Notes from Campaign in Czechoslovakia with Romanian 7th Army Corp (18th of January 1945 9th of May 1945)

) by colonel (reserve) Ioan N. Mailat From 26th of December 1945 Romanian 4th Army Corp was operating in the area LuborecLucenec-Halic and Maskova under the command of 27th Soviet Army. At 15th of January 1945 the Romanian 7th Army Corp was taken from the battle of Budapest and sent to Javorina Massive in order to join Romanian 4th Army Corp. Romanian 4th Army Corp (made from Romanian 2nd and 3rd Mountain Divisions), together with Romanian 7th Army Corp (made from Romanian 2nd and 19th Infantry Divisions and 9th Cavalry Division), entered under the authority of Romanian 1st Army Headquarter at 22nd of January 1945, after they crossed the Ipel river at 18th of January 1945. In the Hungarian campaign, Romanian 7th Army Corp participated with 1529 oficers, 1768 NCOs and 33.051 soldiers, having losses of 365 oficers, 378 NCOs and 9.965 soldiers (almost 33% of its men) until 15th of January 1945. The march of Romanian 7th Army Corp toward Czechoslovakia started on 15th of January 1945 from Budapest. For 3 days and 3 night, the Romanian 7th Army Corp marched on foot on deep snow, of half a meter high, occupying its sector at Ipel river on 18th of January 1945, between Soviet 53rd Army (at west) and Soviet 40 Army (at est). The general direction took by Romanian 7th Army Corp was Senograd-Dobra Niva. The terrain in front of the Romanian 7th Army Corp was with heavy forest, well organized for defense by German 8th Army. In front of Romanian 1st Army were on defense positions German 76th Infantry Division and 8th Hunters (in Romanian manuscript in original vntori maybe Grenadiers?), with great number of artillery and tanks. 2. Operations of Romanian 4th Army Corp on Ipel at south-eastern border of Czechoslovakia and Lucenec area Romanian 4th Army Corp, made from Romanian 2nd and 3rd Mountain Divisions, entered on 26th of December 1944 on Czechoslovakian soil, south of Ipel river, after defeating the resistence of German 76th Infantry Division, after 4 days of heavy fightings. Romanian 4th Corp had as neighbor on east Soviet 35th Army Corp from Soviet 27th Army, operating toward Lucenec, and on west Soviet 3rd Airborne Division, operating in Luborec area. After defeating German 76th Infantry Division at Hungarian-Czechoslovakian border, Romanian 4th Army Corp pursued it toward Ipel river, between 27th 29th of December 1944, having heavy fights with german rear-guards for 30 kilometers. Units from German 76th Infantry Division organized a hastily defense 5-6 kilometers south of Ipel river, trying to buy time for their main forces to built a main line of defense at the north of the river. Romanian troops gave no rest to these german troops, attacking violently in 30 and 31st of December 1944, breaking the german defense and reaching Ipel river. On 31st of December 1944, Headquarter of Romanian 4th Army ordered Romanian 3rd Mountain Division to attack german troops from Ipolytarnok town, while Romanian 2nd Mountain Division attacked from the south of the town. Until evening, german resistance was broke by street fight and the last enemy resistance south of Ipel river ceased to exist. German troops fled north of Ipel river, preparing a new line of resistance. A regrouping of Romanian forces followed, after Romanian 7th Army Corp was brought in this area, south of Javorina Massive, when both Romanian Army Corps entered under authority of Romanian 1st Army at 22nd of January 1945. At 1st of January 1945 Romanian 2nd Mountain Division managed to cross Ipel river with improvised means and created a strong beachhead north of the river.

Because Maskova Valley, an affluent of Ipel, opened a way toward north, in the back of German troops which defended the communication and resistance point from Lucenec, Romanian 4th Army Corp receive the order to attack in this valley with the mission to make easier the soviet attack against this town. After 3 days of heavy fight, Velika is liberated at 4th of January 1945 by Romanian mountain troops. The fight continued without a break and after bloody attacks, Romanian 3rd Mountain Division liberated Jelesovec, a strong enemy resistance point. In order to break the German resistance on the line Luborek-Maskova-Lucenec, Soviet and Romanian forces prepared an offensive which started at 12th of January 1945. Soviet 27th Army managed to liberate Lucenec after street fight with strong German forces, while Romanian 4th Army Corp turned the German defence on a north-west direction. Romanian 4th Army Corp operated on the direction Jelesovec-Halic. On 14th of January, Soviet 3rd Airborne Division, in cooperation with Romanian 3rd Mountain Division, managed to liberate Luborec. On 17th of January 1945, the 6th Battalion from Romanian 3rd Mountain Division managed to enter Maskova, but on the next day was thrown back by a strong German counterattack. Because Germans brought heavy reinforcements, Romanian 4th Army Corp operated only localy until 24th of January 1945. Losses: (only officers and NCO's included) At Roda Maskova was killed sergeant-major Croitoru Ion, from Romanian 36th Antitank Regiment, in action against German armoured. At Velike were killed in 3rd of January 1945 second lieutenant (sublocotenent) Simionic Constantin (born in Tulcea) and sergeant-major Stnculescu Dumitru (born in Caracal), from 5th Battalion from Romanian 3rd Mountain Division. At Lehotka was killed in 16th of January 1945 sergeant-major Drgan Iosif (born in Globuru, Severin) from 5th Battalion from Romanian 3rd Mountain Division. At Maskova was killed in 18th of January 1945 sergeant-major Orbule Marin (born in Crcea, Dolj), from 6th Battalion from Romanian 3rd Mountain Division. At Jelesovek was killed in 16th of January lieutenant Drmba Mircea (born in Brila) from 12 Battalion from Romanian 3rd Mountain Division. At Samota, south-east of Lucenec, was killed in 27th of December 1944 second lieutenant Urleanu Alexandru (born in Petroani, Muscel) from 5th Mountain Group from Romanian 2nd Mountain Division. At Turie Pole, south of Javorina 1044 Height, was killed in 7th of January 1945 sergeant-major Bodinescu Gheorghe (born in Erhivita, Mehedini), from 7th Mountain Battalion from Romanian 2nd Mountain Division. At Maskova was killed in 18th of January 1945 sergeant-major Jelesneac Petre (born in Bairamcea, Cetatea Alb) from 15th Mountain Battalion from Romanian 2nd Mountain Division. At Luborek area was killed in 16th of January 1945 lieutenant (reserve) Ungureanu Ioan (born in Strehaia, Mehedini) from 10th Mountain Battalion from Romanian 2nd Mountain Division. In the same area was killed in 18th of January 1945 sergeant-major Ciobanu Niculae (born in Turnu Severin), from the same battalion.

