Harry Everett Redger
PFC 378th Inf Reg - 95th Inf Div
April 26, 1920 - Nov. 29, 1944
PFC Harry Everett Redger, was born in Cimarron, Kansas to parents Daniel Redger and Dena (Koehn) Redger. Harry grew up on a farm in the Foote area. He came from a large family, having eight brothers and sisters. He attended Cimarron High School, and graduated with the Class of 1942.
PFC Redger was killed in action, in WW II, in France, on Nov. 29 Apr 1944. He was first buried at the Temporary American Military Cemetery Limey. Later he was buried in the Lorraine American Cemetery, Saint-Avold, Departement de la Moselle, Lorraine, France, which became the largest U.S. WWII military cemetery in Europe.
A soldier of the U.S. Army 378th Infantry Regiment, 95th Infantry Division, who was wounded on or before November 29, 1944, in France, was most likely killed during the Battle of Metz or its immediate aftermath. We cannot be certain exactly which day he was wounded without more documentation. Pfc Harry Everett Redger was awarded the Purple Heart and most likely was awarded other notable awards.
Between November 15 and November 30, 1944, the 378th Infantry Regiment of the 95th Infantry Division was actively engaged in operations aimed at capturing the heavily fortified city of Metz, France.
November 15–16, 1944: The regiment initiated attacks on the Canrobert line fortifications in the Bois de Fèves area, north of Metz. Despite facing determined resistance from German troops, the 378th managed to make significant advances, compelling German forces to withdraw toward Metz.
November 18, 1944: The 378th launched an assault on Fort Saint-Julien, a critical position northeast of Metz. The attack began in the early morning and, after intense fighting, the regiment succeeded in encircling and capturing the fort by midday.
November 19, 1944: The regiment mounted a frontal attack on Fort de Plappeville and the adjacent Fort de Saint-Quentin. Despite their efforts, the assaults were unsuccessful due to the strong German defenses. The 378th was subsequently relieved and replaced by the 379th Infantry Regiment the following day.
November 22, 1944: The city of Metz was officially liberated by Allied forces. However, several surrounding forts, including Fort de Plappeville and Fort de Saint-Quentin, continued to resist.
November 30, 1944: The 378th Infantry Regiment participated in operations to neutralize remaining pockets of German resistance in the Metz area, focusing on the encirclement and reduction of the still-defiant forts. These efforts involved coordinated artillery bombardments and infantry assaults aimed at compelling the German garrisons to surrender.
Throughout this period, the 378th Infantry Regiment demonstrated resilience and tactical proficiency, contributing significantly to the overall success of the Allied operations in the region.
A Very Brief History Of The 378th Infantry Regiment, 95th Infantry Division
The 378th Infantry Regiment was a key component of the 95th Infantry Division, a unit of the United States Army that played a vital role during World War II. Constituted in the National Army on September 5, 1918, during the final months of World War I, the 378th was demobilized shortly thereafter, only to be reconstituted in the Organized Reserves in 1921. It remained inactive until it was activated again for service in World War II.
In July 1942, the regiment was called to active duty as part of the U.S. Army’s expansion. It trained extensively at Camp Swift, Texas, and other locations in preparation for deployment to Europe. The 378th, along with the rest of the 95th Infantry Division—known as the “Victory Division”—arrived in England in August 1944 and moved to the European mainland shortly thereafter.
The regiment first saw combat in France in October 1944, as the 95th Infantry Division was tasked with liberating Metz, a heavily fortified city in northeastern France. During November 1944, the 378th was deeply involved in a series of complex and bloody assaults against German fortifications, including Fort Saint-Julien, Fort de Feve, and later Fort Saint-Quentin. The regiment’s actions contributed significantly to the eventual liberation of Metz on November 22, 1944.
Following the Metz campaign, the 378th pushed eastward into Germany, engaging in operations throughout the Rhineland, and eventually participated in the Central Europe campaign, contributing to the defeat of Nazi Germany. The regiment remained on occupation duty until it returned to the U.S. and was inactivated in October 1945.
The 378th Infantry Regiment’s valor during World War II earned it numerous campaign streamers and individual commendations. Its role in the Battle of Metz is particularly remembered, as the 95th Infantry Division earned the nickname “Iron Men of Metz” for their resilience and bravery.