Notes about March, 1945

I have been incredibly busy scanning a lot of pictures, and haven't had an opportunity to post my notes about March, 1945 yet.  My hopes are to post my notes later this evening.  I will say that there are a lot of documents (pictures, medals, etc.) that complement the month of March very nicely.

I will make sure to post these and my historical analysis shortly.

UPDATE

The month of March is very sparse in terms of content, and somewhat not surprisingly also creates a few mysteries.  There are a few people mentioned, and I want to make sure information about them is made clear first.

1) On March 1, 1945, Vernon writes "Golden went home on furlough today."  I can only assume this is reference to fellow 757th Tanker, Solomon B. Golden.  He is pictured in my post here .  He is fifth from the left in the second row of men.

Corresponding Scans (3/1/45-3/31/45)

March 1, 1945 - March 31, 1945

1945
March

1.) Thurs. 5th day today with assault. Golden went home on furlough today.
2.) Assault Plt. Friday.
3.) Sat. 7th day with assault. Few shells come in but not close at all.
4.) Sun. 8th day with assault. 2 years today we came overseas.
5.) Mon.) Relieved today.
6.) Tues. Went to Florence on rest.
7.) Rest camp
8.) Rest camp
9.) Rest Camp
10.) Came back today. Bn. Is attached to 34th Div.
11.) Loiano
12.) Loiano.
13.) Loiano.
14.) Loiano.
15.) Loiano.
16.) Loiano.
17.) Loiano. Received letter + picture of Dolores Campbell today + she is pretty nice.

Interesting Photographs - Possibly Italy

These photographs have no inscriptions on the back, but could possibly be from his time in Italy.  I have digitally enhanced these photographs to the best of my abilities.  The originals are quite faded, and practically opaque due to their age:

I'm pretty sure this is either an abandoned Pak 38 or Pak 40.  I am not at all familiar with WWII-era anti-tank weaponry, so I encouarge anyone who knows more about the subject to correct me if I'm wrong.  For all I know this might not be a Nazi anti-tank gun at all.

Notes about February, 1945

There are several corresponding documents that I have read through that are of note.  One is a well-prepared summary of the movements of the 757th Tank Battalion between February 1944 and June 1945.  There is an entry in the log that reads:

1 Jan - 31 Mar 45: The Bn was in the Apennines during Jan, Feb and Mar with elements attached to 34th, 88th, and 91st Inf Div.  Aggressive patrolling by the Inf within the sector required direct fire support from tanks, but the enemy remained sensitive to any reconnaissance. To support these actions, additional tanks were placed in position where they could be more effectively used for direct fire.

It thus appears that the 757th was used by the different infantry divisions for tactical support.  From what I've

Corresponding Scans (2/1/45-2/28/45)

February 1, 1945 - February 28, 1945

February
1945

1.) Loiano. Germans say Russians are 45 miles from Berlin.
2.) Loiano. Our reports are that Russians are 45 miles from Berlin. Krauts changed their minds & say they will not evacuate Berlin but will fight to the end for it.
3.) Loiano
4.) Loiano
5.) Loiano
6.) Loiano
7.) Loiano
8.) Loiano
9.) Loiano. Shelled.
10.) Loiano Shelled a little today but no harm done seriously. One man had finger blown off & another little hit in leg but not serious. Furlough are in effect now for medics & one has been chosen today but wasn’t revealed who until the day he leaves. We expect a man to go home every month now. Names of men are put in helmet & Co. Commander draws out one name & he goes.