Presidential Unit Citation — Wikipédia

En vertu des dispositions de la Section IV, Circulaire 333, Département de la Guerre, 22 décembre 1943, et conformément à l'autorité contenue dans le 4^e avenant, Headquarters Third United States Army, File AG 200.6 (5 November 1944) GHMCA-4, daté du 14 février 1945, l'unité suivante est citée : Le troisième bataillon, 358^e d'infanterie, est cité pour son héroïsme extraordinaire face à l'ennemi en France. Pendant la période du 10 au 12 juillet 1944, les officiers et les hommes de cette organisation ont fait preuve d'un grand courage, d'une grande endurance et d'une détermination sans faille lors de l'attaque à travers la forêt dense du Mont Castre, en France. La position connue sous le nom de "ligne Mahlman" faisait partie de la principale ligne de défense ennemie. Elle se composait de positions creusées, astucieusement camouflées dans les broussailles et d'autres dispositifs qui utilisaient au maximum les qualités défensives naturelles de la région. Malgré les contre-attaques ennemies répétées et féroces, le bataillon avance sans relâche et élimine un bataillon d'infanterie parachutiste et une compagnie de sapeurs parachutistes, qui font tous deux partie de la 5^e division parachutiste allemande d'élite. À la fin du premier jour, le commandant du bataillon et 11 des 17 officiers ont été blessés, mais l'avancée s'est faite jusqu'à 75 mètres de l'objectif initial. Le lendemain, les restes des trois compagnies de fusiliers, dont l'une comptait 20 hommes, furent réorganisés en une compagnie composite de 126 hommes, commandée par un lieutenant. Lors d'une nouvelle charge, le bataillon épuisé s'empara de l'objectif, tua 40 ennemis et captura 8 mitrailleuses, bazookas et mortiers. Le 12 juillet 1944, à la sortie de la forêt, le Bataillon, conservant son agressivité, se bat avec une audace exceptionnelle et une grande habileté et s'empare d'objectifs successifs. La percée du bataillon à travers la position principale de l'ennemi contribua matériellement à l'avance de la division. Le leadership inspirant de ses officiers et la bravoure dont ont fait preuve tous les soldats ont été conformes à la plus haute tradition militaire.

Par ordre du major général ROOKS^[16] :

Le 22^e Régiment d'infanterie est cité pour son héroïsme extraordinaire et pour avoir fait preuve d'un sens du devoir exceptionnel lors d'une action en Normandie, en France, au cours de la période du 26 juillet au 1er août 1944. Le 22^e Régiment d'infanterie était l'élément d'infanterie d'un commandement de combat d'infanterie blindée qui a réussi à percer la ligne de résistance allemande à l'ouest de Saint-Lô, formant la brèche Saint-Gillis-Marigny, à travers laquelle les colonnes d'infanterie blindée ont pénétré profondément dans le territoire tenu par les Allemands. Opérant contre des unités d'infanterie, d'artillerie et de panzers endurcis, ce régiment, souvent accompagné de ses chars d'assaut, rencontra et surmonta la plus forte résistance allemande lors d'engagements désespérés à Saint-Gillis, Canisy, le Mesnil Herman, Villebaudon, Moyen, Percy, et Tessy-sur-Vire. Le 22^e régiment d'infanterie, pour sa première action avec une division blindée, après une courte période d'endoctrinement, a assumé le rôle de l'infanterie blindée avec un succès inégalé. Tout au long de l'opération, qui s'est déroulée sur sept jours, les équipes d'infanterie ont suivi le rythme des chars, ne se reposant que brièvement la nuit pour poursuivre l'attaque sans relâche à l'aube. Les échelons arrière ont combattu les groupes ennemis contournés lors de l'assaut. Les blindés américains sont peu protégés par l'artillerie lourde des Allemands. Les bombardiers ennemis harcèlent continuellement les troupes américaines pendant la nuit. Mais le 22^e régiment d'infanterie a accompli un travail remarquable en mettant au point une équipe infanterie-char qui, grâce à sa détermination, est devenue une force irrésistible sur le champ de bataille^[17].

Comme autorisé par l'ordre exécutif n^o 9396 (sec. I, Bul. 22, WD, 1943), remplaçant l'Executive Order n^o 9075 (sec. III, Bul. 11, WD, 1942), les citations des unités suivantes dans les General Orders, n^o 24, Headquarters 3d Armored Division, 20 février 1945, telles qu'approuvées par le Commanding General, European Theater of Operations, sont confirmées en vertu des dispositions de la section IV, Circular n^o 333, War Department, 1943, au nom du Président des États-Unis comme preuve publique de l'honneur et de la distinction qu'elles ont mérités.
Les citations se lisent comme suit :

La compagnie A du 36^e régiment d'infanterie blindée est citée pour sa performance exceptionnelle au combat pendant la période du 10 au 13 décembre 1944 en Allemagne. Le 10 décembre 1944, la compagnie A était la seule compagnie d'infanterie d'une force opérationnelle qui a lancé une attaque sur Echtz. Conscients de la supériorité en nombre des troupes ennemies qui étaient retranchées et lourdement fortifiées, les hommes et les officiers de la compagnie A ont attaqué vigoureusement et, avec une grande détermination, ont mis l'ennemi en déroute de ses positions défensives et ont sécurisé le village avant la tombée de la nuit.

Le 12 décembre 1944. La compagnie A, dans le cadre d'une force de reconnaissance, s'est jointe à des chars pour reconnaître un petit village sur la rivière Roer. Le secteur assigné à la compagnie A nécessitait une avancée de 1 500 mètres sur un terrain plat et dégagé et sous l'observation complète de l'ennemi depuis la rive est de la rivière. Bien que la compagnie sur sa gauche ait été repoussée dans sa tentative de traverser le champ balayé par le feu, les officiers et les hommes de la compagnie A, ignorant les obus explosifs lourds, les tirs directs des chars et les tirs d'armes automatiques et subissant de lourdes pertes, avancèrent sans hésiter à travers le champ balayé par le feu pour atteindre les abords du village.

Avec très peu de chefs restants et des rangs clairsemés par les pertes, la compagnie A a continué à avancer agressivement et a réussi à capturer le village, dégageant les approches de la ville en préparation de l'avancée d'une autre compagnie de fusiliers. Les actions héroïques et l'esprit de corps dont ont fait preuve les officiers et les hommes de la compagnie A du 36^e régiment d'infanterie blindée, bien qu'affaiblis par de lourdes pertes, méritent d'être salués^[18].

Comme autorisé par l'ordre exécutif n^o 9396 (sec. I, Bul. 22, WD, 1943), remplaçant l'Executive Order n^o 9075 (sec. III, Bul. 11, WD, 1942), les citations des unités suivantes dans les General Orders, n^o 24, Headquarters 3d Armored Division, 20 février 1945, telles qu'approuvées par le Commanding General, European Theater of Operations, sont confirmées en vertu des dispositions de la section IV, Circular n^o 333, War Department, 1943, au nom du Président des États-Unis comme preuve publique de l'honneur et de la distinction qu'elles ont mérités.

Les citations se lisent comme suit :

La compagnie C du 36^e régiment d'infanterie blindée est citée pour sa performance exceptionnelle au combat pendant la période du 10 au 13 décembre 1944 en Allemagne.

Le 10 décembre 1944, la compagnie C faisait partie d'une force opérationnelle et soutenait la première compagnie de chars lors d'une attaque sur Obergeich. Lorsque la force arriva à 600 mètres du village, seuls quatre chars restaient en opération à cause des zones fortement minées et du terrain difficile. Les hommes de la compagnie C, sans ordre de leurs chefs, passèrent à travers les chars et attaquèrent vigoureusement les positions ennemies, permettant ainsi aux unités adjacentes d'avancer avec un minimum de pertes. Malgré la perte de tous ses officiers et de 55 hommes, la compagnie C s'est élancée et, à force de détermination et de bravoure, a réussi à s'emparer de son objectif.