In the same area in 18th of January 1945 was killed sergeant-major Parlea Iulian (born in Ialnia, Dolj) from 16th Mountain Battalion from Romanian 2nd Mountain Division. In the attacks of Luborec was killed in 12th of January 1945 sergeant-major Drgan Scarlat (born in Viioara, Constana) from 2nd Mountain Artillery Section from Romanian 2nd Mountain Division. In 15th of January 1945 was killed in the same attacks second lieutenant Dasclu Constantin (born in Fntnele, Botoani), from the same unit. 3. Making contact with enemy (18th of January 25th of January) Romanian 7th Army Corp, crossing the Czechoslovakian border with its vanguard at 18th of January 1945, concentrated the bulk of his forces in Modri-Kamen south Brusnik area until 22nd of January 1945, subordinating together with Romanian 4th Army Corp to Romanian 1st Army and making contact with the German rearguard from 76th Infantry Division and 8th Vntori (like this in original!) Division. At 4th of January Romanian 10th Infantry Division entered in the fighting area of Romanian 7th Army Corp after a forced march under blizzard and snow. In this situation Romanian 1st Army took a defensive stance at 25th of January 1945 after the contact was made with the enemy who was well organized on the field on the general line St. Halik south Senne south Suche Brezovo and had on the main points concrete pillboxes provided with many automatic weapons. The operations of Romanian 10th Infantry Division toward Oremovlaz and 9th Cavalry Division toward west Litava during making the contact with the enemy, in the blizzard, proved that the Germans were well organized in depth and had the will to oppose a stiffened resistance. In order to identify the German forces from the front of its positions, Romanian 1st Army held its defensive stance until 26th of January 1945, planning to pursue the enemy if he intended to retreat north. Assessing the strength of German defense, Romanians decided to attack in narrow sectors, using the firepower of artillery hammers and of automatic weapons to protect the advance of their own units and to avoid losses of men. After a discussion with general Macici Nicolaie, commander of Romanian 1st Army, assisted by staff officer major Milooiu Ion from 1st Section Organizare of the Army, the decision of sparing the mens life was taken. With this idea in mind the attacks were to be done with small units in 1st line, heavily supported by artillery and mortars. Saving the mens life was a necessity, as Romanian 7th Army Corp lost 11.000 men in the Battle of Budapest. This mentality was later adopted by general Atanasiu Vasile who took Romanian 1st Armys command at 12th of February 1945 general Vrtejeanu Eugen who took command of Romanian 7th Army Corp at 16th of February 1945, later general Niculescu Radu Cociu who took over the command of Romanian 7th Army Corp from 8th of April 1945 to the end of the war. () Romanian Army Corps remained in defense until 29th of January 1945, when the order of offensive came. Bravery at Romanian 7th Army Corp During taking contact with enemy on Slovakian soil died in combat second lieutenant (reserve) Gropsan Dumitru from Craiova and captain Aldea Niculaie, both from 9th Artillery Regiment, the first on 24th of January, the second at 25th of January at the field form Pravica Litke. Also died in combat at 25th of January 1945 at Horna Strahare second lieutenants (reserve)

Atanasiu Ion and Raiu Valeriu, both from 38th Infantery Regiment Brila, from Romanian 10th Division. The first was from Brila, the second from Turda. In the same day died second lieutenant Ciocrlie Nicolae (born in Dermeti-Muscel) from 96th Infantry Regiment at Horna Stregova, then at 27th of January 1945, sergeant major (plutonier major) Siclitaru Constantin (born at RisipiiDolj) from 94th Infantry Regiment at Dol. Stregova. Also died in combat second lieutenant Popa Ioan (born at Oltenia-Ilfov) at Horna Stregova and sergeant major Ioan Dumitru killed in action in 25th of January 1945 at Zinclava. Romanian 19th Supply Group lost sergeant (plutonier) TR Prvu Gheorghe (born Eselnia-Severin) during supplying the troops. From 7th Heavy Artillery Regiment was killed sergeant major Pun Gheorghe who directed the artillery fire from an advanced position, from infantry lines, against enemy objectives from Dolny Stregova at 26th of January 1945. At 4th Army Corp At 2nd Mountain Division Captain Ursu Florea (born in Comana-Vlcea), from 4th Mountain Artillery division was killed at 24th of January 1945 while directing artillery fire during the crossing of Ipel river, under strong enemy fire in the area of Iploytarnok village. In the same day was killed in the front of his troops lieutenant (reserve) Poli Gheorghe (born in Caporal Alexa-Arad) from 8th Mountain Battalion, at Luborek. Also in Luborek was killed in action in the next day lieutenant (reserve) Solomon Vasile (born in Protea Mare-Trnava Mic), from 7th Mountain Battalion. At 3rd Mountain Division At 20th of January was killed in action at Jelsoc second lieutenant (reserve) Sinu Eugen (born in Turda Bi), from 12th Mountain Battalion. Next day was killed in action sergeant major TR Bril Ilie (born in Berzascu-Cara) at Maskova. From 6th Mountain Battalion was killed in the same village sergeant major Ni I. Mihai (born in Domneti-Botoani). In hand-to-hand fight was killed at Maskova at 25th of January sergeant major TR Tatoan Niculae (born in Malul-Vlaca), from 22nd Mountain Battalion. 3rd Police Company had lost sergeant major Sndulescu Aurel at 23rd of January on the Valey of Ipel river. 4, Probing the enemy first line of resistance 26th of January 9th of February 1945 Keeping its plan to pierce the enemy resistance using massive artillery fire on narrow sectors, Romanian 1st Army decided to attack with the 10th Infantry Division from 7th Army Corp. Having recently arrived on the battlefield from Romania, 10th Infantry Division had complete number of fighters, so she was thrown into battle in direction of Oremov Laz- Dobra Niva, supported by more than 32 artillery batteries, in order to determine the exact emplacement of enemy positions. In the same time, Romanian 4th Army Corp attack on the right flank of Romanian 1st Army, intending to make a demonstration in the general direction east Turie Pole-1044 Height Iavornik- Dobra Niva, in order to engage as much German forces she could, to ease the attack of Romanian 7th Army Corp. Before the main attack, local battle occurred in order to improve the attack positions on more favorable heights. The local battles were carried against German 76 and 8th Divisions. During this fights Romanian 10th Division successively attacked 665 Height, in the area Lest-Mocear. Romanian 23rd Infantry Regiment attacked this height from 3rd to 5th of February 1945. During these attacks were killed in action second lieutenants (reserve) Teodorescu Iancu (born in PietraruDmbovia) and Stnescu Filimon (born in Bucharest) and sergeant majors Varnea Dumitru (born in

