General Orders 1946 - Fort Benning

during the period lndlcated was nwarded to him by the Tar D-plrtment under
the grorisions of the act of Congress approlell 2il Jlliy 1512 (rrc. 111, WD Bul.
40, 1 ~ 2 and ) Executi~e Order 9260, 20 October 1012 (scc. 1, WD Bul. 54, 1942).
The citation is as follows:
Colonel H.ugh McC. Beton, 019780, P;cld Art@rs, United States Army. October
1944 to September 1945.
V..DISTINGUISHED-FLYING CK0SS.-Uy direction of the President, under
the pro~,isinns of the ucr oi Conewas approved 2 July 1928 (WD Bul. 8, l m),
a Distinguishcd~Flyir" Cross fur extraordinary achievement while prticipating
in nerinl flight during thc period indicated was awarded by the War Department
tc the foilowing-named ofiicer:
Captain Lezcis R. Hcngst, 06M555, Air Corp, Anny of the United States.
31 Oetuber 1014 to 28 IInrch 1945.
VZ..BRONZE STAR MEDAZ,Ry direction of the President, untler the provisions
of Useeutive Order 9418, 4 February 19M (see. 11, WD Bul. 3, 19441, a
Rronzc Star X&al for meritr,rions services in connection with military operntions
against an enemy of the United States during thc pcriod indicated was awarded
by the Con~uiandiug General, European Theater, to the followinp-named omcer :
Second L'ientenant Melvin J. Oxfrum, 01326013, Infnntry, Army of the IJnitcd
States. 5 to 7 Janun~.p 1945.
VIILBRONZE STAR MEDAL (OAK-LEAF CLUSTER).-By direclion of the
President, in addition to the Bronze Stnr Medal awarded to Maior William. F.
North, ns jubiished in General Orders 65, Headquarters 2d Infnntry Divisiou,
22 July 1945, a hronzc Oak-Leaf Cluster far meritorious services in counection
with military operations against an enemy of the United States during the period
indicated wns awarded to liinl by the Commanding General, European Theater,
under thc provisions of Esecutivc Order 9410, 4 February 1044 (see. 11, WD Bui.
3, 1414). The citation is as follows:
Major William I". North, 0343444, Corps ol Military Police, Army of the United
States. July 1044 to May 19-16.
VIII..BATTLE HONORS.-As authorized by Executive Order 9398 (see. I,
WIl ntll. 2" 1943), sngemrding IZxecntiw Order 9076 (sec. 111, WD Bul. 11,1942),
citalious of the Eollowing units in the general orders indirated are confirmed
under tllc provisions a£ section IV, WD Circular 333, 1943, in the name of the
President of the Uuited Stales as ~ublic evidehce of deservcd honor and distinction.
The citations read as follows:
1. The SOth field Artillerv Battalion, on 3 February 1945, s~iggorted the 53d
Field Artillery Hattalion, which was in direct support of thc 6311 :nfantq Regiment,
in a flanking movement to bypass hlunoz and dear Xigllwny 5 to San Jose,
Folio\~ing the infantry forward elements, the battalion plsherl its wa3- by hulldozer
across soggy rice paddies, swamps, and deep irrigation ditches. Enemy
maehine~gun, morkr, and artillery fire mere received on this n;oW and a dnuger
of tank attack was alwa~s imminent. For 3 rlnys and 4 nixllts, the battalion
was sttackcd repeatmy by infiltrating enemy infantry, all of which was repulsed.
On the morning of 7 Fehruarv 1945 at 0330, the remnants of n Japallese armored
task lorce, attempting to withdraw fromMunoz to San Jose, attacked the battalion
position area and neighbwing infantry units. Elcvcn enew tanks, carwing
infantry, and 10 persounel carriers were tnkcn undcr fire by 50-caliber machine
guns on (he bnltnlion perimeter. One tank was set afire and hnlted on the road,
while the rerliaining vehicles dcpioyed. The accamflanyillg enem? illfall!ry dis-