Deux jours plus tard, la compagnie C agit comme force de réserve alors que deux bataillons d'infanterie attaquent le village de Hoven. Les éléments d'assaut subissent de lourdes pertes et la compagnie C, bien qu'affaiblie par les pertes subies lors des combats précédents, est immédiatement engagée dans l'action. La compagnie C se déplaça rapidement sur le terrain plat et dégagé et, face au feu meurtrier d'un ennemi numériquement supérieur, réussit à libérer la ville de toute résistance.

Le courage individuel, la valeur et la ténacité dont a fait preuve le personnel de la compagnie C du 36^e régiment d'infanterie blindée, face à un ennemi supérieur, sont conformes aux plus hautes traditions des forces armées et sont dignes d'émulation^[18].

Comme l'autorise le décret 9396 (sec. I, WD Bul. 22, 1943), remplaçant le décret 9075 (see. III, DW Bul. 11, 1942), les citations des unités suivantes dans le General Orders 54, Headquarters Third Armored Division, 30 avril 1945, telles qu'approuvées par le Commandant général, European Theater of Operations, sont confirmées en vertu des dispositions de la section IV, WD Circular 333, 1943, au nom du Président des États-Unis comme preuve publique de l'honneur et de la distinction qu'elles ont mérités.

Les citations se lisent comme suit :

Le 1er bataillon du 36^e régiment d'infanterie blindée est cité pour sa performance exceptionnelle dans l'action contre l'ennemi en Allemagne pendant la période du 12 au 22 septembre 1944. Le 12 septembre 1944, le 1er bataillon du 36^e régiment d'infanterie blindée s'est vu confier la mission de soutenir une force opérationnelle blindée dans son effort pour briser les défenses de la ligne Siegfried. Des obstacles antitank retardaient la progression des blindés, et le bataillon était chargé d'envahir des positions défensives fortement fortifiées surplombant les obstacles.

En deux jours de combats acharnés contre un ennemi déterminé, le 1er bataillon du 36^e régiment d'infanterie blindée réussit à vaincre les défenses ennemies et à pénétrer dans la première ceinture fortifiée du mur ouest. Sur un terrain difficile surplombant la deuxième ceinture fortifiée, cette force de combat a ensuite attaqué pour forcer une tête de pont à travers la deuxième ceinture de dents de dragon. L'action hostile vigoureuse était contrebalancée par un besoin insurmontable de se rapprocher de l'ennemi et de le détruire partout où il se trouvait.

Contre toute attente, le bataillon réussit à établir une tête de pont et, pendant trois jours, repoussa les vigoureuses contre-attaques ennemies lancées contre lui dans le but de briser le point d'appui du bataillon au nord des dents du dragon, sur un terrain critique. Le 18 septembre 1944, après que les éléments d'infanterie de gauche et de droite n'aient pas progressé, le 1er bataillon se voit confier la mission vitale de se retirer de son saillant et d'attaquer la ville fortement fortifiée de Munsterbusch. Sans perdre sa combativité, le 1er bataillon se retire sous la pression et lance l'assaut. L'ennemi déverse un feu meurtrier dans ses rangs, infligeant des pertes sévères aux attaquants. L'ennemi s'est battu sauvagement, ce qui a souvent donné lieu à des combats au corps à corps. Malgré les pertes énormes subies lors de cette offensive, le 1er bataillon ne laisse aucun répit à l'ennemi. Défendant la ville avec obstination, l'ennemi utilisa des chars, des mortiers, de l'artillerie et des armes automatiques et tint fanatiquement ses positions jusqu'à ce qu'il soit tué ou submergé par une pression incessante.

Du 12 au 22 septembre 1944, le 1er bataillon a fait preuve d'un héroïsme extraordinaire, de bravoure, de détermination et d'esprit de corps en surmontant des conditions exceptionnellement difficiles et dangereuses.

L'esprit invincible dont a fait preuve le 1er Bataillon du 36^e Régiment d'infanterie blindée lors de missions d'attaque contre des objectifs importants a permis de porter des coups plus meurtriers à l'ennemi sur le sol allemand^[19].

Comme l'autorise le décret 9396 (sec. I, WD Bul. 22, 1943), remplaçant le décret 9075 (see. III, DW Bul. 11, 1942), les citations des unités suivantes dans le General Orders 54, Headquarters Third Armored Division, 30 avril 1945, telles qu'approuvées par le Commandant général, European Theater of Operations, sont confirmées en vertu des dispositions de la section IV, WD Circular 333, 1943, au nom du Président des États-Unis comme preuve publique de l'honneur et de la distinction qu'elles ont mérités.

Les citations se lisent comme suit :

La section médicale du 3^e bataillon du 36^e régiment d'infanterie blindée est citée pour sa performance exceptionnelle au combat en Allemagne entre le 17 et le 21 septembre 1944. Tout au long de cet engagement acharné, la section médicale du 3^e bataillon du 36^e régiment d'infanterie blindée a travaillé sans relâche malgré les tirs dévastateurs de l'artillerie hostile, des mortiers et des armes légères, en administrant des soins médicaux et en évacuant les blessés. Bien que plusieurs membres de la section aient été douloureusement blessés, ils se sont refusés tout traitement ou repos jusqu'à ce que leurs patients aient été soignés. À une occasion, lorsqu'un bataillon adjacent a été forcé de reculer, laissant le poste de secours sans protection, les membres de la section ont continué à soigner les blessés, réalisant que le déplacement des patients aurait été, dans de nombreux cas, fatal. Les escouades de brancardiers évacuaient les blessés sous un feu nourri entre le poste de secours et les unités avancées. Les secouristes se déplaçaient avec les unités d'assaut les plus avancées, prodiguant des soins médicaux immédiats aux blessés.

Le courage inébranlable et le superbe dévouement dont ont fait preuve les membres de la section médicale du 3^e bataillon du 36^e régiment d'infanterie blindée ont directement permis de sauver de nombreuses vies, illustrant ainsi les plus hautes traditions du service militaire^[19].

Comme l'autorise le décret 9396 (sec. I, Bul. 22, WD, 1943), remplaçant le décret 9075 (sec. III, WD Bul, 11, 1942), l'unité suivante est citée par le ministère de la Guerre en vertu des dispositions de la section IV, circulaire n^o 333, ministère de la Guerre, 1943 au nom du président des États-Unis comme preuve publique de l'honneur et de la distinction qu'elle a mérités.

La citation se lit comme suit :

• 101st Airborne Division (less 2nd Battalion, 401st Glider Infantry Regiment), avec les unités rattachées suivantes:
  • 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment;
  • 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment;
  • 463rd Parachute Field Artillery Battalion;
  • Counterintelligence Detachment, 101st Airborne Division;
  • Order of Battle Detachment Number 5;
  • Military Intelligence Interpreter Team Number 410;
  • Photo Interpreter Teams Number 9 & 81;
  • Prisoner of War Interrogation Teams Number 1, 9, & 87;
  • Third Auxiliary Surgical Group, Team Number 3;
  • 969th Field Artillery Battalion;
  • 755th Field Artillery Battalion;
  • 705th Field Artillery Battalion;
  • Combat Command B, 10th Armored Division including:
  • Headquarters and Headquarters Company, Combat Command B, 10th Armored Division;
  • 3rd Tank Battalion (less Company C);
  • 20th Armored Infantry Battalion (less Company A);
  • 54th Armored Infantry Battalion (less Company A and C);
  • 420th Armored Field Artillery Battalion;
  • Troop D, 90th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron (Mechanized);
  • Company C, 609th Tank Destroyer Battalion (less 1st Platoon; with 2nd Platoon Reconnaissance Company attached);
  • Battery B, 796th Antiaircraft Artillery Automatic Weapons Battalion;
  • Company C, 55th Armored Engineer Battalion;
  • Company C, 21st Tank Battalion;
  • Reserve Command, 9th Armored Division y compris:
    • Headquarters Reserve Command, 9th Armored Division;
    • Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 12th Armored Group;

compris2nd Tank Battalion; 

• • 52nd Armored Infantry Battalion;
  • 73rd Armored Field Artillery Battalion;
  • Company C, 9th Armored Engineer Battalion;
  • Company C, 811th Tank Destroyer Battalion;
  • Battery C, 482nd Antiaircraft Artillery Automatic Weapons Battalion (Self-Propelled);
  • 2nd Battalion, 378th Infantry Regiment, 95th Infantry Division, 3rd Army

Ces unités se sont distinguées au combat contre des forces ennemies puissantes et agressives composées d'éléments de 8 divisions allemandes pendant la période du 18 décembre au 27 décembre 1944 par un héroïsme et une bravoure extraordinaires dans la défense du centre de communication clé de Bastogne, en Belgique.

