General Orders 1946 - Fort Benning

sions were completed, the infantry was then able to continue its advance This
vital artillery support was accomplished, despite the fact that the 806th Field
Arlilleru Battalian was hemmed in by enemy groups in the somounding hills,
without infantry protection, continually fired upon by enemy artillem and mortar
units, and subjected to persistent night attacks made by the demolition parties
of a fanatical foe. About 0300 on 26 December, an enemy force, with estimated
strength of a platoon, attacked the service battery, but was driven back after a
silarp and decisive fight, leaving three dead. Substantial evidence was dismv-
ered later that the enemy had suffered heavy casualties in this short action.
Later, an artillery patrol cngagcd the encmy about 1,000 yards from the bat-
talion's position. After receiving several osualties, the patrol was withdrawn
and the enemy taken under direct artillely fire. More than 60 Japanese were
Billed in this action. Another artillery security patrol, composed of 20 men
from a firing battery, encountered an enemy infiltration party of approximately
50. The patrol, with grim determination, charged the enemy, killing 33 and
routing the others. Only six members of the patrol were wounded. Lacking
infantry protection, the 3OGth FWd ArtiZm Bettalinz maintained its posItian
for 144 hours in this infested area, displacing only when its immediate tactical
mission had been completed. Though subjected to attacks day and night, this
organization contributed materially to crushing the enemy between two friendly
forces, enabllng the latter to effect a junction and wrest from the enemy bis
last port, thus terminating all organized resistance on thc Island of LeYte,
Philippine Idands. The extraordinary determination, tenacity, sggessiveness,
and esprit de corps displayed by the 306th Zield Artillery Battelion in its iso-
lated mountain position and fight against a fanatical enemy reflect the highest
credit on this organizatlon and the United States Army. (General Ordcrs 6%
Headquarters Eighth Army, 2 Angust 1W.)
BY on~m OF THE SECBETAEY 081 WAE:
OFFICIAL: DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER
H. B. LEWIS Chi@ of Staff
Brigadier General
Actin0 The Adjutaat Ganerd