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1. General Situation (See Fort Benning Reservation Map.)
a. I Corps (U.S.) has been attacking west to seize objectives in the vicinity of BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA. The corps commander has determined that the cities of PHENIX CITY, ALABAMA and COLUMBUS, GEORGIA, must be cleared. He has ordered the 54th Inf Dif (Mech) and the 25th Armored Division to attack to seize objectives that isolate the cities. The 52d Inf Div (Mech), currently in Corps Reserve, has been ordered to seize the business districts of the cities, on order.
b. Elements of the 25th Motorized Rifle Division have been preparing strong defenses in PHENIX CITY-COLUMBUS. The unit's morale is considered excellent. His strength is estimated at 90 percent. Supplies have been stockpiled within the cities and no known deficiencies exist.
2. Special Situation:
a. By 060800the 54th Inf Div (Mech) and the 25th Armored Division had succeeded in isolating all avenues of approach into PHENIX CITY-COLUMBUS except Route 103 (RIVER Road) to the north. The 52d Inf Div (Mech) continued the attack west through the outskirts of COLUMBUS with 1st Bde on the left (south) and 2d Bde on the right (north). Movement was hampered by light and scattered enemy resistance and by widespread burning of the residential areas.
b. The CG, 54th Mech Inf Div, ordered the 1st Bde to consolidate positions along BUENA VISTA Road where increased enemy resistance had been encountered by lead elements.
c. 1st Bde, 52d Inf Div (Mech) continued the attack at 081200 Jun_______, in accordance with 1st Bde OPORD 5. By 092000 Jun______, 1st Bde reached PL HOLLAND where TF 2-4 passed through TF 2-77 to continue the attack while TF 2-77 became 1st Bde reserve. TF 2-77 is currently resting and reorganizing vic GL899935. the intersection of 10th Street and 8th Avenue.
d. At 110700 Jun______, 1st Bde Cdr issued TF 2-77 the following FRAGO:
(1) Task Organization: No change from 1st Bde OPORD 5.
(2) Situation: OPFOR resistance remains heavy opposite 2-79 Mech and TF 2-78. TF 2-4 has cleared its zone to 4th Avenue but has taken serious losses. OPFOR continues to use 9th Street and DILLINGHAM Street bridges to bring supplies and reinforcements to east side of river. TF 2-4 will complete clearing of OPFOR from bypassed buildings east of 4th Avenue NLT 111800 Jun______.
(3) Mission: TF 2-77 atks at 120600 Jun______conducting a rapid advance seize of east bank of CHATTAHOOCHEE River vic 9th Street and DILLINGHAM Street. Halt OPFOR movement across bridges. Secure west side of bridges if possible.
(4) Fire Support: H and I fire (155mm, VT) in progress on bridges now will continue, lifted on order of TF 2-77. Priority of fires to TF 2-77 eff 120600 Jun ______. Four F4 sorties available.
(5) Coordinating Instructions: TF 2-4 will follow and support TF 2-77. 2-79 Mech and TF 2-78 attack to clear respective zone 120600 Jun______. Line of departure is 4th Avenue. TF 2-77 north boundary is 10th Street, north of 10th Street reverts to 2d Bde control, TF 2-77 controls 10th Street. Corps Cdr retains authority to destroy bridges across CHATTAHOOCHEE River.
(6) Terrain Analysis:
(a) Residential area in Block UU is a smoldering ruin except for Bldg UU1. Bldg UU1 - Roof caved in by enemy for standoff; otherwise intact.
(b) Bldg S1 - Roof collapsed, most of walls still standing; rubble around walls and interior of building.
(c) Bldg II - Rubbled.
(d) Bldg JJ4 through JJ9 - Smoldering ruins.
(e) Bldg SS2 - Most of the windows have been blown out of the top four stories.
(7) Current INTSUM:
(a) Three Motorized Rifle Platoons vicinity Blocks RR, TT and ZZ.
(b) Suspected OP vic Bldg SS2
(c) One T-62 tank located vicinity Block RR and two T-62 tanks located in block UU.