Essentiel à l'exploitation à grande échelle de sa percée en Belgique et dans le nord du Luxembourg, l'ennemi tenta de s'emparer de Bastogne en attaquant constamment et sauvagement avec le meilleur de ses blindés et de son infanterie.

Ne bénéficiant pas de défenses préparées, faisant face à une adversité presque écrasante et disposant d'un ravitaillement très limité et en diminution rapide, ces unités ont maintenu un moral de combat élevé et une défense impénétrable, malgré des bombardements extrêmement lourds, des tirs d'artillerie intenses et des attaques constantes de l'infanterie et des blindés de tous les côtés de leur position complètement coupée et encerclée. Cette défense magistrale et déterminée a empêché l'ennemi de remporter ne serait-ce qu'un succès momentané dans une opération qu'il a chèrement payée en hommes, en matériel et, finalement, en moral.

Le courage exceptionnel, l'ingéniosité et la détermination inébranlable de cette vaillante force s'inscrivent dans les plus hautes traditions du service.

[GOrdres généraux n^o 17, ministère de la Guerre, 13 mars 1945.]

General Order 91, Headquarters 30th Infantry Division, Office of the Commanding General, 2 May 1945:
Company E, 117th Infantry Regiment, United States Army, is cited for outstanding performance of duty in action against the enemy on 16 October 1944, in Germany. Company E was given the mission of making a diversionary attack to weaken enemy pressure along a sector in which the main effort was to be made by another Regiment for the purpose of completing the encirclement of Aachen, Germany. Enemy observation was excellent and the nature of the terrain made the attack extremely hazardous. Enemy fire was exceptionally heavy and caused many casualties within the company. Displaying unexcelled personal courage, the company launched five attacks against the numerically superior enemy and though control and direction were extremely difficult due to the unfavorable terrain and heavy enemy fire, their attacks succeeded in diverting much of the enemy's fire from the main effort, although at the cost of heavy casualties to the company. The individual heroism exhibited in this engagement reflects great credit on each participant and is in keeping with the high traditions of the Military Service.

The 3rd Infantry Division with the following-attached units: 254 Infantry Regiment, 99th Chemical Battalion, 168th Chemical Smoke Generator Company, 441st Antiaircraft Artillery Automatic Weapons Battalion, 601st Tank Destroyer Battalion (SP), 756th Tank Battalion, IPW Team 183, and the 2831st Engineer (C) Battalion fighting incessantly, from 22 January-6 February 1945, in heavy snow storms, through enemy-infested marshes and woods, and over a flat plain crisscrossed by numerous small canals, irrigation ditches, and unfordable streams, terrain ideally suited to the defense, breached the German defense wall on the northern perimeter of the Colmar bridgehead and drove forward to isolate Colmar from the Rhine. Crossing the Fecht River from Guemar, Alsace, by stealth during the late hours of darkness of 22 January, the assault elements fought their way forward against mounting resistance. Reaching the Ill River, a bridge was thrown across but collapsed before armor could pass to the support of two battalions of the 80th Infantry on the far side. Isolated and attacked by a full German Panzer brigade, outnumbered and outgunned, these valiant troops were forced back yard by yard. Wave after wave of armor and infantry was hurled against them but despite hopeless odds the regiment held tenaciously to its bridgehead. Driving forward in knee-deep snow, which masked acres of densely sown mines, the 3d Infantry Division fought from house to house and street to street in the fortress towns of the Alsatian Plain. Under furious concentrations of supporting fire, assault troops crossed the Colmar Canal in rubber boats during the night of 29 January. Driving relentlessly forward, six towns were captured within eight hours, 500 casualties inflicted on the enemy during the day, and large quantities of booty seized. Slashing through to the Rhone-Rhine Canal, the garrison at Colmar was cut off and the fall of the city assured. Shifting the direction of attack, the division moved south between the Rhone-Rhine Canal and the Rhine toward Neuf Brisach and the Brisach Bridge. Synchronizing the attacks, the bridge was seized and Neuf Brisach captured by crossing the protecting moat and scaling the medieval walls by ladder. In one of the hardest fought and bloodiest campaigns of the war, the 3d Infantry Division annihilated three enemy divisions, partially destroyed three others, captured over 4,000 prisoners, and inflicted more than 7,500 casualties on the enemy^[20].

(Awarded on February 23, 2001, by U.S. Army Chief of Staff Gen. Eric K. Shinseki during an official ceremony at the Pentagon.)

HEADQUARTERS 82D AIRBORNE DIVISION Office of the Division Commander A.P.O. 469, U.S. Army, 23 March 1945 GENERAL ORDERS UNIT CITATION NUMBER 43

The First Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry (less Company “A”) has been cited by the Commanding General, First United States Army, for outstanding performance of duty in action against the enemy. The citation is as follows:

The First Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry (less Company “A”) is cited for outstanding performance of duty in action against the enemy on 20–21 December 1944, at Cheneux, Belgium. This force was ordered to seize and occupy the town which is situated on hilly terrain and was defended by a heavily reinforced battalion of armored SS Troops supported by a Mark VI tank, numerous machine guns, SP 20 mm guns, SP 77 mm guns, and 105 mm howitzers. The position was further defended in depth by armored halftracks mounting triple 20 mm cannon and SP 81mm mortars. The battalion attacked Cheneux in echelons of assault waves and stormed the strongly emplaced enemy through the heavy fire of 20 mm cannon, machine gun, mortar and small arms. The first three waves suffered severe losses as they charged across 400 yards of open fields fenced with barbed wire. Despite heavy losses, these airborne soldiers kept going with grim determination, each succeeding wave getting closer until the enemy and his armored vehicles and cannon were finally overwhelmed in fierce hand-to-hand combat. When ammunition ran low the troopers drove the enemy from almost impregnable positions with bayonets and clubbed rifles. The stubborn enemy was completely routed from his perimeter defenses and the attack continued until a portion of Cheneux was seized, where reorganization was effected and preparations made for a counter-attack. At dawn, the enemy laid down a heavy artillery preparation, then launched five successive counter-attacks through the day. All of these were repelled and at dusk this undaunted force continued the attack and drove the Germans from the town and nearby high ground. In this battle for CHENEUX, the First Battalion of the 504th Parachute Infantry (less Company “A”), destroyed five companies of German SS Armored troops and large quantities of artillery, vehicles and one Mark VI tank. They sealed a trap for thirty tanks and ninety-five vehicles which were eventually completely destroyed. This airborne force sustained heavy casualties in the engagement, but, despite these losses and the fanatical ferocity with which the enemy defended key positions, it prevailed in a most outstanding manner through superb discipline, skill and teamwork. The superior fortitude, unparalleled élan and individual feats of gallantry and high courage on the part of every man and officer reflect credit on the traditions of the airborne forces of the United States Army.

