“All of this would constitute my hurried estimate of the situation. When the platoon commanders assemble I will give the necessary orders to put my decision into effect.”
_The Director_: “That is very good. Now, Lieutenant Ralston, let us assume that the platoon commanders are assembled and you are ready to give them their orders. What is the first thing you would do?”
_Lieutenant Ralston_: “I would want to get my report off to the battalion commander as soon as possible.”
_The Director_: “Just how would you do this?”
_Lieutenant Ralston_: “I would write it out and send it by a runner.”
_The Director_: “Do you think you would take the time to do that? You have your first sergeant with you. He should be able to write out the message and I think you would have him do it. That leaves you free to go ahead with your orders to the platoon commanders. You would indicate roughly what you want to go into the message to the battalion commander and leave the rest to the first sergeant. Now, tell us what you would include in the orders to the platoon commanders, Captain Harvey?”
_Captain Harvey_: “I would give the orders about as follows:
“The other companies of our battalion are advancing on our left.
“This company will reorganize and prepare for further service.
“The 3rd platoon will relieve the firing line with one section and take over the security of the position. Have the men of the 1st and 2nd platoons fall back and assemble by squads on this side (indicate) of the position. The remaining section will take charge of the prisoners, mop up the position, collect other prisoners and stragglers. The covering patrol of one squad will remain out on the right.
“The 1st platoon will assemble at (indicate place).
“The 2nd platoon will assemble at (indicate place).
“The 1st and 2nd platoons will reorganize, check casualties and report results. Secure ammunition from dead and wounded.
_The Director_: “I think that order will meet the immediate requirements of the situation. Now, Captain Hodges, what would you include in the message to the battalion commander?”
_Captain Hodges_: “I would make it very brief. Something to this effect:
“‘Enemy strong point captured at ____ (Time). My casualties about ____, killed; ____ wounded. Prisoners ____ (number). Am reorganizing. (Such additional information about enemy that would be of value to the Battalion commander). Await your further instructions.’”