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Work Horse from Iowa

Pfc. Ralph E. Watson, 117th IR, Co. K,  4th Platoon, Lt. Machine Gun Section

(Throughout the rest of this story please click on all photos to enlarge)

On August 19th, the day after Ralph joined company K, he was jumped on a truck and took a trip through the French countryside.  He did not have time to be properly greeted by the French people, actually did not see much.  Most of that trip transpired during the night.  130 miles from Domfront to Brezolles, France. 
Map of route: Domfront to Brezolles
From Aug. 20th to Aug. 24th the 30th advanced northward towards Evreux.  The 117th Regiment was in reserve except for Ralph's 3rd Battalion that was protecting the left flank of the Division.
Map of route: Evreux and beyond

As was most often the case....with rank comes privilege as found in the following story:

Lt. Robert  A. Peters and his 117th I & R jeep as he enters Evreux, France as the first American troops in the town. This picture was taken by a Frenchman. They didn't stay to celebrate, but took off after a few minutes for more recon. Unfortunately, he read later that some high ranking officer had his picture taken as being first into Evreux. NOT SO!!! This picture can be found in Workhorse of the Western Front.  Col. Johnson was the officer given credit, the Regimental commander.  Later, Ralph and the rest of the 117th were to march through the city:

On Aug. 24th Ralph writes home: "Well, I'm in the real battle now.  Am very fortunate to be with a good Sgt. who helps me a lot.  The whole outfit is good.  I can't write everything but if I get home which I still have faith I will, I'll have lots to tell you.  They say I haven't seen tough going yet but it's enough for me.  I get enough to eat and drink, cigarettes and candy.  Mostly K-rations.  It's been raining the past week, not good for living with no shelter.  I'm getting used to it though."  One week down...many more to come.

On Aug. 26th K company moved by truck to an assembly area at Mantes Gassicourt.  Ralph writes in an Aug. 26th letter what he sees: "I don't see how they keep going...losing so much supplies and men.  The Germans are giving up in bunches.  One surrendered to me when I was on guard duty at 4 o'clock in the morning.  It was quite a thrill."

From here the company crossing the Seine, got a far-off glimpse of Paris and started to head north towards Belgium.  Ralph explains his duties as being a Runner for the platoon Sgt.... his 'Man Friday'.

On Sept. 4th the 117th Regiment traveled 128 miles by truck and at the end of the day entered Belgium at Tournai.   They bivouacked near the Waterloo Battlefield, SE of Brussels. On Sept. 6th Ralph writes home:
"I am somewhere in Belgium now.  The Germans retreat so fast we can not keep up with them.  This country so far is almost like France.  The people are different though.  They are more quiet and don't show much excitement."

On Sept. 8th no more riding....the troops took to hiking.  Ralph writes on the 10th: "I am feeling OK except I am pretty tired.  We have walked 56 miles the last two days.  We are still in Belgium but moving fast.  The weather is getting plenty cold here which makes it more miserable along with the rains.  The country is more pretty than France and the homes and cities are cleaner.  The people are getting more friendly than at first."

Maps of region: and Albert Canal:

On Sept. 11th Co. K & Co. I were attached to the 113th Cavalry Group. At 0602 the Group moved out, crossed a bridge at Liege as yelling soldiers from the VII Corps waved them on.  They wheeled north and attacked along the east bank of the Meuse River.  The first hour was easy going but soon they began to draw enemy fire.  They fought on to establish a bridgehead over the Albert Canal and Meuse River near Vise, Belgium.
M-8 Gun Carriage of the 113th Cavalry Squadron with men of a platoon from Co. K, 117th Infantry Regiment advance up a road near Vise, Belgium  Sept. 11th, 1944.  Seconds after this photo was taken the Germans opened up fire upon the group.
Meuse River, Sept. 15th.

On Sept. 12th the 117th entered Holland.
 

When I received this photo from a friend in Belgium, I was immediately taken back. That soldier is my FATHER. My friend checked with the owner of the photo. He is 78 years old and a specialist in the 30th ID. The 117th, my dad's, was in his area on Sept. 13th, 44. Their first CP was in his farm. His farm was close to the hamlet of Moerslag, Holland, south of St. Geertruid, Holland (see Map).  He could nearly assure him that the soldier was of the 3rd Battalion, my dad was with Co. K, 117th.  He had been with Co. K since Aug. 18th.  I sent my friend another war photo of my father by his request and he took both photos to a medium.  He assured my friend they were the same person.  WELL....I'm sure going to believe it...it's exciting.
Map where photo was taken: Same area as above photo sent by Frank Gubbels and photos taken by Tom Peeters...many thanks!!

On Sept. 14th Ralph wrote: "Well here goes for a few lines from somewhere in Holland.  Getting along as good as can be expected.  Still haven't received any mail.  Am really seeing action now and thank God that I am OK. Holland is a pretty country.  The people are glad to see us too....."

Fighting continued for the next couple of days north and on Sept. 18th the city of Heerlen, Holland was liberated.

On Sept. 18th Ralph wrote: "I am really in it now but getting along OK.  The fighting is in earnest alright. I hope it is over soon.  You can't realize what it is like until you see it.....I'm still living in foxholes.  They come in mighty handy at times.  I will probably have to have one in our backyard.  As I write I am in one near a haystack.  The weather is cold and rainy which makes it miserable.  I put hay and dirt over the hole to try and keep dry and warm." 

 And then...on Sept. 19th, 1400 hours...Company K crossed the boundary of Holland into GERMANY at the town of Scherpenseel. 

On Sept. 20th Ralph wrote: (Thought I'd try a scan of part of letter):

On Sept. 20th a full scale attack on the Siegfried Line was canceled because of poor weather conditions for aircraft.  The 30th would be in a holding pattern until Oct. 2nd.  During this time Ralph received the following letter from his son, Gordon...with a little help from Grandma:

NEXT UP:  Siegfried Line

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