Company "A" 504th Parachute Infantry, is cited for outstanding performance of duty in the armed conflict against the enemy in Germany on 6–7 April 1945. This company crossed the Rhine River at 02–30 hours 6 April 1945, and seized the mile-long town of Hitdorf on the east shore with the mission of providing a base for further patrolling and to cause the German High Command to commit disproportionate forces against them in the belief that it was to be a major river crossing. The enemy immediately counter-attacked, but the assault groups were met with great vigor and virtually destroyed to a man. Apparently under the impression that a strong American bridgehead had been established overnight, the Germans assembled and directed a considerable portion of two divisions to the mission of containing and annihilating the formidable thrust. In mid-afternoon the entire area was subjected to a withering and devastating artillery barrage for two hours after which counter-attacking forces in overwhelming strength with tank support assaulted the defending troopers from every direction and penetrated to the heart of the town. The troopers of Company A doggedly stood their ground, fought at close quarters, and at point blank range and inflicted terrible casualties on the masses of the enemy. Fighting with relentless ferocity throughout the afternoon and night, this gallant company held its ground and carried out its mission until it was finally ordered to withdraw to the west bank of the Rhine on the night of 6–7 April. Fighting was bitter and at close quarters. The German armor committed was destroyed with hand weapons, most of the troopers using captured German panzerfausts. The company fought its way back step by step during the hours of darkness to their boats. The courageous and skillful efforts of the officers and men of this brave group, although outnumbered numerically at least eight to one, is reflected in the total number of casualties inflicted on the German forces during the day's fighting. Eighty prisoners were taken and evacuated and conservative estimates indicate that 150 of the enemy were killed and 250 wounded. The conduct of Company A reflects great credit on the Airborne Forces of the United States Army^[23].

Nicknamed the “Old Hickory Division” because its Soldiers hailed from National Guard units from North and South Carolina, Tennessee, and Georgia – all States closely associated with President Andrew Jackson – the 30th Division Soldiers proved as tough as their unit's namesake. The situation they faced on August 6, 1944, was dire. They found themselves confronted by overwhelming enemy armor, and the German Panzers broke through their lines. The Old Hickory Division, however, did not stop fighting. It pressed its cooks, clerks, and drivers into service as riflemen. The Division's artillery protected its encircled and isolated elements with a constant barrage of fire. At daybreak, American and British close air support arrived to help. By the afternoon of August 7, the German attack stalled and the Division quickly counterattacked to relieve its trapped elements, through another five days of fierce fighting. More than 2,000 Old Hickory Soldiers were killed or wounded during the weeklong battle, but their efforts and sacrifice would have a profound impact on the course of history.

After the War, eight units within the 30th Infantry Division were recognized with the Presidential Unit Citation. Today, I am proud to direct the Army to honor the remainder of the Division and attached units with the Presidential Unit Citation for their heroic stand at Mortain. This action rightfully recognizes our Veterans who triumphed against incredible odds, as well as those who died during a critical battle that helped ensure the Allied victory in Europe.

       HEADQUARTERS APO 696, U S Army,       NINTH AIR FORCE 28 October 1944 GENERAL ORDERS)  EXTRACT 

NUMBER...254   BATTLE HONORS 

1. Under the provision of Section IV, Circular Number 333, WD, 1943, the following named units of the Ninth Air Force are cited for outstanding performance of duty in action against the enemy. The citations read as follows:                    ***     "The 322nd Bombardment Group (M). For outstanding performance of duty in action in the European Theater of Operations from 15 May 1943 to 24 July 1944. Throughout this period the members of the 322nd Bombardment Group (M) distinguished themselves by their record of achievement both during the Air Offensive, Europe, and the campaign in Northern Europe, and in the course of operations the group demonstrated unusual ability and versatility in the perfection of new techniques of medium bombardment which were of particular importance in the orientation and training of the 9th Bombardment Division (M) as a whole. After its initial low-level B-26 tactics had proven unsuitable for operations in the type mission upon which the aircraft were dispatched, the 322nd Bombardment Group (M) embarked upon an intensive training program in medium-altitude formation bombing procedure, the success of which was instrumental in the adoption of the B-26 to play a vital role in aerial operations in the European Theater of Operations. The precision achieved in the development of blind formation bombing achieved by the group was an important factor in the employment of the B-26 in operations of great success. In addition, the members of the group distinguished themselves by their brilliant adoption of night bombing technique, which represented and important augmentation to the versatility of medium bombardment aircraft. The outstanding record achieved by the 322nd Bombardment Group (M) throughout these operations, together with the extraordinary success which attended the many innovations in operational procedure, have marked the group and its personnel with particular distinction. The perseverance, fortitude and devotion to duty displayed by the members of the organisation despite the difficulties and hazards of untried ways, place the 322nd Bombardment Group (M) among the ranks of those organisations which have contributed in large measure to the blazing of new trails for the Army Air Forces"                    *** By command of Major General VANDENBERG: 

W.W.Millard Colonel, GSC C of S. 

By order of the Secretary of War

EDWARD F. WITSELL Major General Acting the Adjutant General

DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER Acting Chief of Staff

By Command of Major General Cannon: Official: William Dick, Colonel, Adjudant General. Official: John W Monahan Colonel, AC Chief of Staff

By Command of Major General Webster: C. E. Crumrine, Colonel, AC Chief of Staff.

By command of Major General Weyland

Awarded on August 14, 1945, at the Eiffel Tower, Paris, France by Major General William E. Kepner, Commander of the Ninth Air Force^[28].

For outstanding performance of duty in action against the enemy in the European Theater of Operations on 10 April 1945. Following the Rhine River crossings made on a large scale by allied Armies, the 42nd United States Infantry Divisions arrived at the out skirts of the fortress city of Schweinfurt, Germany, an important communications center. With its advance towards Nuremberg and Munich impeded by numerous strong points in this city, which constituted one of the principle German held defense bastions, it was necessary to neutralize Schweinfurt by air bombardment. The magnificent air cooperation provided the 42nd Division by the 42nd bombardment Wing on this noteworthy occasion is an eloquent tribute to the effectiveness of air ground coordination and teamwork. The preeminent part played by the 17th Bombardment Group set it above and apart from other units participating in the same engagement and insured the effectiveness of these operations as a whole. After taking off from their base at Dijon, France, at 09.15 hours on 10 April 1945, sixty-eight B-26 aircraft from the Group commenced their bombing run near the objective amid a barrage of heavy and accurate anti-aircraft fire which damaged fifteen of the attacking Marauders. The twelve flights of bombers resolutely persevered on their course over the target in perfect formation and accomplished the bombing with incredible precision. Photo reconnaissance revealed that the 133 tons of bombs released on the objective by the 17th Bombardment Group achieved unparalleled destruction. Such extensive damage was inflicted upon the city by blast and fire that the military effectiveness of the enemy troops defending the city was paralyzed. The success of the mission, so typical of the superior bombing of the 17th Bombardment Group, was so catastrophic for the enemy that the 42nd Division was able to seize Schweinfurt with virtually no opposition, thereby accelerating the advance of the Seventh Army towards Nuremberg and Munich, thus bringing to a more rapid conclusion the ultimate victory of the Allies. The thoroughness of the mission planning and the precision of the execution attests to the efficiency, élan, and determination of the combat crews. The superior results achieved are attributable to the extensive cooperation and devotion to duty displayed by the ground crews and the administration staffs who made possible such an exceptional achievement. The enormous damage inflicted upon the enemy installations by the 17th Bombardment Group in the Mediterranean and European Theater of Operations, during a period of twenty-nine consecutive months of air warfare was accomplished by a consistently high bombing accuracy which is believed to be without precedent. Through its unique and highly successful performance against the enemy in six hundred and six bombing missions, the 17th Bombardment Group has won for itself an enviable position in the Army Air Forces which reflected the greatest credit upon the Group conforming to the most illustrious traditions of the United States military service.

