Memorial

More information

Information from the SAGA: 390 AAA AW (SW) by Captain David Scott, 1945:
Killed in some woods north of Haneau, Germany in ambush of Btry B, 2nd Platoon, 390th AAA AW by SS units. Lt Latrobe M. Barnitz, Jr. was in command of the platoon. Seven men killed.
After Action Report of 2 May 1945: (4) 020615 April 1945: 2nd platoon Baker Battery while traveling in convoy from Vonhausen to Waldensberg Germany was fired upon from both sides of road with small arms and grenades by approximately 200 enemy foot soldiers at N-065885. The enemy counter attacking from Southeast recaptured the town of Wittgenborn at 0500, then proceeded Northwest towards Waldensberg being intercepted by our cavalry Southeast of Waldenberg. The enemy then infiltrated to West covering road in woods which 2nd Platoon Baker Battery was approaching. The initial burst of enemy fire from woods adjoining each side of road by machine pistols and other small arms killed one officer and two enlisted men in jeep leading the convoy and two cannoneers in the first M16. Two sections immediately opened fire on each side of road temporarily stemming the attack. After initial fire one M15 was sent back to report situation to Infantry located vicinity Vonhausen. All other vehicles except M-3 and jeep withdrew. After withdrawing a short distance two M16's returned to scene of action accompanied by patrols in woods on each side of road. By firing on each side of road they advanced, this group was able to pick up two wounded EM and force the enemy remaining in the area to disperse. Ammunition expended 2000 rounds of .50 cal.