Meurthe River Crossing Conducted by Seventh Army, VI Corps, 3rd Infantry Division: Offensive, Deliberate Attack, River Crossing, November 1944
Abstract
Powerhouse I was the name given to the crossing of the Meurthe River in the Vosges of France on November 20, 1944. The commander of VI Corps, Major General Edward H. Brooks, ordered the 3rd Infantry Division to conduct a major assault crossing of the Meurthe between Claire Fontaine and St. Michel. As objective training in river crossing operations progressed over five days, the artillery laid on harassing fires with an effective cover plan. Clear weather also allowed XII TAC to provide close support. Against light opposition, the 3rd Infantry Division crossed the Meurthe on footbridges which were speedily installed by the Engineers. Construction of Bailey and treadway vehicle bridges soon followed. The crossing of the Meurthe River by the 3rd Infantry Division was one of the most successful large-scale river crossing of World War II. Careful preparation, good plans, training, engineer and artillery support combined with weak enemy opposition to assure the success of Powerhouse I and the subsequent disintegration of the German Winter Line.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 22, 1984
- Accession Number
- ADA152160
Entities
People
- Bill Jones
- John Lockard
- Johnnie Shepard
- Rick Davila
- Tim Casey
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College