[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 59 (Thursday, April 1, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E330]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     RECOGNIZING THE 258TH ENGINEER COMBAT BATTALION AND THE 75TH 
                 ANNIVERSARY OF THE RHINE RIVER ASSAULT

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. SCOTT PERRY

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 1, 2021

  Mr. PERRY. Madam Speaker, I'm honored to congratulate the Army's 
258th Engineer Combat Battalion for their heroism and service to United 
States of America as we commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Rhine 
River Assault Crossing. Initially to be celebrated this past year when 
the pandemic began, we must waste no more time in honoring these brave 
Warriors of ``The Greatest Generation.''
  The 258th ECB was activated at Camp Shelby, Mississippi, on November 
20, 1943; draftees from Pennsylvania reported to the New Cumberland 
Reception Center on January 25, 1944, where they built a kitchen for 
their train and loaded it with equipment, preparing for the trip to a 
destination unknown. Upon arriving at Camp Shelby on February 5, and 
united with other draftees, the battalion of over 600 was formed; with 
PA residents comprising 20 percent of the battalion and 44 different 
states. Over 8 months at Camp Shelby, the battalion completed twelve 
(12) weeks of Infantry and Engineer Basic Training, and eight (8) weeks 
of Advanced Engineer Training--learning additional mine clearing 
techniques and bridge construction.
  The battalion left for Camp Shanks, NY, in October before leaving the 
New York Harbor later that month. They would arrive in Swansea, Wales, 
on November 4, and would spend time throughout the United Kingdom prior 
to their departure for Le Havre, France, near year's end--from which 
the Battalion would be split up throughout France and the Netherlands, 
working on road maintenance before they'd reconvene in Stevensweert, 
Holland, to begin training for the Rhine River Assault Crossing.
  Beginning their training on March 7, 1945, the small country town of 
Stevensweert along the Maas River would serve as the launching point 
for the Rhine River Assault alongside the 30th Infantry Division. In 
the days to come, the battalion spent time unloading equipment and 
getting the storm boats ready for river training. Soldiers trained with 
the infantry day and night to operate the 22 H.P. Storm Boat Motors in 
preparation for the assault, having to remain extremely quiet on their 
approach. They later arrived near Rheimsburg, Germany, on March 20--4KM 
from the Rhine, camouflaging the boats with brush until they were fully 
prepared for the crossing.
  On March 24, they moved the final 200 yards under cover of smoke pots 
to the bank of the Rhine River, launching the storm boats and waiting 
for H-Hour amidst what was the largest artillery barrage of the war to 
that point. The battalion's assault began at 0200hrs, as a heavy smoke 
screen laid over the river, forcing some boats to lose their direction 
and forcing them back to the starting shore. S/Sgt. Ray Mosser's boat 
of two engineers and seven infantry was the first of three waves to 
cross the river, encountering light resistance while others faced 
sniper and machine gun fire, as German resistance continued until 
daylight when the Germans sent up flares and artillery fire. Soon after 
their landing, the infantry was able to advance through enemy lines, 
and it wasn't long before they were bringing back prisoners. The 
battalion's assault brought numerous casualties, including Squad 
Sergeant Paul Eberle, Pvt. Joseph Sasso, and Tech. Sergeant Robert 
Strayer.
  I am honored to commend the entire 258th Engineer Combat Battalion 
for their distinguished service to our great Nation. Their bravery and 
sacrifice was instrumental to crossing the Rhine River--the last 
natural obstacle to overcome in the continued advancement of Allied 
Forces. Their victory helped lead to the eventual German surrender on 
May 8, 1945--aka ``V-E Day''--all made possible by a battalion trained 
to build bridges. We shall long remember their heroism in protecting 
our country and the world from the evils of Nazism. May God bless them 
for their tireless service, their dedication to our American freedom, 
and their legacy of sacrifice.

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