Unit History: Activated on 6 March 1943, at Camp Bowie, Texas. Converted to a towed battalion in March, 1944. Arrived in the United Kingdom by 19 December, 1944. Committed to battle near Luneville, France, in February 1945. Began conversion to M18’s in early April while near Landstuhl, Germany. Ended war in vicinity of Ingolstadt. Attached to: 36th, 70th, 86th Infantry divisions. History text from the book The Tank Killers by Harry Yeide. Used by permission.
Combat Equipment: 2/45 – Towed 3″ Gun
Commanding Officers: Major Burlle. R. Farr (3/6/43); Lt. Col. Lilburn H. Stevens; Maj. John J. Murphy (11/5/45)
Code Name/s: Fin
Campaign Credits: Rhineland……………………Sept. 15, 1944 to Mar. 21, 1945
Central Europe……………..Mar. 22, to May 11, 1945
Awards: None
Location August 1945: Schwabach, Germany
Additional Information/Materials:
1.) Orientation Map of Forbach and Saarbrucken, Germany – The 648th participated in battles at both of these locations. Courtesy of Gary Payne.
2.) Unit History Reports from the National Archives at College Park, MD. Provided courtesy of Gary Payne.
May 1, 1943………………….3 Pages
Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 1944……3 Pages
1943 – 1945………………….2 Pages (Medical Detachment only)
Jan. 1 – Jun. 30, 1945……..4 Pages (includes casualties and awards)
Jul. 1 to Dec. 3, 1945………3 Pages
3.) Unit AARs (After Action Reports) from the National Archives at College Park, MD. Provided courtesy of Gary Payne.
Apr. 1 – 30, 1945……………5 Pages
May 1 – 31, 1945……………4 Pages
4.) Periodic Reports from the National Archives at College Park, MD. Provided courtesy of Gary Payne.
Feb. 1 – 28, 1945………….3 Pages
Mar. 1 – 31, 1945………….5 Pages
Apr. 1 – 30, 1945…………..4 Pages
5.) HQ Staff Journals from the National Archives at College Park, MD. Provided courtesy of Gary Payne.
Apr. 1 – 30, 1945………….4 Pages (S-2)
May 1 – 8, 1945……………2 Pages (S-2)
Apr. 1 – 30, 1945………….3 Pages (S-3)
May 1 – 7, 1945……………1 Page (S-3)
Apr. 1 – 30, 1945………….4 Pages (S-4)
6.) Misc. Orders and Documents from the National Archives at College Park, MD. Provided courtesy of Gary Payne.
1945…………………………8 Pages (Misc.)
1943-1945………………..49 Pages (Orders including 1 award, promotions/demotions and reinforcements)
7.) A Company Group Photo – Taken at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. Provided courtesy of Paul Stevens.
8.) B Company Group Photo – Taken at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. Provided courtesy of Paul Stevens.
9.) C Company Group Photo – Taken at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. Provided courtesy of Paul Stevens.
10.) Photo Gallery