Pstrveni-Neam), Aldoiu Gh. Ioan (born in Modelu-Ialomia), Cadar Andrei (born in Cuza VodRoman) and Spiridon Niculae (born in Cciuleti-Neam). Romanian 33rd Infantry Regiment fight for taking 662 Height and the height nord-west of Mocear between 31st of January-7th of February 1945, having killed in action second lieutenants Nichiceanu Aurel (born in Vulcani-Timi), Secar Alexandru (born in Bucharest), Mrunelu Ion (born in Adamclisi, Dobrogea), Petrescu Nicolae (born in Aiud-Alba), Chivu St. Gheorghe (born in Fcieni-Ialomia) and Horia Iulius and sergeant majors Anghel Nicolae (born in Aiud-Alba) and Nedelcu R. Ioan (born in Crampa-Olt). Romanian 38th Infantry Regiment participated at fights from east of Lest on 31st of January. On 6th of February attacked enemy resistance from 665 Height, south of Oremoz Laz, and broke it. The regiment lost captain Ilie Nedelcu (born in Mircea Vod-Brila) and his second lieutenants Niculescu Luca (born in Drmneti-Prahova), Beliu D. Ioan (born in Gogoi-Dolj) and Ungureanu Iuliu (born in Tia). Romanian 2nd Infantry Division participated to fights breaking enemy resistance in Lest area between 2nd to 9th of February, having as objective 621 Height. This height was of capital importance in the plans of Romanian 1st Army for the attacks in the direction Oremov Laz-Dobra Niva, having the aim to reach Gron river west of Zvolen city. In Lest area were killed in action second lieutenant Popescu Mihai (born in Panciu-Putna), plutonier Iacob Ioan (born in Urzicua-Dolj) and segeant major Tudose Octav (born in Poieni-Tecuci), all of them from 26th Dorobani Regiment Rovine. Also died in action second lieutenant Chibuleneanu Pavel (born in Turda) and sergeant major Ciurea Iulian (born in Catane-Dolj) from 31st Dorobani Regiment Calafat. Then, segeant majors Rurcitu Constantin (born in Terpezia-Dolj) and Ciolacu Teodor (born in Cernele-Dolj), both from 1st Dorobani Regiment Dolj. Romanian 19th Infantry Division participated at fights in Dociovlan-Homa-Strehova area, loosing in battle sergeant major Oancea Simion from 94th Artillery Regiment at 6th of February and sergeant major Popovici Dumitru from 96th Infantry Regiment at 8th of February. Romanian 4th Army Corp had the following losses during probing enemy first line of resistance: At 2nd Mountain Division In Turie Pole area was killed in action at 4th of February second lieutenant (reserve) Lechitan Alfred (born in Maciu-Cluj), from 7th Mountain Battalion. From 8th Mountain Battalion was killed south of Dol. Tisovnic at 4th of February plutonier adjutant Atefnoaiei Constantin (born in Pacani-Baia). 5th Mountain Battalion lost at Turie Polie at 7th of February lieutenant (reserve) Popovici Octav from Iai. 16th Mountain Battalion lost in fights at Luborec on 4th of February sergeant major Popescu Ioan from Mozceni-Arge. 2nd Mountain Artillery divizion lost in Luborec area fights sergeant major Catran G. Gavril from Tulca-Bihor at 6th of February, while he directed artillery fire from the first line. At 3rd Mountain Division From 12th Mountain Battalion was killed in fight at Hor. Tisovnoc at 5th of February plutonier TR Stoica I. Eremia from Geoagiu-Hunedoara. 22nd Mountain Battalion lost at Dol. Tisovnic second

