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The 702nd Tank Battalion, Company "A" diary entry for January 9th, states that lime was applied to the "A" Co. tanks, for camouflage.  The entry for the thirteenth noted that S/Sgt. Larkin received a commission as 2nd Lt., and was transferred to Co. "B". Also on that date, 2nd Lt. Clark F. Shaulis and 2nd Lt. Ivan W. Walker were transferred to Co. "A" from Headquarters, Third U.S. Army.

From the 702nd Tank Battalion A.G.O. records:

"Battalion engaged principally in Third United States Army drive towards Germany.  The first week of this period marked an overall defensive attitude, in the salient, and marked the beginning of withdrawal of armor from the salient.  The enemy continued to shuttle Panzers from the First Army Front to the Third Army Front.

The terrain and weather were most suitable for enemy defensive positions.

[Author's note:  The term "defensive positions" was used in the original S-2 report from which the A.G.O. records were derived.  However, in the final A.G.O. records,  this was changed to "holding action" by persons unknown.  For historical accuracy, I re-changed it to its original form.]

Plus his extensive use of Teller-mines, Schu-mines, S-mines and plastic mines. All of the latter were easily hidden under deepening snows of the roads caused delaying action in his favor.  Enemy patrolling was very active.  For camouflage, vehicles were painted white and infantry used snow capes to blend with the snow.  Use of tanks by the enemy was restricted.  He used great quantities of artillery and mortar and nebelwerfer fire at all opportunities to restrict our movements.

The enemy fought with vigor at the beginning of the period, but as his salient was being pushed back, more and more P.W.’s came in as deserters.  Morale became lower and more of the enemy deserted to our side.  Lack of food and ammunition and conveyance became more noticeable as our Air Force struck at the retreating enemy.

As the month opened, the Battalion was fulfilling its normal attachments.  The companies were disposed as follows: Company 'A' attached to the 317th Infantry Regiment, in Neiderfeulen; Company 'B', with the 318th Infantry Regiment had one platoon in Schieren and the remainder of the company in Grentzingen, Company 'C' attached to the 319th Infantry Regiment, was divided with one platoon occupying defensive positions in the vicinity of Ringel and two platoons at Heiderscheid.  Company 'D' was in Division Reserve at Bissen.

The Battalion Command Post was established with the Division Command Post at Reckange-les-Mersch, where it remained until 6 January, 1945, at which time it moved to Merzig.  On 6 January, 1945, Company 'A' moved from Neiderfeulen to an assembly area south of Heiderscheid.  This move was made in conjunction with a move of the 317th Infantry, placing that unit in a defensive position north of Heiderscheid.  Except for a short period (one day) spent firing indirect fire missions by the 1st Platoon, the company remained inactive in the above area until the 18th of January.

The 319th Combat Team planned to attack across the Sure River early on the 6th of January to seize Goesdorf and Dahl.  The 1st and 3rd Battalions were to cross the river under cover of darkness and proceed north along a route west of the towns, until opposite their objective, and then move on the towns from the West.

The tanks were to cross after the bridge had been completed and move north on the road Goesdorf-Dahl, and assist the infantry in clearing the towns, if they were needed.

Company 'C' crossed the river at 7:30 A.M., 6 January and proceeded directly to Dahl where it was attached to the 3rd Battalion of 319th Infantry.  The company occupied a defensive position in the vicinity or Dahl, and assisted the 3rd Battalion in repelling several enemy counter-attacks.”