Two companies, "B" and "C" of 150th Engineer Combat Battalion supported the XX Corps' Dornot Bridgehead, while the rest of 150ECB was transferred to XII Corps further south.

Company "C" (C/150) ferried the attacking force across the Moselle River from the west bank at Dornot to establish the Dornot Bridgehead on the est bank of the Moselle. C/150 then supported the Bridgehead by ferrying casualties from the Bridgehead back to the west bank.

Company "B" (B/150) had the mission of building a pontoon bridge at Dornot, but the combat made that mission impossible. B/150 does not appear to have had any casualties and may never have even attempted to build the bridge as the combat was far too hot to even move about in daylight in the town of Dornot.

This web page gathers the records of 150ECB to see what information they can provide about the Bridgehead specifics of which units were where and when, for the purpose of finding and identifying the remains of still unaccounted men lost in the Bridgehead.

It does not appear that any troops of 150th Engineer Combat Battalion in this action remain unaccounted. Three men were killed when the command post on the west bank took a direct hit. Twelve men were wounded. But it appears that all of the 150ECB casualties were accounted.

The involvement of C/150 was short -- just the day of 8 Sep and until 0300 on 9 Sep. But it was under fire the entire time at Dornot.

Rick Pitts, son of Robert Pitts of 150ECB's Headquarters created a great website for the 150th Engineer Combat Battalion that has many of their records. The following information is from that web site.

Daily History Report

8 September 1944 "B" and "C" Companies attached to composite task force under Major Slear, Group S-3 with the mission of supporting the 5th Division in a crossing of the Moselle River. "C" Company assigned to assist in assault. "B" Company to construct pontoon bridge when bridge-head established. "C" Company relieved Division Engineers in the vicinity of Dornot, SW of Metz and moved assault boats to water's edge. Poor cover on near shore and every step drew enemy F.A. and small arms fire. Operation of ferrying troops to far shore and casualties to near shore continued all night under intense Mortar, F.A. and small arms fire. Casualties: 3 killed, 12 wounded in action, including Co. Comdr. when Co. C.P. received direct hit. Battalion received orders assigning to XII Corps. Departed less B and "C" Company 2000 for XII Corps HQ. vicinity of Bar-le-Duc.

After Action Report

On 8 September, 1944, C.O. received orders (See Attached Order) relieving the battalion from attachment to XX Corps and attaching us to XII Corps; VOCG XX Corps. "To be in close support of the 35th Division". At 1300 C Company (Attached to the 5th Infantry Division, XX Corps) was assigned the mission to construct a Treadway bridge across the Moselle River near Dornot. Capt. Makholm Commanding C Company dispatched his 1st platoon for preliminary reconnaissance and preparation. The ensuing engagement with the enemy, who were defending the enemy shore at the proposed crossing site was a memorable episode and a milestone in the History of the 150th Engineer Combat Battalion. The courageous effort demonstrated by all those concerned will long live in the memory of we, the officers and men of this organization. Lt. Helstrom Commanding the 1st platoon C Company moved his unit to the proposed site. The river was narrow, approximately 150 feet wide, flanked by steep hills on each side. The enemy was situated in an extremely will fortified position; enemy observation of our troops moving in was excellent.

Lt. Helstrom reported to the Officer Commanding certain element of the 10th [actually 11th] Infantry and was assigned the mission of ferrying across troops and supplies, as well as evacuating the wounded form the far shore. At the first attempt to load troops in assault boats Lt. Helstrom and his troops were met with intense and withering fire, automatic, mortar and 20 MM. Despite this intense fire Lt. Helstrom continued his mission until relieved by Lt. Sparling Commanding the second platoon of C Company. Lt. Helstrom was under fire for five (5) hours continuously. Lt. Sparling moved in his troops to continue the mission. The enemy had maneuvered automatic weapons to cover their flanks, front and rear. More than one-hundred (100) wounded were evacuated and many boat-loads of supplies were brought to the isolated troops on the enemy shore. Lt. Sparling was under intense fire for more than seven (7) hours. Fifteen (15) casualties resulted three of whom died. Capt. Makholm directing from his CP in the town of Dornot all the while, was blown from the building by a direct hit which killed three of his associates, while he escaped unharmed.

Incidents, Messages, Orders, Etc.

• 7 September 1944 (½ Mile SE of Jarny)
  • H&S Co. - Company performing usual Staff and Service functions. Departed 1 mile SE of Nizeville at 0745 hours by motor convoy and arrived ½ mile South of Jarny at 2100 hours.
  • Co. A - Left 1 mile SE of Nizeville at 0800 hours by motor convoy and arrived 2 miles SE of Jarny at 2000 hours. Morale Excellent. 1 squad cleared vehicles from Route N-53 between Mars and Bexreix.
  • Co. B - Departed area 2 miles NE of Souhesmes at 0745 hours by motor convoy and arrived at area ½ mile SE of Jarny at 2100 hours. Assigned mission of building Treadway bridge at Dornot.
  • Co. C - Moved by motor convoy from Charny at 0700 hours and arrived at Jarny 2100 hours. Removing mines from town of Cores and route to Dornot.
  • Battalion assigned to XII Corps and attached to 35th division.
• 8-9 September 1944 (1 ½ Miles SW of Bonnet)
  • H&S Co. - Staff and Service functions. Departed area ½ miles SE of Jarny at 0830 hours by motor convoy and arrived at new area 1 ½ miles SE of Bonnet by motor convoy at 1415 hours and arrived 2 miles SW of Blenod at 1545 hours.
  • Co. A - Departed ½ mile South of Jarny at 2030 hours by motor convoy, destination 1 ½ mile SW of Bonnet. Convoy enroute at 2400 hours. Arrived 1 ½ miles SW of Bonnet at 0530 hours, left at 1400 hours and arrived 2 miles West of Blenod-Les-Toul at 1700 hours.
  • Co B - Departed area ½ mile SE of Jarny at 1515 hours by motor convoy and arrived at Chambley at 1630 hours. Departed from Chambley at 1330 hours by motor convoy and arrived at area 1 ½ mile NE of Blenod-Les-Toul at 2230 hours. Construct heavy Ponton bridge near Dornot, Near city of Metz.
  • Co. C - Made assault crossing of Moselle River. Mission being completed and company was relieved of assignment at 0300 hours 9 Sept. 44. 9 assault boats were lost, 3 men killed, 12 wounded in action. Clearing mines and ferrying Infantry across Moselle River.

While the website lists the 150ECB dead, it does not have information about when or where they died. Checking the names in that list on the American Battle Monuments list of permanent overseas burials and checking FindAGrave, I have identified the following as those probably killed at Dornot. -- Wesley Johnston

• T/5 Henry O. Dudley - died 9 Sep 1944
• Pvt. Norman E. Miner - died 9 Sep 1944