The publication is reproduced in full below:
RECOGNIZING THE 258TH ENGINEER COMBAT BATTALION AND THE 75TH
ANNIVERSARY OF THE RHINE RIVER ASSAULT
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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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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 59
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