‘To say at the least the American forces were hampered because in any piece of planning, the welfare of the civilians had to be considered.’

AAR 79th Infantry Division (Pommois p285)

 

A large portion of the civilian population of Hatten was trapped in the village due to the unanticipated German counterattack in this sector. Some civilians were also trapped at Rittershoffen. The number of civilian casualties in Hatten was high, estimated at 83 killed. Approximately 40 civilians died at Rittershoffen. Most of the villagers had been trapped in the cellars during the battle. Nearly all of the approximately 350 houses in Hatten were damaged, most of them significantly.