The 450th Bombardment Group (H) is cited for outstanding performance of duty in armed conflict with the enemy. On 24 February 1944, the 450th Bombardment Group (H) was notified to prepare a maximum number of aircraft for a mission against the Prufening Aircraft Factory in Regensburg, Germany. The initial purpose of this attack was to destroy the important plant, capable of producing two hundred and fifty ME 109's monthly. A successful completion of the mission would cost the enemy 8 to 9 months of production and would materially diminish Nazi interception of allied strategic bombing on the continent. Throughout the evening prior to the attack the ground crews worked untiringly in a muddy field, determined to have their aircraft in perfect mechanical condition for this vital operation. On 25 February 1944, twenty nine B-24 type aircraft heavily loaded with maximum tonnage took off for their important destination in the lead of an entire wing formation. Hazardous weather was encountered shortly after the take off, and over 15 enemy fighters intercepted them while they were still 300 miles from the target. The gallant crews fought off the enemy onslaught, overcame the hazards of weather, and unwaveringly held to their course as a second wave of twenty ME 109's attacked them. The approach to the target and the target proper were heavily defended by flak batteries that threw up an intense barrage through which the formation flew undaunted to a precise bombing run, delivering a telling blow to the important factory and surrounding installations. This outstanding contributed immeasurably to the effective crippling of enemy production at a significant time. The palls of smoke issuing from the debris left in the wake of the bombers obscured observation, but subsequent reconnaissance revealed a complete destruction of the target. Throughout the serial battle the courageous crews fought two more enemy onslaughts en route and accounted for one enemy aircraft destroyed. Our own losses were held down to 4 lost, in a mission wrought with hazardous weather, intense ground defenses, and a total of over 60 enemy fighters. By the determination, outstanding professional skill, and heroic courage of the combat crews, together with the devotion to duty of the ground personnel, the 450th Bombardment Group (H) has rendered an invaluable contribution to the allied war effort, thereby reflecting great credit on themselves and the armed forces of the United States.

By direction of the President, under the provisions of Executive Order No. 9396 (Section I, Bulletin 22, WD, 1943), superseding Executive Order No. 9075 (Section III, Bulletin 2, WD, 1942), and of Section IV, Circular No. 333, WD, 1943, the following units are cited by the Commanding General, Far East Air Forces:

General Orders No 85, War Department, Washington 25, D.C., 3 November 1944

USS REDFISH 395 received a PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION which read "For extraordinary heroism in action during the First and Second War Patrols against enemy Japanese surface units in the restricted waters of the Pacific. Operating In bold defiance of foul weather and persistent hostile depth charging, gunfire and bombing by outnumbering forces of radar-equipped ships, air escorts and patrol craft, the U.S.S. REDFISH launched her accurate and intensive gun and torpedo fire during brief periods of concentrated attack to sink a new Japanese aircraft carrier with her entire complement of embarked planes and equipment destined to be used against our forces, to damage severely another vital carrier and to destroy or cripple much additional shipping necessary to the enemy’s continued prosecution of the war. Although forced to the bottom In 230 feet of water by vicious countermeasures, with her pressure hull cracked and numerous leaks throughout, the REDFISH responded gallantly to the superb handling of her skilled and aggressive ship's company and succeeded in evading further damage and returning to port. Her brilliant record of success in combat and her indomitable fighting spirit in the face of the most determined and fierce counterattacks by an alert and relentless enemy reflect the highest credit upon the REDFISH, her valiant officers and men and the United States Naval Service."

USS PIGEON ASR-6 received two PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION awards retroactively, after President Roosevelt created the award in 1942. The first was for her specific action at the start of the Japanese invasion of The Philippines at Cavite Naval Yard on 10 December 1941. The second was for her ongoing service during the invasion through the month of December, 1941^[37].

"Pigeon was moored in a five-ship nest at the Cavite Navy Yard 10 December 1941 when Japanese bombers launched massive raids. But Commander Hawes had relieving tackles rigged, steam at throttle, and men ready for action. His foresight saved Pigeon and submarine Seadragon, soon to become a tonnage champion of World War II." Pigeon was the first US Navy ship to receive the PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION and the only Navy ship to receive two of them during World War II^[38].

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION to the UNITED STATES SHIP USS O’BANNON (DD-450) for service as set forth in the following CITATION: "For outstanding performance in combat against enemy Japanese forces in the South Pacific from October 7, 1942, to October 7, 1943. An aggressive veteran after a year of continuous and intensive operations in this area, the U.S.S. O’BANNON has taken a tremendous toll of vital Japanese warships, surface vessels, and aircraft. Launching a close-range attack on hostile combatant ships off Guadalcanal on the night of November 13, 1942, the O’BANNON scored three torpedo hits on a Japanese battleship, boldly engaged two other men o’ war with gunfire and retired safely in spite of damage sustained. During three days of incessant hostilities in July 1943, she gallantly stood down Kula Gulf to bombard enemy shore positions in coverage of our assault groups, later taking a valiant part in the rescue of survivors from the torpedoed U.S.S. STRONG while under fierce coastal battery fire and aerial bombing attack and adding her firepower toward the destruction of a large Japanese naval force. In company with two destroyers, the O’BANNON boldly intercepted and repulsed nine hostile warships off Vella Lavella on October 7, 1943, destroying two enemy ships and damaging others. Although severely damaged, she stood by to take aboard and care for survivors of a friendly torpedoed destroyer and retired to base under her own power. The O’BANNON's splendid achievements and the gallant fighting spirit of her officers and men reflect great credit upon the United States Naval Service." For the President, /s/ Frank Knox, Secretary of the Navy

"The vessel arrived off Guadalcanal on 7 August, disembarked her troops, unloaded her cargo, and left the Solomons two days later, bound for New Caledonia. Alchiba returned to Guadalcanal on 18 September. After unloading cargo to support marines struggling for that island, she sailed back to New Caledonia for more supplies and returned to Guadalcanal on 1 November. She was anchored off Lunga Point at 0616 on 28 November, when two torpedoes from the Japanese submarine 1-16 exploded on the vessel's port side. At that time, her hold was loaded with drums of gasoline and ammunition, and the resulting explosion shot flames 150 pieds (45,72 m) in the air. The commanding officer ordered the ship to get underway to run her up on the beach. This action undoubtedly saved the ship. Hungry flames raged in the ship for over five days before weary fire fighting parties finally brought them under control. Salvage operations began soon thereafter. Most of her cargo was saved, and temporary repairs were in progress when Alchiba was torpedoed again on 7 December. An enemy submarine's conning tower had been spotted shortly before two torpedoes were fired. One passed close under the cargo ship's stern, but the other struck her port side near the engine room. The blast killed three men, wounded six others, and caused considerable structural damage. Once the fires and flooding were controlled, salvage operations resumed and enabled the ship to get underway for Tulagi on 27 December 1942."^[39]

For sinking the Japanese aircraft carrier in November 1944 – the largest warship ever sunk by a submarine

"For extraordinary heroism in action during the Fifth War Patrol against enemy Japanese combatant units in restricted waters of the Pacific. Relentless in tracking an alert and powerful hostile force which constituted a potential threat to our vital operations in the Philippine area, the U.S.S. ARCHERFISH culminated a dogged six and one-half-hour pursuit by closing her high speed target, daringly penetrated the strong destroyer escort screen, and struck fiercely at a large Japanese aircraft carrier (SHINANO) with all six of her torpedoes finding their mark to sink this extremely vital enemy ship. Subjected to devastating air and surface anti-submarine measures, the ARCHERFISH skillfully evaded her attackers by deep submergence and returned to port in safety. Handled with superb seamanship, she responded gallantly to the fighting determination of the officers and men and dealt a fatal blow to one of the enemy's major Fleet units despite the most merciless Japanese opposition and rendered valiant service toward the ultimate destruction of a crafty and fanatic enemy." For the President, /s/ James Forrestal Secretary of the Navy

