Unit History: The 93d Infantry Division Antitank Battalion was redesignated on 15 December, 1941, at Fort Benning, Georgia. *The location was actually Fort George G. Meade, Maryland. The unit was the first to arrive at Camp Hood, Texas (on March 31, 1942), serving as school troops and in early 1943, they moved to Camp Shelby and participated in the Louisiana Maneuvers. The 893rd shipped out from the New York port on January 9, 1944. They arrived at Liverpool, England, on 20 January, 1944. Landed at Omaha beachhead on 1 July equipped with M10’s. Committed to battle in the vicinity of St. Jean de Daye. Advanced to Paris by 25 August and thence to the Siegfried Line in the Schnee Eifel. Fought in the Hürtgen Forest in November, supporting the 28th Infantry Division’s disastrous assault on Schmidt and remained there when the division was replaced. Held defensive positions in January 1945. Supported 78th Infantry Division capture of the Roer River dams in February, 1945, then participated an offensive across the Roer toward the Rhine River. Crossed the Rhine at Remagen on 7 March and supported attack northward to Sieg River and subsequent operations against the Ruhr Pocket in April. Attached to: 2d, 4th, 8th, 28th, 78th, 80th, 90th Infantry divisions; 14th, 102d Cavalry groups. History text from the book The Tank Killers by Harry Yeide. Used by permission.
*Additional information from the Unit History
Combat Equipment: 7/44 – M10
Commanding Officers: Lt. Col. Samuel E. Mays; Maj. Henry C. Kerlin (11/23/44)
Code Name/s: Vicar
Campaign Credits: Normandy…………………..Jun. 6, to Jul. 24, 1944
Northern France……………Jul. 25, to Sept. 14, 1944
Rhineland……………………Sept. 15, 1944 to Mar. 21, 1945
Ardennes-Alsace…………..Dec. 16, 1944 to Jan 25, 1945
Central Europe……………..Mar. 22, to May 11, 1945
Awards: Croix De Guerre (French or Belgium “Cross of War”)
Location August 1945: Altendorf, Germany
Additional Information/Materials:
1.) Unit History – This 54 page document was probably done right after the war and includes a brief introduction from the Commanding Officer, Lt. Col. Henry C. Kerlin, lists of those injured or killed, awards, and a roster. Provided courtesy of Eric Allegrucci.
2.) Operations of 893rd TD Bn at Vossenack, Germany – This Advanced Infantry Officers Course document was written by Maj. John J. Lavin (S-3 Officer) and pulls from his personal experience during the action which took place from November 2-9, 1944, while supporting the 28th Infantry Division.
3.) After Action Reports – from the Combined Arms Research Library of the Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.
Jul. 1-31, 1944…………1 Page
Aug. 1-31, 1944……….1 Page
Sep. 1-30, 1944………..2 Pages
Oct. 1-31, 1944………..2 Pages
Nov. 1-30, 1944……….3 Pages
Dec. 1-31, 1944………..3 Pages
Jan. 1-31, 1945…………2 Pages
Feb. 1-28, 1945…………3 Pages
Mar. 1-31, 1945…………4 Pages
Apr. 1-30, 1945…………3 Pages
4.) Miscellaneous Documents – from the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum and Boyhood Home, Abilene, Kansas.
Report of Operations, May 8-Sept. 30, 1945……………….7 Pages
Guard Assignments, 1945………………………………………4 Pages
Various Documents, 1941-1945……………………………..29 Pages
Meritorious Actions by Co. C……………………………………2 Pages
Radio retrevial notes……………………………………………..2 Pages
5.) Group Photo A Company – Taken at Camp Shelby, Mississippi, in October of 1943. Provided courtesy of Paul Stevens.
6.) Group Photo B Company – Taken at Camp Shelby, Mississippi, in November of 1943. Provided courtesy of Paul Stevens.
7.) Group Photo Reconnaissance Company – Taken at Camp Shelby, Mississippi, in October of 1943. Provided courtesy of Paul Stevens.
8.) A Child and the 893rd – A short story of the life of Chris Butcher, who with his mother and sister, moved to the area in England where the 893rd were stationed during the war. Courtesy of Chris Butcher.
9.) Photo Gallery