lieutenant (reserve) Popa Dumitru from Gabrneti-Ilfov at 5th of February and at 8th of February second lieutenant (reserve) Guran Dumitru from Gogoi-Mehedini. 5. Rupture attack against first enemy resistance line 10th of February 26th of February 1945 In 10 days of continuous fight on snowed and rough terrain, under heavy blizzard, the penetration of enemy defensive system of Iavorina Massive was possible only on a 7-8 kilometers depth. Between 7th 10th of February 1945 Romanian operations were halted in order to allow troops to rest and general Paul Alexiu, commander of Armys artillery to organize the mass action of his cannons in order to implement a rupture attack which would broke the enemy defense. Romanian 1st Armys Headquarter was put in charge with the action of rupturing the enemy line of defense. The general attack was to be give front the line the troops occupied: north-west Litava-662 Height-south-east Gorni Tisovnic, the effort of Romanian 7th Army Corp being on a strip 16 kilometers wide, in the direction Oremov Laz-Sasa, with the aim to occupy in the first stages Oremov Laz area and after the enemy resistance from Senograd would be turned, to occupy the Krupina-Dobra Niva line and to open its way north-east of Iavorina Massive in the Valley of Gron river. Romanian 4th Army Corp had the mission to pin down as many enemy forces it would be possible, by secondary attacks, contributing in this way to the success of the main attack in the right sector of Romanian 1st Army, south-west of Turie Polie-south-east Horni Tisovnic. The offensive was started by Romanian 4th Army Corp in the morning of 10th of February, without artillery preparation, surprising the enemy defense. Romanian 7th Army Corp started the offensive one hour later, after 30 minutes of artillery preparation, supported by more than 130 artillery pieces which pounded the enemy positions in the front of Romanian 10th Infantry Division, after that the infantry going forward. The day of 10th of February was unlucky for Romanian forces. After less an hour the attack started, a dense fog came down on the battlefield and after the fog dissipated, a heavy blizzard started, blinding the artillery observers, the cannons being unable to support the infantry against enemy positions. At the beginning, the attack was impetuous, even if the terrain was on abrupt slope and covered with 1 meter of snow. Lacking artillery support, Romanian infantry started to sustain heavy losses and the speed of attack slowed down. Meanwhile, German riflemen, well entrenched, could easily shoot the Romanian combatants who were advancing. In the front of German positions the Romanian soldiers had the unpleasant surprise to stumble upon untouched barbed wire, who had from place to place mine fields invisible due to snow. Despite all these, Romanian 32nd Infantry Regiment managed to enter in the enemy defense system and to occupy a 20 meters long pillbox, 1,5 meters wide and 2 meters height, build from stone and cement with 0,7 meters thick wooden logs roof, covered with a thick layer of earth. () Romanian 4th Army Corp managed to infiltrate enemy lines, the Mountain battalions of 2nd and 3rd Divisions using the rough terrain to camouflage their advance. By bold actions, using flank and from behind attacks, the Mountain troops managed to conquer in the second day of offensive the villages of Gorni Tisovnic, Turie Polie and Hrabcov. Until 15th of February, Romanian 4th Army Corp managed to enter 4-6 kilometers in the enemy defensive system, threatening to reverse from north the enemy positions from Oremov-Laz area, which was considered as heavily fortified. Romanian 10th Infantry Division, with its ranks more and more depleted, managed to approach within 1 kilometer of Oremov Laz. General Vasile Atanasiu took over the command of Romanian 1st Army at 12th of February ().

Seeing that in the area of action of Romanian 4th Army Corp the results are not so good as in the attack area of Romanian 7th Army Corp, he decided to turn the German defense from Oremov Laz area from north-east with the 4th Army Corp and from south-west with 7th Army Corp. Indeed, Mountain troops from 3rd Mountain Division managed to get closer to 1044 Height, Iavornik, the highest peak from Iavorina Massive, on 17th of February, climbing on steep slopes covered with waist deep snow, carrying the weapons on sleds pulled by men. In this way, German defense from Oremov Laz area took a deadly blow. As result, on 18th of February, Romanian 10th Infantry Division resumed its attack and after heavy fights managed to envelop Oremov Laz area from both flanks and to occupy it until evening, forcing a part of German 76th Infantry Division who managed to avoid encirclement to retreat toward west. On 21st of February general Vasile Atanasiu ordered Romanian troops to halt on the line they reached, because the offensive couldnt go further with very tired troops on the rough terrain almost 80% covered with woods and because the German commander who defended the rocade communication of Krupina-Dobra Niva brought troops to defend the well fortified positions he held. On 16th of February general Eugen Vrtejeanu took over the command of Romanian 7th Army Corp (). From 21st to 25th of February it was ordered the troops to be rested and was asked to the Soviet Headquarter reinforcements and material in order to crush enemy resistance who couldnt be annihilated otherwise without great loss of human life. So, Romanian 1st Army received as reinforcement the following Soviet great units: 3 artillery brigades, 4 mine throwers regiments, 1 antitank brigade, 1 tank regiment and 2 aircraft divisions. The enemy defense was supported by wooded 1024 Height, situated 4 kilometers north of 1044 Iavornik Height wooded 777 Height Heights from 2,5 kilometers east of Senograd, very strong organized with concrete pillboxes, defensive ditches, barbed wire and mine fields. Romanian 1st Army, planning to make its effort on its right flank, reinforced 4th Army Corp, who had initially 2nd and 3rd Mountain Divisions, with 2nd and 10th Infantry Divisions. For the attack of this enemy position, Headquarter of Romanian 1st Army and its subordinate units well prepared the support of artillery, tanks and aviation, under the supervision of general Paul Alexiu, commander of Armys artillery. The offensive plan kept the idea of attacking on narrow fronts with heavy fire support, especially from artillery. After a massive artillery preparation which lasted for 40 minutes, Romanian 7th and 4th Army Corps started the offensive in the morning of 25th of February, under a clear sky. Due to the Romanian and Soviet artillery support, Romanian 7th Army Corp, commanded by general Mihail Lctuu, conquered with 9th Cavalry Division and 19th Infantry Division the 777 Height and Senograd, and Romanian 4th Army Corp, commanded by general Ion Boieanu, occupied until 26th of February the 1024 Height from Iavorina Mountains, fighting on half a meter deep snow. General Vasile Atanasiu cited by Order of the Day nr. 13 from 27th of February 1945 the Romanian 7th Army Corp for the bravery showed on 25th-26th of February, with 9th Cavalry Division and 19th Infantry Division for breaking the fortified enemy front from south-west Oremov Laz region on a front 10 kilometers wide, entering 5-6 kilometers in depth, conquering the 695 and 777 Heights, communication point Senograd and other 9 villages. () Romanian 10th Infantry Division, being ordered to make the main effort of 7th Army Corp, had the