U.S. submarine campaign against the Japanese Empire

"For extraordinary heroism in action during the Eighth, Ninth, Tenth, and Eleventh War Patrols against enemy Japanese surface forces in restricted waters of the Pacific. Persistent in her search for vital targets, the USS BARB relentlessly tracked down the enemy and struck with indomitable fury despite unfavorable attack opportunity and severe countermeasures. Handled superbly, she held undeviatingly to her aggressive course and, on contacting a concentration of hostile ships in the lower reaches of a harbor, boldly penetrated the formidable screen. Riding dangerously, surfaced, in shallow water, the BARB launched her torpedoes into the enemy group to score devastating hits on the major targets, thereafter retiring at high speed on the surface in a full hour's run through uncharted, heavily mined and rock obstructed waters. Inexorable in combat, the BARB also braved the perils of a tropical typhoon to rescue fourteen British and Australian prisoners of war who had survived the torpedoing and sinking of a hostile transport ship en route from Singapore to the Japanese Empire. Determined in carrying the fight to the enemy, the BARB has achieved an illustrious record of gallantry in action, reflecting the highest credit upon her valiant officers and men and upon the United States Naval Service."

Battle of the Atlantic

TG 21.11 – United States Ships Bogue, Haverfield, Swenning, Willis, Hobson (until March 25), Janssen (until April 7), and VC-96, from February 26 to April 19, 1944.

TG 22.2 – United States Ships Bogue, Haverfield, Swenning, Willis, Janssen, F.M. Robinson, and VC-69, from May 4 to July 3, 1944.

TG 22.3 – United States Ships Bogue, Haverfield, Swenning, Willis, Janssen, Wilhoite and VC-42, from August 1–24, 1944.

For service as set forth in the following CITATION:

"For extraordinary heroism in action against enemy submarines in the Atlantic Area from April 20, 1943, to August 24, 1944. Carrying out powerful and sustained offensive action during a period of heavy German undersea concentrations threatening our uninterrupted flow of supplies to the European theater of operations, these Six Anti-Submarine Task Groups tracked the enemy packs relentlessly, and by the unwavering vigilance and persistent aggressiveness of all units involved, sank a notable number of hostile U-boats. The gallantry and superb teamwork of the officers and men who fought the embarked planes and manned the Bogue and her escort vessels were largely instrumental in forcing the complete withdrawal of enemy submarines from supply routes essential to the maintenance of our established military supremacy."

For the President, James Forrestal Secretary of the Navy

(Note 1: This text was taken from a citation to USS Haverfield, which does not list three cited periods that the Bogue operated without Haverfield: 20-APR-1943 to 20-JUN-1943, 12-JUL-1943 to 23-AUG-1943, 14-NOV-1943 to 29-DEC-1943, per http://www.usshorne.net/horne/images/ribbons/opnavnote1650.pdf)

(Note 2: The Navy considers this as one award, covering multiple dates, per http://www.usshorne.net/horne/images/ribbons/opnavnote1650.pdf)

"For consistently outstanding performance and distinguished achievement during repeated action against enemy Japanese forces in the Pacific war area, December 7, 1941, to November 15, 1942. Participating in nearly every major carrier engagement in the first year of the war, the Enterprise and her air group, exclusive of far-flung destruction of hostile shore installations throughout the battle area, did sink or damage on her own a total of 35 Japanese vessels and shoot down a total of 185 Japanese aircraft. Her aggressive spirit and superb combat efficiency are fitting tribute to the officers and men who so gallantly established her as an ahead bulwark in the defense of the American nation."

Airgroup 29. Ryukyus, Formosa, Philippines, Luzon, China Sea, Japan, Bonins.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION to the U.S.S. CABOT and her attached Air Groups participating in the following operations:

January 29 to February 16, 1944, Marshalls, Truk; March 29 to April 30, 1944, Palau, Hollandia, Truk; June 11 to August 5, 1944, Marianas, Bonins, Yap; September 6 to 24, 1944, Philippines, Palau, Yap: AG-31 (VF-31, VT-31).

October 10 to November 25, 1944, Ryukyus, Formosa, Philippines, Luzon; December 14 to 16, 1944, Luzon; January 3 to 22, 1945, Philippines, Formosa, China Sea, Ryukyus; February 16 to 25, 1945, Japan, Bonins; March 18 to April 8, 1945, Ryukyus, Japan: AG-29 (VF-29, VT-29).

for service as set forth in the following CITATION:

"For extraordinary heroism in action against enemy Japanese forces in the air, ashore and afloat in the Pacific War Area from January 29, 1944, to April 8, 1945. Operating continuously in the most forward areas, the U.S.S. CABOT and her air groups struck crushing blows toward annihilating Japanese fighting power; they provided air cover for our amphibious forces; they fiercely countered the enemy's aerial attacks and destroyed his planes; and they inflicted terrific losses on the Japanese in Fleet and merchant marine units sunk or damaged. Daring and dependable in combat, the CABOT with her gallant officers and men rendered loyal service in achieving the ultimate defeat of the Japanese Empire."

"For extraordinary heroism in action as Fighter Direction Ship on Radar Picket Station Number 15 during an attack by approximately 100 enemy Japanese planes, forty miles northwest of the Okinawa Transport Area, May 11, 1945. Fighting valiantly against waves of hostile suicide and dive-bombing planes plunging toward her from all directions, the U.S.S. HUGH HADLEY sent up relentless barrages of antiaircraft fire during one of the most furious air-sea battles of the war. Repeatedly finding her targets, she destroyed twenty enemy planes, skillfully directed her Combat Air Patrol in shooting down at least forty others and, by her vigilance and superb battle readiness, avoided damage to herself until subjected to a coordinated attack by ten Japanese planes. Assisting in the destruction of all ten of these, she was crushed by one bomb and three suicide planes with devastating effect. With all engineering spaces flooded and with a fire raging amidships, the gallant officers and men of the HUGH W. HADLEY fought desperately against almost insurmountable odds and, by their indomitable determination, fortitude and skill, brought the damage under control, enabling their ship to be towed to port and saved. Her brilliant performance in this action reflects the highest credit upon the HUGH W. HADLEY and the United States Naval Service."

"For extraordinary heroism in action against enemy forces in the air, ashore and afloat. Operating in the most advanced areas, the U.S.S. SANTEE and her attached air squadrons struck with sustained fury at hostile warships, aircraft, merchant shipping and shore installations in the face of frequent and prolonged enemy air attacks. During the historic Battle for Leyte Gulf, the valiant SANTEE withstood successively the shattering explosion of a suicide plane in her flight deck and a torpedo hit in her side, stoutly conducting flight operations and fighting her antiaircraft guns throughout the period of emergency repairs. Despite the strain of constant alerts and long periods of unrelieved action, she sent out her planes to cover our landing operations and land offensives and to destroy the enemy's vital airfields and his camouflaged dispersal areas. The SANTEE's illustrious record of combat achievement reflects the highest credit upon her gallant officers and men and upon the United States Naval Service."

