Nathan Galloway 386th Infantry Regiment, Company M

The infantry manual says 200 yard frontage for Battalion (offensive), 1000 yards (defensive). When distances prevent adequate control – weapons platoons are to be attached to Rifle Company’s. I never liked to attach units to rifle companies – thinking rifle Company Commanders had a plate full without attachments. With frontages of two to two and a half miles – there were no other choices. I knew that our gunners were without peer – all the Rifle Company Commanders need do was point – our gunners would take it from there. The ammunition and rations were another story. I made a covenant with myself to visit each platoon at least once a day to check on ammunition and rations. I wanted to see the men and I wanted them to see me. General Partridge was working the frontage of 2 ½ regiments. Occasionally our paths would cross – he would hail me down – peel 2-3 sheets from his roll of maps – point to some German Village forward and in his quiet – unemotional way say “I want to see you there at noon tomorrow.” I wanted to ask him if he had cleared it with the Germans. I did not ask.

Our attempt to accomplish these goals often led to carelessness which resulted in casualties. Such was the case with Veryl W. Diem. We were at an intersection trying to decide which fork to take – my fault – ONE LEARNS IF ONE SURVIVES. - Written by Captain Nathan Galloway in 2000

Veryl W Diem