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There were a number of SS Divisions with a western origin or flavor.
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And many of these troops used captured American uniforms and materiel and infiltrated the American lines:
THE ENEMY BEHIND OUR LINES
1. First US Army Traffic Control Section reports that
German soldiers in US uniforms are operating in the Army area
in a 1/4 ton Jeep, number 20504455, bumper marking MP
ASCZ C-5.
2. All AGO cards found on Germans in US uniforms
have, on the left hand fold, the inscription:
“W.D. A.G.O. Form No. 65.4.”
The cards also differ slightly from the one normally
carried by officers which is: W.D. A.G.O. Form No. 65-1, in
that in addition to the bearers signature, it is also countersigned
just below the signature of Officer. The AGO cards are brand
new, filled out by the German himself, signed by him, and then
dirtied up a bit – but the creases in the card can usually be
spotted as new.
3. Germans in the “Jeep parties” of Einheit STIELAU
have been instructed that the proper way to identify themselves
behind the American lines is to show their Soldier’s Paybook –
not a word about dog-tags. So far, of the men captured, only
two carried dog-tags with them, and they picked them up on
their own initiatives.. The Paybooks given them are taken from
our own P/Ws.
4. There are four grades of English speakers among
the STIELAU personnel – Group I is the best. The German
Officer is usually Group II which explains why he acts as a GI
and not as an American Officer. The best speaker acts as an
officer and sits beside the driver. The German officer sits
(normally) on the left rear and whispers instructions in the ear of
the German soldier posing as one of our officers. The worst
English speaker (usually Group III or Group IV) i s always the
driver. Therefore, the best way to trap these “Jeep Parties” is to
ask the driver for his trip ticket, and then ask the driver some
questions which he will have to answer.
5. None of the captured Germans in GI uniforms have
known their so-called serial number.
6. Jeep markings already identified on vehicles
carrying enemy personnel include VIII Corps, 8th Armored Div
– but in most cases 5th Armored Div. For some obscure reason,
the number of the Jeep (on the right hand side) is considered a
weak point by the Germans and is usually half obliterated with
mud.
7. All staff cars used by Germans captured so far
have been French Citroens – painted OD, complete with star.
However, reports have been received of Germans in civilian
sedans. Staff cars definitely should be stopped and our MP’s
must forget all rank when they ask for dog tags, ASN, etc.
Some of these GI-clad Germans are posing as high-ranking
officers. Rumor has it that von BEHR, one of the leaders of the
group, will be posing as a Brigadier General.
8 It must not be forgotten that these “Jeep parties” are
heavily armed and that the men realize that they are on a
desperate mission. Keep all suspicious Jeeps and their
occupants well covered while inspecting credentials.
9. It is reported that some members of the “Jeep
parties” have now exchanged their 1/4 tons for 3/4 ton trucks.
10. Most recent method of long-distance identification,
reported by captured” Jeep Parties,” is the holding of a rifle in
both hands, raising 2 ??? Above head and moving rifle up and
down.. Lights of various colors may now be used – or
combinations of colors – as permitted by the German Army
issue flashlight.
11. Greater scrutiny of all vehicles obtaining gas from
units and supply installations is required. These Jeeps are now
operating on gasoline they are obtaining from US Army sources.
One “Jeep Party” was captured recently at an Ordnance
Maintenance unit where they took the vehicle for repair.
Source: First US Army G-2 Periodic Report No. 199, 26 Dec 1944,
as reported in Third US Army G-2 periodic Report No. 203 dated 31 Dec 44,
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