greatest losses. 23rd Infantry Regiment had lost killed in action in the fight for 725 Height at Oremov Laz: -at 10th of February, second lieutenants (reserve) Popescu Stelian from Rmnicu Srat and Stroiescu Alexandru from Pucioasa -at 11th of February, second lieutenant (reserve) Popenciu Vasile from Comarnic-Prahova -at 12th of February, second lieutenant Plcint Ion from Pucioasa-Dmbovia -at 17th of February, second lieutenant Alexa Nicolaie from Lespezi-Baia and sergeant major Ohai Gheorghe from Bildare-Arge -at 13rd of February, major Bratu Ion from Sibiu, second lieutenant Vcrescu Adrian from Clrai-Ialomia and sergeant major Drghici Gheorghe from tefneti-Ialomia -at 14th of February, second lieutenant (reserve) Lupu Traian from Piteti-Arge -at 15th of February, sergeant majors Obiad Vasile from Rasa-Ialomia and Lupchian Gheorghe from Clrai-Ialomia. 33rd Infantry Regiment-Tulcea lost in the fight for 652, 662 and 670 Heights from Oremov Laz area: -at 10th of February, sergeant major TR Davioiu Constantin from Brdiceni-Gorj -at 11th of February, sergeant major TR Tutu Gh. tefan from Crligai-Buzu -at 14th of February, sergeant major TR Sorescu tefan from Vadu Soreti-Buzu -at 24th of February, second lieutenant Rostand Gheorghe from Sinaia-Prahova 38th Infantry Regiment-Brila lost in fight for the heights between Oremov Laz and Lest: -at 10th of February, captain Maxim Ion from Bucharest -at 12nd of February, captains Horodinca Dumitru from Hapoi-Dorohoi and Bjescu Emil from Rdui-Suceava, lieutenant Marcu Ionel from Bucharest, second lieutenant (reserve) Rafalet Vasile from Galai and sergeant major Pica I. Tache from Corbu-Rmnicu Srat. -at 17th of February, captain Dobrescu Alexandru from Turnu Mgurele -at 18th of February, sergeant major Hurdui Paraschiv from nsurei-Brila -at 21st of February, sergeant major Drgoi Vian from Cegani-Ialomia -at 24th of February, second lieutenant Radu I. Vasile from Galai and plutonier adjunct Dobrin Victor from Cotnari-Iai 10th Pioneer Company lost in the mine field from Oremov Laz lieutenant (reserve) Ciubuc tefan from Urziceni-Ialomia, killed by a mine that went unobserved by the officer. 2nd Infantry Division lost in the fierce battles for 621 and 711 Heights from east of Hrabca officers and soldiers who felt in the line of duty for the liberty of Slovak people, on the dear Slovak soil. 26th Dorobani Regiment-Rovine lost: -at 11th of February, sergeant majors Dulman Gheorghe from Pocreanca-Iai and Botezan Gheorghe from Grieti-Tecuci. -at 14th of February, sergeant major Ducu Ion from Boroleti-Rmnicu Srat -at 16th of February, second lieutenant Roeanu Victor from Roiori-Vlcea -at 18th of February, sergeant major Anton Ion from Bordeti-Rmnicu Srat 1st Dorobani Regiment-Dolj lost during flushing out enemy from Oremov Laz sergeant major Glifelnic Alexei, killed at 25th of February while fought with a rear guard enemy group. 31st Dorobani Regiment-Calafat lost: -at 10th of February, second lieutenant (reserve) Gherman Vladimir from Balueti-Vlcea -at 11th of February, lieutenant Orhei Ion from Zvoritea-Dorohoi and second lieutenant (reserve) Rotaru Gheorghe from Muntenii de Sus-Turda

-at 12th of February, second lieutenant (reserve) Popescu Florea from Pdureti-Arge -at 15th of February, lieutenant (reserve) Roceanu Alexandru from Costeti-Arge and second liuetenant Covtaru Ioan from Horodiceni-Baia -at 23rd of February, lieutenant Brnu Ioan from Nedeia-Dolj and second lieutenant Apreotesei Alexei -at 27th of February, lieutenant (reserve) Negreanu Emil from Dndeti-Slaj 19th Infantry Division lost in action in Oremov Laz and Mocear from 10th to 25th of February a siginificant number of men. 94th Infantry Regiment lost the brave sergeant major Creu Alexe from Rade-Gorj at Mocear at 10th of February. 95th Infantry Regiment fought for 626 Height from Oremov Laz and had significant losses, including brave officers: -at 11th of February, second lieutenant Gheorghe D. Constantin from Brebeni-Olt -at 13th of February, sergeant major Negoiescu Emil from Nandova-Mehedini -at 16th of February, sergeant majors Radoslav Constantin from Bistria-Mehedini and Petrudescu Alexandru from the same village, brothers-in-arms. 95th Infantry Regiment lost in the fight at Mocear plutonier major Adam Constantin from Romneti-Gorj at 18th of February and second lieutenant Secar Vasile from Buhieti-Vaslui at 21st of February at Modri Kamen. 9th Cavalry Division lost in the fight east of Lest captain Becleanu Ioan from divisional headquarter, born in Voineti-Muscel, at 11th of February and in the next day was killed second lieutenant Marinescu Nicolae from Giurgiu, from 9th Horse Artillery Regiment, while he was in the advanced posts. Captain Bbeanu Paul, comander of 1st Battalion from 96th Infantry Regiment, leading his men by personal example, pierced the enemy defense from Senograd and occupied this important communication point. From the same unit, sergeant Dorobanu tefan, corporal Giurgiu Nicolae and soldier Zaharia, crawled to the enemy machine gun nests, using the terain and destroyed the enemy emplacements with well tossed hand grenades. (...) 4th Army Corp had numerous losses in the fights against enemy first line of defense between 10th to 26th of February 1945. At 2nd Mountain Division 7th Mountain Battalion lost: -sergeant major Halgiu Ioan from Dragoteti-Mehedini at 10th of February in the fight at Hrabov Grun -second lieutenant Vasilescu Nicolaie from Corneti-Constana in the attacks against Hrabca at 12th of February -lieutenant (reserve) Trl Petre from umugiu-Bihor at 13th of February in the same attacks in Hrabca area -second lieutenant Ionescu P. Aurel from Coleti-Muscel at 14th of February in the follow-up attacks from Hrabca -sergeant major Dumitriu Gheorghe from Brlad while cleaning terrain from enemy at Hrabov-Grun at 20th of February

