, daughter if Harvey Bensink who is shown in the photo.  He is standing in the third row from the back, twelfth from the right.

6.)  Training Article - The 817th spent time training at 5 different camps over the unit's history, which included time harvesting wheat in 1943.