"For extraordinary heroism in action during the Second and Third War Patrols against enemy Japanese surface forces in restricted waters of the Pacific. Operating dangerously in defiance of extremely strong air and surface opposition, the U.S.S. SEALION penetrated deep into hostile waters to maintain a steady offensive against ships vital to Japan's prosecution of the war. Consistently outnumbered and outgunned, she pursued her aggressive course in spite of formidable screens and severe anti-submarine measures to strike at every opportunity and, by her concentrated torpedo fire, delivered against convoys and combatant ships, sank thousands of tons of enemy shipping including one large battleship and a destroyer of a major hostile task force, and seriously damaged another battleship. Daring and skilled in carrying the fight to the enemy, the SEALION also braved the perils of a tropical typhoon to rescue fifty-four British and Australian prisoners of war, survivors of a hostile transport ship torpedoed and sunk while en route from Singapore to the Japanese Empire. Her meritorious record of achievement is evidence of her own readiness for combat and the gallantry and superb seamanship of the officers and men who brought her through unscathed." For the President, /signed/ JAMES FORRESTAL Secretary of the Navy

In the Battle off Samar, these 13 ships repelled the 23 battleships, heavy cruisers, light cruisers and destroyers of the Japanese Center Force engaged in the collection of naval battles associated with the landings at Leyte Gulf.

"For extraordinary heroism in action against powerful units of the Japanese Fleet during the Battle off Samar, Philippines, October 25, 1944. Silhouetted against the dawn as the Central Japanese Force steamed through San Bernardino Strait towards Leyte Gulf, Task Unit 77.4.3 was suddenly taken under attack by hostile cruisers on its port hand, destroyers on the starboard and battleships from the rear. Quickly laying down a heavy smoke screen, the gallant ships of the Task Unit waged battle fiercely against the superior speed and fire power of the advancing enemy, swiftly launching and rearming aircraft and violently zigzagging in protection of vessels stricken by hostile armor-piercing shells, anti-personnel projectiles and suicide bombers. With one carrier of the group sunk, others badly damaged and squadron aircraft courageously coordinating in the attacks by making dry runs over the enemy Fleet as the Japanese relentlessly closed in for the kill, two of the Unit's valiant destroyers and one destroyer escort charged the battleships point-blank and, expending their last torpedoes in desperate defense of the entire group, went down under the enemy's heavy shells as a climax to two and one half hours of sustained and furious combat. The courageous determination and the superb teamwork of the officers and men who fought the embarked planes and who manned the ships of Task Unit 77.4.3 were instrumental in effecting the retirement of a hostile force threatening our Leyte invasion operations and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service." For the President, /signed/ JAMES FORRESTAL Secretary of the Navy

This unit also awarded the Philippine Presidential Unit Citation Badge for the same action, dated October 12, 1984.

"For extraordinary heroism in action as a Picket Ship on Radar Picket Station during a coordinated attack by approximately twenty-five Japanese aircraft near Okinawa on May 3, 1945. Shooting down two Kamikazes which approached in determined suicide dives, the U.S.S. Laffey was struck by a bomb from a third suicide plane as she fought to destroy this attacker before it crashed into her superstructure and sprayed the entire area with flaming gasoline. Instantly flooded in her after engine room and fireroom, she battled against flames and exploding ammunition on deck and, maneuvering in a tight circle because of damage to her steering gear, countered another coordinated suicide attack and destroyed three Kamikazes in rapid succession. Still smoking heavily and maneuvering radically, she lost all power when her forward fireroom flooded under a seventh suicide plane which dropped a bomb close aboard and dived in flames into the main deck. Unable to recover from this blow before an eighth bomber crashed into her superstructure bulkhead only a few seconds later, she attempted to shoot down a ninth Kamikaze diving toward her at high speed and, despite the destruction of nearly all her gun mounts aft when this plane struck her, took under fire the tenth bomb-laden plane, which penetrated the dense smoke to crash on board with a devastating explosion. With fires raging uncontrolled, ammunition exploding and all engine spaces except the forward engine room flooded as she settled in the water and listed to port, she began a nightlong battle to remain afloat and, with the assistance of a towing vessel, finally reached port the following morning. By her superb fighting spirit and the courage and determination of her entire company, the Laffey upheld the finest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Shortly after midnight on 13 November 1942, at the start of the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal, the destroyer USS Laffey was crippled early in the battle yet engaged two Japanese battleships and two destroyers at point-blank range. At one point Laffey was so close to the battleship Japanese battleship that she was able to use her machine guns to cause critical damage to the control and communication systems on the bridge of the battleship, wound her commanding officer Admiral Hiroaki Abe, and kill Abe's chief of staff. Before she herself was sunk in the battle, Laffey contributed to the sinking of a cruiser and two destroyers.

For Patrols 1 and 2. Charles Elliott Loughlin in command.

GENERAL ORDER number 453, 23 June 1951 AWARD OF DISTINGUISHED UNIT CITATION, the following units are cited as public evidence of deserved honor and distinction:

3RD BATTALION, ROYAL AUSTRALIAN REGIMENT 2ND BATTALION, PRINCESS PATRICIA'S CANADIAN LIGHT INFANTRY COMPANY A, 72ND HEAVY TANK BATTALION (UNITED STATES)

are cited for extraordinary heroism and outstanding performance of combat duties in action against the armed enemy near Kapyong, Korea, on 24 and 25 April 1951. The enemy had broken through the main line of resistance and penetrated to the area north of Kapyong. The units listed above were deployed to stem the assault. The 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, moved to the right flank of the sector and took up defensive positions north of the Pukham River. The 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, defended in the vicinity of Hill 677 on the left flank. Company A, 72nd Heavy Tank Battalion, supported all units to the full extent of its capacity and, in addition, kept the main roads open and assisted in evacuating the wounded. Troops from a retreating division passed through the sector which enabled enemy troops to infiltrate with the withdrawing forces. The enemy attacked savagely under the clamor of bugles and trumpets. The forward elements were completely surrounded going through the first day and into the second. Again and again the enemy threw waves of troops at the gallant defenders, and many times succeeded in penetrating the outer defenses, but each time the courageous, indomitable, and determined soldiers repulsed the fanatical attacks. Ammunition ran low and there was no time for food. Critical supplies were dropped by air to the encircled troops, and they stood their ground in resolute defiance of the enemy. With serene and indefatigable persistence, the gallant soldiers held their defensive positions and took heavy tolls of the enemy. In some instances when the enemy penetrated the defenses, the commanders directed friendly artillery fire on their own positions in repelling the thrusts. Toward the close of 25 April, the enemy breakthrough had been stopped. The seriousness of the breakthrough on the central front had been changed from defeat to victory by the gallant stand of these heroic and courageous soldiers. The 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment; 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry; and Company A, 72nd Heavy Tank Battalion, displayed such gallantry, determination, and esprit de corps in accomplishing their missions under extremely difficult and hazardous conditions as to set them apart and above other units participating in the campaign, and by their achievements they brought distinguished credit on themselves, their homelands, and all freedom-loving nations. BY COMMAND OF LIEUTENANT GENERAL VAN FLEET Leven C. Allen Major General U.S. Army Chief of Staff