8th Mountain Battalion lost at 24th of February the courageous lieutenant (reserve) Dragalina Ioan, who felt leading his troops, together with a lot of his men, in the fight from Mezoesat. 16th Mountain Battalion lost in Turie Polie area fight sergeant major Ni Gheorghe from Manasia-Ialomia at 21st of February. 2nd Mountain Artillery divizion lost in fight at Panovlaz sergeant major Lucan Ion from PoianaDolj on 24th of February while attacking Turie Polie during commanding the artillery fire. At 3rd Mountain Division 21st Mountain Battalion lost second lieutenant Iliescu V. Eugen from Trgu Mure, who asaulted with great courage Iavornik Peak at 1044 Height at 15th of February. 6th Mountain Battalion lost at 18th of February in the front of his company lieutenant (reserve) Nizic R. Alexandru from Vaslui, at Urbanova. 5th Mountain Battalion lost sergeant major Cojocaru Constantin from Racova-Bacu at 20th of February at Turie Polie. 11th Mountain Battalion lost in fight at Dol. Tisovnic at 21st of February sergeant major Pscaru Timofte and at 22nd of February second lieutenant (reserve) Enchescu Constantin from FulgaPrahova and in the same day also, lieutenant (reserve) Nicolau P. Aurel in fight at Polomj-Slovacia. 12nd Mountain Battalion lost at 15th of February the brave second lieutenant (reserve) Soic Teodor in the fights for flushing out enemy from Dolni Tisovnic. 39th Mountain Pioneer Company lost during mine cleaning in Dolni Tisovnic area at 17th of February the courageous sergeant major Anghel Nicolae from Bucharest. 6. Attacking the 2nd and 3rd enemy line of resistance German Headquarter retreated his forces from Oremov Laz Massive, where before the war was the shooting range of Czechoslovakian army, after a fierce resistance well organized in pillboxes, on a new line of resistance on wooded massive from east of Dobra Niva on the villages PlesoviaZbava-heights south-east of Krupina, with the aim to defend the communication from the rear of its front: Krupina-Dobra Niva-Zvolen, on the Gron. After the breakthrough on the first enemy line of resistance was made between 25th-26th of February, the support given to Romanian 1st Army was taken back and she will remain only with 2 antitank regiments and a unit of tanks which will be given to Soviet 53rd Army who operated on the left flank of Romanian front, in the general direction Banska Stiavnia-west Veska, on the Gron. Because of this, Romanian 1st Army tried to metodically attack, using artillery fire concentration combined with armored support to help infantry to attack small and poorly defended enemy sectors. On 3rd of March Romanian 4th Army Corp managed to occupy communication hub from Plesove, strongly defended by the enemy, and Romanian 7th Army Corp supported by Soviet armored troops and artillery from Soviet 53rd Army participated to the conquer of Krupina city. In this manner, the communication on the road and railroad from Zvolen to Gron Valley was cut, the enemy defense of this river being significantly shaken. German Headquarter was hastily prepared a 3rd line of resistance on the alignment: wooded massive Dobra Niva-Banska Stiavnia, with the aim to preserve anyway Gron Valley defense, which had a road and a railroad of great strategic

importance. Because the German troops held with strong forces the corridor between wooded massive Dobra NIva and wooded massive from east of Banska Stiavnia, Romanian Headquarter had to resolve the problem of crossing those two wooded massives in order to envelop from both flanks the strong defense point from Dobra Niva. Because was easier to cross the wooded massive from west of Dobra Niva and, aditionally, to link the action with the one of Soviet 53rd Army, which attacked toward Banska Stiavnia, Romanian 1st Army decided at 4th of March to move her effort to west, in the offensive strip of Romanian 7th Army Corp and in this manner changed the direction of the attack toward Dobra Niva-Gunda. Romanian 7th Army Corp started the enveloping movement in west and Romanian 4th Army Corp in the east of defensive point from Dobra Niva. The Romanian units sneaked with ability on the wooded areas in order to take the enemy positions from behind. Enemy positions held a continuous line between the two wooded massives and were held by German 8th Vntori Division, suported from south by German 4th Armored Division. By a large enveloping movement, Romanian 19th Infantry Division managed at 8th of March to turn the enemy resistance from the height north-west of Dobra Niva and Romanian 3rd Mountain Division to occupy the wooded heights from north-east of the city thru hand-to-hand fights. Meanwhile, Romanian 2nd Infantry Division attacked Dobra Niva city frontally, simultaneous with a flank attack given by Romanian 10th Infantry Division from the west, and entered the city, flushing out the enemy troops which were still resisting. In order to support German 8th Division, German 4th Armored Division counterattacked Romanian troops inflicting heavy losses, allowing German 8th Division to establish a 3rd line of defense in Iavorina Massive on the line Breznia-Kozelnic. This alignment will be reached by Romanian troops between 12th-14th of March. In order to give weight to the effort in the left flank, Romanian 1st Army moved the 3rd Mountain Division in reserve and inserted it in the offensive strip of Romanian 7th Army Corp. By a large enveloping maneuver from west, Romanian 3rd Mountain Division managed to conquer the 685 Height at 12th of March keeping the contact with units from the left flank of Romanian 7th Army Corp, but couldnt manage to push more to north-west, stopping at 14th of March in the front of enemy resistance line Breznia-Kozelnik. Romanian 1st Army kept its offensive going at 15th of March, making the main effort with its left, in the offensive strip of 7th Army Corp, with the aim to break the resistance of enemy 3rd line in Kozelnik area, simultaneous with and enveloping from east, made by 4th Army Corp. 3rd Mountain Division, strongly supported by artillery, managed to enter 6 kilometers deep in enemy defense, the other divisions managing to advance 3-4 kilometers despite German desperate opposition. Kozelnik was liberated by Romanian 3rd Mountain Division. The village was the main point of enemy resistance on the left flank of the army and Romanian 5th Mountain Group, heavily supported by 64th Artillery divizion from Romanian 2nd Mountain Division, managed to take by hand-to-hand fight the heights and communication hub Breziny. By the double maneuver of enveloping, the 3rd line of enemy resistance collapsed and the way of Romanian troops on the Valley of Gron was opened. In the sector of Romanian 4th Army Corp, 9th Infantry Division sustained heavy fights in BrezinyOstra Luka area in the days of 15th and 16th of March, when Gron was reached west of Zvolen. Germans abandoned terrain south of Gron Valley only after bitter fight, but kept some pockets of resistance. Because of this, 2nd Battalion from 26th Dorobani Regiment-Rovine, comanded by major Popescu T. Eugen had a heavy fight for taking the mill from the crossroad of Zvolen-Dobra Niva and Zvolen-Ostra Luka roads, on the shores of Gron river. This officer will be killed in the fight for 680 Height at 15th of March, when at 18.00 hours a projectile mortally wounded him.

