General Orders 1946 - Fort Benning

after aU craft had retracted and darkness caused woe to stw on the WdI
did this unit retire, and then not to rest but to take up defensive positio~ on
the west Bank of the task force perimeter. The positions had hardly been
taken when the enemy began a series of iuffltration and "Banzai" attacks,
directed agalnst the west Bank of the perimeter, which lasted throughout the
night. Amid considerable confusion, because of the lack of infantry trainin&
with many troops seeing action for the Brat time, the o5cers and men of the
Shore Battalh met every advance of the enemy with such determination, tenac
ity, and courage that the enemy was driven off on every occasion with heaw
casnalties. Enemy infiltration was particularly prevalent and hand-to-hand
combat with hives and bayonets was evident everywhere. When the enemy
action ceased at dawn. the battalion returned to its task on the beach, where it
worked until night, returning then to the perimeter positions. During the night
the attacks were renewed, but with the same intrepidity and valor the attacks
were repulsed. The following day, when the infantry waa held up by impassable
terrain, the uuit went out beyond the front lines to build made in the face Of
snlper Bre so that infantry and artillery force could be brought to bear on
'the enemy. Although working every day on the beach bringing in vital supplleu
and equipment, this unit returned every night to positions on the perimeter to
5ght the enemy. The unusual devotion to duty, grim determination, battle
dlsclpline, and conspicuous gallantry df the officers and men of the Shore Battalion,
59Ed Engineer Boat and Shore Regiment, had a stimulating effect on all
troops of the task force and reflect the highest credit on the United States
Amy. (General Orders 175, Readquartera Sixth Army, 26 August 1845, as ap
proved by the Commander in Chief. Cnited States Army Forces, Paclflc.)
OmCIaL:
EIDWARD F. WITSELL
Yajw General
The Adjutant GenwaZ
DWIGHT D. BISENHOWIUR
Ohief of stan