It was one of the largest tank battles of WW II, and the 2nd Cavalry Group was caught right in the middle of it. Having liberated the town of Luneville the previous day, Group was preparing to swing north on the heels of an attack by XII Corps, when the 11th Panzer Division smashed into the positions of the 2nd Cavalry Group.
Forced to retreat through recently liberated Luneville, the 2nd Cavalry Group, now reinforced by the 4th Armored Division, fought a delaying action near the town of Luneville which turned into a slugfest over the next few weeks. The 11th Panzer Division was finally routed, and never did recover from the battle.
The other day Col.(ret) Tom Molino, President of the 2nd Cavalry Association, received a letter of gratitude from a citizen of Luneville. Following is a copy of the letter:
Dear Colonel Molino:
Thank you very much for your mail. I’m not a member of the 2nd Cavalry, but a single citizen of
Luneville.
I’d met you I think when you visited Luneville.
When I was a young man in 1971, I presented the 2nd to my ancient teacher, then mayor of the town, then he invited the regiment every year in.
Yesterday Luneville celebrated the 64th year of her liberation by the 2nd Cavalry on September [17] 1944.
I remember, and I send you my best wishes & kind regards!
Gerard Pillot
2 Comments
I was lucky to participate in the yearly celbration of the liberation of Luneville on three different occasions. The citezens of Lunevill continued to show their appreciation for the liberation by the 2nd Calvalry. I could see genuine gratitude in the eyes of people who lived through war.
Tony,
I have a 2nd Cavalry plate presented to the mayor of Luneville in 1991 and signed by the officers and wives of 1st Squadron. Gonna send it to Tom Molino so he can give it to the museum.
Toujours Pret,
TD