General Orders 1946 - Fort Benning

VZIZ..B.ITTLC HONORS.-As anthoriaed by Exreulive Order 93913 (8%. I,
WD Dul. 29 1!343), superseding Exeeutiue Order 9075 (see. 111, ITD Bul. 11,
ICW), thc loliarring units are cited by the War Department under the provisions
of bation IV, \I'D Circular ?X, 3043, in the name of the President of the United
States as public evideilce oi dcserred bonor and distinction. Tbe eitntiolls read
as foliows:
1. The Sd Bnftnlion, iOWr Pwael~atr Infantry Icegimenl, 88 AirBorne Diaision.
is cite* for oiltstandinc. - - nerlormitnee ol dutv and extraardiuxrr heroism
in action against the enemy on 19 and 20 September 1944 a1 Nijmegen, II01Iand.
This battalion was civen . the mission of caoturinr the city of Nijmegen and the
~rrlltheru ilpproa~hes of the vital Wn:O Rirer Widges in that city. The enemy
had strong, defensive positions in the pxrk area and ilie approaches south of
the higbmey bridge and hW resisted all efforts during 3 days to eliminate their
forces. \Vith British tank8 in support, the 2d BattaTion moved to the attnek at
1446 OUTS, on 19 Septemiler, along the lnain rnnd to the city in thc face of artillery
and sms11-arms fix Tn the city, the companies fanned out to their segarate
missions. Tbc priueiprrl effort was directed against the approaches to the
.
hi,nhivay bridge. The Icad Lank was knocked nut hj. direct fire. The troa~ls
fought their way throngh the town and flanked the bridge-plaza, while Com11any
E Con~ln~nced a frontal msnult. By 1900 hours, all elelnents were in close contact
with the enemy. Patrols from both sides were very active and snipers
commanded all streets. Paratroopers rushcd the fox holes and trenches and
knifed or bayoneted the occupanis. Fighiing continued though the nigllt. Both
sides were using all nv:iilable artillery. Burning buildings snrrounding the
bridge-park aren rerenled every attempt to penetrate the enemy defenses. By
cluwll, the situation lras a stalemate with the erlenly still determined to fight.
At 0530 on 20 September, the battalion commenced x direct assault from all
sides. Fighting with wery available weapon, the troopers closed with the enemy.
hlmy Germans chaw to die in their fox holes rather thnn surrender and continned
figl~ting even rrlirli their situation seemed hopeless. The battle "-%a not
won until 1SOO hnurs, and all organisrd resistance was eliminated south of the
bvidge by 1015 lioufs. Brilish iarlks were enabled to cross to thc north shore.
In this engagclncnt, the battalion euffwel 82 cnsnalties, but Billed 115 of the
enemy, captured 91, and wmnded hunns-\Vaal Cnual. When the
bonl~ wcre halfn-ny across the river, they were met by heavy aulomntic fire from
the opposite bank Artillery fire. including aerial bursts, esplndcd :lrnang the
boats and on rile assembly avea on the south bank. Only 11 of the hants returli~d
lor su~~~ediiig rra~cs, while the troops of the iirst wave floundered ashore
and charged up the banks in the face uf illtcnse grazing fire. They bayoneted tile