Thus, Romanian 2nd Infantry Division lost one of its most brave officers. () The whirling waves of Gron river were reached by Romanian troops in Breznia-Ostra Luka area at 18th of March and at 19th of March the terrain was cleared by the last enemy units which still sporadically fought north of Kozelnik and east of Vieska. Once the snow was melting, the enemy defensive system from Iavorina Massive collapsed after 36 days of uninterupted fights (...) At 9th Cavalry Division died in fight at Babina sergeant major Zaharia Marcu from StniletiFlciu, from 3rd Roiori Regiment at 6th of March and lieutenant (reserve) Dan Teofil from Vntori-Trnava Mare at 7th of March. At 19th Infantry Division While clearing the terrain from enemy in Senograd died on 27th of February sergeant majors Diculescu Constantin from Pietrari-Dmbovia and Dan Nedelea from Cioroi-Romanai, both from 95th Infantry Regiment. From the same brave regiment felt on the battlefield while attacking 777 Height near Oremov Laz second lieutenant Nicoar Dionisie from Apold-Sibiu. While fighting to break the 2nd enemy line of defense, 95th Infantry Regiment lost at 4th of March in the fight from Plesove lieutenant Savu Manta from Turcineti-Dolj and sergeant major Riiu Ioan from TrnveniTrnava Mare and on 6th of March at Sasa the brave captain Srbu Constantin from Voineti-Muscel and the fearless plutonier major Popescu Emanoil from Zegaia-Mehedini in the fight from Dubova. 94th Infantry Regiment lost while breaking the enemy 2nd line of defense at 8th of March second lieutenant Chinta Ilie from Ocoliu-Satu Mare, who was heavily wounded and died at 1st Campaign Hospital. 96th Infantry Regiment lost at Lehotca at 6th of March sergeant major Telite Gheorghe from Mincani-Dorohoi. 19th Pioneer Company lost while clearing the mines in Sasa and fighting enemy soldiers left behind sergeant majors Lehner Carol from Rusca Montan-Severin and Stroie Ion from Arcani-Gorj. 36th Antitank Regiment, fighting enemy armor from German 4th Armored Division in the offensive strip of Romanian 7th Army Corp at Litava at 28th of February, supporting Romanian 9th Cavalry Division, sergeant majors Dumitracu Constantin and Gorgan Constantin, and at 6th of March in the fight at Babina second lieutenant Opriescu Nicolaie from Trgu Jiu and sergeant major Popescu Alexandru from Zorleti-Gorj. 1st Heavy Artillery Regiment lost in fight at Dobra Niva at 19th of March sergeant major Ivan Marin from Urzicua-Dolj. 2nd Infantry Division, operating from 27th of February in the offensive strip of 4th Army Corp, where the main effort of Romanian 1st Army was made then, lost the following officers and NCOs: 1st Dorobani Regiment-Dolj lost while clearing terrain of enemy resistance north of Lonec at 28th of February sergeant major Abotnriei Vasile from Flmnzeni-Botoani. 31st Dorobani Regiment-Calafat lost the brave lieutenant (reserve) Negreanu Emil from DndetiSlaj at 27th of February in the fight in Lest area and at 7th of March sergeant major (reserve) Deceanu Cornel from Nailat-Alba while assaulting 621 Height from Lest area.

26th Dorobani Regiment-Rovine lost sergeant major Nelu Alexandru from Hrceti-Putna during operations for breakthrough 2nd enemy line of defense at Zabava at 1st of March and at 10th of March second lieutenant Moldoveacu Grigore from Buceti-Bacu while clearing the terrain from enemy in Lest area. 2nd Pioneer Company lost in the same action on the German minefields second lieutenant (reserve) Grigorescu Dan from Bistrei-Dolj at 10th of March in Oremov Laz area. 9th Artillery Regiment lost at 6th of March captain Drgu Gheorghe from Craiova during breakthrough enemy 2nd line of defense while he directed cannons fire. 10th Infantry Division from 27th of February in the action strip of 4th Army Corp, where 1st Romanian Army moved its effort, had heavy fights for breaking thru enemy 2nd line of defense in the area Plesove-Sasa-Dobra Niva. 23rd Infantry Regiment-Ialomia lost at Plesove at 2nd of March sergeant major Dobre Niculae from Cosmbeti-Ialomia and at 3rd of March sergeant major Catan Gheorghe from Guiluga-Dolj. In the fights north-west of Dobra Niva died at 10th of March lieutenant Popa Laureniu from Alba Iulia and sergeant Breazu Nicolaie from Lipnic-Soroca, at 12th of March second lieutenant (reserve) Cintez Nicolaee from Maghireti-Dolj and sergeant major Racovi Ion from Vaslui, during fights around this important communication hub, even if part of Romanian units, in their impetuous offensive reached enemy 3rd line of defense even from 9th of March 1945. 38th Infantry Regiment-Brila in the same fights on the heights north-west of Dobra Niva lost at 11th of March second lieutenant Georgescu Aurel from Vlad epe-Ialomia, plutonier adjutant Constantinescu Marin from Brila and sergeant major Fetcu Mihai from Lpuata-Vlcea and at 12th of March in the fight of Eubova sergeant major Androne Marin from Cucuruzu-Vlcea. 33rd Infantry Regiment-Tulcea lost in the attacks against 507 Height in Dobra Niva-Dubove area the brave second lieutenant (reserve) Builica Longhin from Apaa-Braov who felt in the front his unit. 2nd Mountain Division, belonging to 4th Army Corp had the following losses during actions in the operation strip of Romanian 1st Army. From divisional headquarter died on the battlefield at 1st of March at Turie Polie sergeant major Horga Gheorghe. 7th Mountain Battalion lost at 27th of February at Nerenia second lieutenant Posdarc Nicolaie from Verbia-Dolj and in the fight on the rough and wooded heights east of Dobra Niva at 10th of March felt on the battlefield second lieutenant (reserve) Lzrescu Grigore from Glocul CraioveiSeverin and sergeant major Opri Gheorghe from Boca-Slaj, at 12th of March second lieutenant (reserve) Voinea Ion at Siele, from Martalogi-Arge, at 13th of March captain Rdulescu Stefan from Galai at Dobra Niva. 8th Mountain Battalion lost at 29th of February at Mezoest lieutenant (reserve) Lamatic Mihai. 15th Mountain Battalion lost in the fight on the heights east of Dobra Niva second lieutenants (reserve) Serianu Gheorghe from Titeti-Covurlui and Vahnoveanu Vasile from Vscui-Hotin. 9th Mountain Battalion lost on 28th of February in fight at Nerejnia second lieutenant (reserve) Ilie Stelian from Cndeti-Buzu. 10th Mountain Battalion lost at 8th of March in fight in Plesove area sergeant major Cooveanu Mihail from Sulia-Botoani.