The 1ST BATTALION GLOUCESTERSHIRE REGIMENT, BRITISH ARMY and TROOP C, 170TH INDEPENDENT MORTAR BATTERY, ROYAL ARTILLERY, attached, are cited for exceptionally outstanding performance of duty and extraordinary heroism in action against the armed enemy near Solma-ri, Korea on the 23rd, 24th and 25 April 1951. The 1st BATTALION and TROOP C were defending a very critical sector of the battle front during a determined attack by the enemy. The defending units were overwhelmingly outnumbered. The 83rd Chinese Communist Army drove the full force of its savage assault at the positions held by the 1st BATTALION, GLOUCESTERSHIRE REGIMENT and attached unit. The route of supply ran Southeast from the battalion between two hills. The hills dominated the surrounding terrain northwest to the Imjin River. Enemy pressure built up on the battalion front during the day 23 April. On 24 April the weight of the attack had driven the right flank of the battalion back. The pressure grew heavier and heavier and the battalion and attached unit were forced into a perimeter defense on Hill 235. During the night, heavy enemy forces had by-passed the staunch defenders and closed all avenues of escape. The courageous soldiers of the battalion and attached unit were holding the critical route selected by the enemy for one column of the general offensive designed to encircle and destroy 1st Corps. These gallant soldiers would not retreat. As they were compressed tighter and tighter in their perimeter defense, they called for close-in air strikes to assist in holding firm. Completely surrounded by tremendous numbers, these indomitable, resolute, and tenacious soldiers fought back with unsurpassed fortitude and courage. As ammunition ran low and the advancing hordes moved closer and closer, these splendid soldiers fought back viciously to prevent the enemy from overrunning the position and moving rapidly to the south. Their heroic stand provided the critically needed time to regroup other 1st Corps units and block the southern advance of the enemy. Time and again efforts were made to reach the battalion, but the enemy strength blocked each effort. Without thought of defeat or surrender, this heroic force demonstrated superb battlefield courage and discipline. Every yard of ground they surrendered was covered with enemy dead until the last gallant soldier of the fighting battalion was over-powered by the final surge of the enemy masses. The 1st BATTALION, GLOUCESTERSHIRE REGIMENT and TROOP C, 170th INDEPENDENT MORTAR BATTERY displayed such gallantry, determination, and esprit de corps in accomplishing their mission under extremely difficult and hazardous conditions as to set them apart and above other units participating in the same battle. Their sustained brilliance in battle, their resoluteness, and extraordinary heroism are in keeping with the finest traditions of the renowned military forces of the British Commonwealth, and reflect unsurpassed credit on these courageous soldiers and their homeland^[46].

THE PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION (NAVY) FOR EXTRAORDINARY HEROISM TO USS BON HOMME RICHARD (CVA-31) and ATTACK CARRIER AIR WING TWENTY-ONE

For extraordinary heroism and outstanding performance of duty in Action against enemy forces in Southeast Asia from 26 February to 30 July 1967, in support of United States national policy. During this period of intensive combat operations, BON HOMME RICHARD aircraft carried out numerous day and night strikes against a wide variety of targets in North Vietnam and succeeded in inflicting extensive damage to these targets. BON HOMME RICHARD and her embarked Air Wing continuously overcame determined enemy defenses and hazardous weather conditions to project aggressive, effective naval air power against the enemy. All assigned tasks were accomplished expeditiously and contributed significantly to the combat air effort of the United States in Southeast Asia. The courage, professional competence, and devotion to duty displayed by the officers and men of BON HOMME RICHARD and her embarked Attack Carrier Air Wing TWENTY-ONE reflected great credit upon them selves and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Signed

Richard M Nixon

Military Assistance Command, Vietnam – Studies and Observations Group and specific assigned or attached units from 24 January 1964 to 30 April 1972. (DAGO-2001-25)^[56]
U.S. Army: Command and Control Detachment, 5th Special Forces Group, Danang, Republic of Vietnam, 1 January 1965 to 31 December 1968
Special Operations Augmentation, Command and Control North, 5th Special Forces Group, Danang, Republic of Vietnam, 1 January 1968 to 31 December 1971
Task Force One, Advisory Element, U.S. Army Vietnam, Danang, Republic of Vietnam, 1 January 1971 to 30 April 1972
Special Operations Augmentation, Command and Control Central, 5th Special Forces Group, Kontum, Republic of Vietnam, 1 January 1969 to 31 December 1971
Task Force Two, Advisory Element, U.S. Army Vietnam, Kontum, Republic of Vietnam, 1 January 1971 to 30 April 1972
Company E (Provisional), Detachment C-5, 5th Special Forces Group, Ho Ngoc Tao, Republic of Vietnam, 1 June 1967 to 31 October 1967
Project Omega, Detachment B-50, 5th Special Forces Group, Kontum, Republic of Vietnam, 1 June 1967 to 31 October 1967
Project Sigma, Detachment B-56, 5th Special Forces Group, Ho Ngoc Tao, Republic of Vietnam, 1 June 1967 to 31 October 1967
Special Operations Augmentation, Command and Control South, 5th Special Forces Group, Ban Me Thuot, Republic of Vietnam, 1 November 1967 to 1 November 1971
Task Force Three, Advisory Element, U.S. Army Vietnam, Ban Me Thuot, Republic of Vietnam, 2 November 1971 to 30 April 1972
Detachment B-53, 5th Special Forces Group, Camp Long Thanh, Republic of Vietnam, 24 January 1964 to 31 December 1971
Training Center Advisory Element, U.S. Army Vietnam, Camp Long Thanh, Republic of Vietnam, 1 January 1971 to 30 April 1972

U.S. Navy: Naval Advisory Detachment, Danang, Republic of Vietnam; One U.S. Navy EC-121 Aircraft and Crew based at Saigon, Republic of Vietnam

U.S. Marine Corps: assigned individually to Studies and Observation Group staffs

U.S. Air Force: 1st Flight Detachment, Nha Trang, Republic of Vietnam, 24 January 1964 to 31 December 1971
15th Air Commando Squadron, Nha Trang, Republic of Vietnam, 1 January 1966 to 15 November 1968
15th Special Operations Squadron, Nha Trang, Republic of Vietnam, 16 November 1968 to 15 November 1970
90th Special Operations Squadron, (less non-Studies and Observation Group Pony Express detachment at Nakhon Phanom AFB, Thailand), Nha Trang, Republic of Vietnam, 1 June 1967 to 31 August 1968
20th Special Operations Squadron, Nha Trang, Republic of Vietnam, 1 November 1968 to 31 March 1972

Joint Service: Headquarters, Military Assistance Command, Vietnam – Studies and Observation Group, Saigon, Republic of Vietnam

Republic of Vietnam Air Force: 219th Helicopter Squadron, Danang, Republic of Vietnam

Relentlessly attacking over unforgiving terrain during extremely difficult weather conditions, the division advanced 750 kilometers while spearheading the Coalition's offensive.

Continuously opposed by determined Iraqi forces using both conventional and unconventional tactics, under frequent threat of chemical attack, the soldiers of the 3d Infantry Division decisively won every engagement of every battle by virtue of their unequaled fighting spirit, dedication to duty, and commitment to their cause.

Before the fighting ended, the division defeated or destroyed four Republican Guard Divisions, one Iraqi Regular Army Division, three Special Republican Guard Brigades, and thousands of fanatical paramilitary forces; sustaining few casualties, the 3d Infantry Division achieved one of the most stunning victories in military history.

Aggressively attacking into the heart of Baghdad the division ultimately removed the brutal Iraqi regime from power, then rapidly transitioned to enforce law and order and help rebuild a shattered nation despite the constant threat of terrorist attacks. Its efforts have been instrumental in the success of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The courage, skill, and professionalism of the division's soldiers and its supporting units exemplify the highest traditions of military service and are in keeping with the finest tradition of the 3d Infantry Division “Rock of the Marne” and the United States Army.

For extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy. During the period 19 March 2003 to 13 December 2003, the 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-DELTA distinguished itself by extraordinary heroism, valor and gallantry, for its actions while engaged in sustained conflict with Iraqi Military Forces and Terrorist Insurgent Forces throughout the Iraqi Theater of Operations. Charged with the mission to interdict the lines of communication out of Iraq and to conduct direct action missions against Ba'ath Party Leadership, the unit conducted extensive special operations raids against the High Value Targets (HVT) within the Ba'ath Party Senior Leadership. This relentless and unprecedented series of special operation missions, conducted with surgical precision, decapitated Iraq's Senior Leadership and brought to justice a great majority of HVTs within the Ba'athist Regime. During this dynamic period of sustained, high-risk combat operations, the members of the unit earned 144 valor awards and were awarded 22 purple hearts. The 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-DELTA's combat prowess, martial skills and steadfast devotion to duty are in keeping with the finest traditions of the Special Operations Forces and the United States Army.