the objectives in and around gielinkierhim had been finish pd general boling picked linnic as the ideal place for the planned river crossing. >> before our actual combat experience, we always thought that engineers were people who came along after we passed through and repaired bridges and so forth. we actually had engineer squads with each rifle platoon whose function was to place explosive charges and pill box and this helped a great deal in overcoming this resistance. >> in the murderous frontal attack that followed, several discoveries were made. all sectors of the german western front had strict orders to relinquish as little german territory as possible. every inch of ground was to be defended tenaciously. the uncertainty concerning the allied situation posed a conspicuous problem. >> never know what the enemy, one does not know for certain how strong he is. one does not know about his disposition. many things can only be guessed but there are certain impressions one does acquire. we were of the opinion that the american unit excellently equipped and under good leadership was head