16th Mountain Battalion lost in the probing enemy 2nd line of defense at the heights south east of Plesove sergeant major Ciobanu Aurel from Coteana-Arge. 4 artillery divizion lost at 1st of March in Turie Polie area second lieutenant (reserve) Clin Gh. Dumitru while direct the artillery fire from the first line. 38th Mountain Ambulance lost at 2nd of March at Zichi sergeant major Petric tefan from Ru-Some while he tried to rescue wounded soldiers from the battlefield. 3rd Mountain Division, belonging to 4th Army Corp, acting in the offensive strip of it, in its main effort direction until 12th of March, when it was directed on western flank where the effort of Romanian 1st Army has moved, lost the following: 12th Mountain Battalion lost in the fight at Zeijova at 3rd of March second lieutenant Mran Ion from Ciclova-Cara. 22nd Mountain Battalion lost in the assault against wooded heights south-west of 782 Height, under Bresiny, among many other soldiers, lieutenant Melinte Constantin from Scurta-Putna. 21st Mountain Battalion lost in the fight on the heights noth of Horni Tisovnic at 27th of February sergeant major Crciunescu Ion from Crainici-Mehedini and at 1st of March in the assaults at 724 Height second lieutenant Buia Gheorghe from Ineu-Arad and at 2nd of March major Mladin Augustin from Arad, who died fighting in front of his unit at Zeijova. 1st Mountain Artillery divizion lost sergeant major Sindinu Stancu from Crigai-Teleorman, while he directed artillery fire to support mountain troops in Turie Polie area, in order to open their way. 2nd Artillery divizion lost at 10th of March sergeant major Mateescu Dumitru at a forward observation post from where he observed the effect of artillery strike on the target at Dol Tisovnic. During fights for breaking thru 3rd enemy line of resistance, hastily organized on the alignment Breziny-Bacurov-Cozelnik, started at 13th of March, the losses of great units of Romanian 1st Army are recorded. In the offensive strip of 7th Army Corp 9th Cavalry Division lost on the battlefield north of Dubova second lieutenant Prjolescu Pantelie at 14th of March and in the follow-up fights, at 17th of March, under heavy fog on the Gron Valley, sergeant major Bogdna Ion, two brave cavalry men from 9th Roiori Regiment. 3rd Roiori Regiment lost at 16th of March the brave major Creulescu Vasile from Brlad and at 18th of March lieutenant (reserve) Magdu Mircea from Timioara in the heavy fights for Kozelnik village, important enemy defense point in the 3rd line of resistance on the western flank, which linked with German resistance center from Banska-Stiavnia, atacked simultaneous by Soviet 53rd Army. 3rd Mountain Division operated since 12th of March in the offensive strip of 7th Army Corp by a large enveloping maneuver on the western flank, taking part at the fights for dislocate enemy defense from the 3rd line of resistance, on the effort direction of Romanian 1st Army. 12th Mountain Battalion lost in the fight north-west of Kozelnik at 16th of March sergeant major Blan Dumitru. 22nd Mountain Battalion lost, during demolishing step by step, by rear and flank infiltrations, the enemy defense, at 11th of march, lieutenant Suroiu Mircea from Blaj ()

In the offensive strip of 4th Army Corp, who from 12th of March kept only 2nd (? maybe a mistake in the manuscript, it is written 3rd Mountain Division) Mountain Division, 2nd and 10th Infantry Division, 3rd Mountain Division being sent by day and night forced march on the western flank of 1st Romanian Army, the losses will decrease beause the effort moved on the offensive strip of 7th Army Corp. On the other hand, the terrain being in reversed slope toward Gron Valley, favored by natural covering the advance of Romanian units, especially by night, in the flank and the rear of enemy resistance points, forcing them to withdraw in order to avoid encirclement. 2nd Mountain Division had anyway the following losses: 5th Mountain Battalion lost in the fight for liberation Dolbrezin village at 14th of March the brave sergeant major Teodorescu Marin from Alma-Bihor. 7th Mountain Battalion lost in the fight for Bucurov village sergeant major Crnat Pamfil from Mihal-Alba at 14th of March. 9th Mountain Battalion lost in hand-to-hand fight at Uribovka at 14th of March second lieutenant (reserve) Paicu Ioan from Rapoltu Mare-Hunedoara. 2nd Infantry Division lost sergeant major TR Ni Haralambie from Plenia-Dolj, from 2nd Recon Group during battle reconnaissance mission in Ustraluk, Pahron village at 17th of March, in an ambush. 10th Infantry Division lost in the assaults south-west of Dubove at 15th of March sergeant major TR Rsiu Alexandru from Scurtu-Vlcea , from 33rd Infantry Regiment-Tulcea. 7. Considerations In the offensive front on east of Czechoslovakia, Romanian 1st Army was flanked in west by Soviet 53rd Army and in the east by Soviet 40 Army. Its mission was to cover the left and the rear of Soviet 40 Army, which fight with Romanian 4th Army in Metaliferi Mountains from Slovakia and to secure the right flank of Soviet 53rd Army, which was in full offensive toward Banska Stiavnia. Romanian 7th Army Corp was taken out from Battle of Budapest, concentrated between 15th-18th of January 1945 with Romanian 9 Cavalry, 2nd, 10th and 19th Infantry Divisions on the south of Iavorina Massive and north of Ipel River, between Modri Kamen-Brusnik, on the left of Romanian 4th Army Corp, which operated west of Lucenec from 26th od December 1944. At 22nd of January Romanian 1st Army reunited under its orders Romanian 7th Army Corp and 4th Army Corp and at 25th of January started the battle for Iavorina Massive. () Romanian 1st Army participated to the operations in Iavorina Massive with 58.923 officers and soldiers, loosing 13.838 men, that being 23,47% losses. () In Lest village, the town hall offered the land from school courtyard for a cemetery for Romanian soldiers who died in that area. ()