General Orders 1946 - Fort Benning

attalion, launched a counterattack to the east toward Niumen Creek, to relieve
the pressure on the extreme southern flank and to secure a position from whlcb
the enemy could be enveloped and cut ob The Sd Battalion on the extreme right
flank of three battalions abreast, with the reinforcing battalion following, reached
its objective early in the afternwn of 1 Aumt 1941. Turning south. the 3d
Batlalton eocountered well-prepared positloas and the advance was halted because
of hitter opposition. Following the engagement. 99 enemy dead were counted.
The advnuce to the south was continued through dense jungle and rough and
swampy terrain, with the Sd Batttuton reaching the Afua Trail far in advance of
the battalion on Its rizht - On 5 Aupust - 1844. while attaekinz - sooth on Niumen
Creek, the 3d Battalion contacted strong dug-in positions, but by aggressive action
aiming the enemy from caves and snider fox holes in solid rack, continued to
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advance until 1WO. Heavy mortar Ere was received during the night and the
enemy launched a vigorou~ cwunterattack, which was quickly repulsed by the
Sd Battdfom. Immediately afterwards, the Jd Battallon launched an attack king
the enemy in position, while another battalion flanked to the enemy's left; then,
a vicious coordinated attack was launched, destroying and routing an estimated
reinforced battalion, amuntlngfor 425 enemy dead. As a result of the strenuous
action on 5 and 6 August, the whole enemy force was practically annihilated and
the disorganized remnants of the force trap* The 3d Battalion was in eon-
stant nmtact with the desperate enemy force during the period of 13 July to 7
Aumst - 1044. The acmessive -- action of the Jd Bntfalia, relentle€alv drivb - thel
enemy through mud, swamps, dense jungle growth, and over rough, moantaioous
terrain during heavy prevailing rains, never allowing the enemy to consolidate
and reorganize, played a major role in the liberation of Aitape and established
another "stepping stone" for Allied armies to advance to the othor strategic
islands to the north. During this period, the Sd Battalion amounted for approximately
1,300 enemy dead. The conspicuous gallantry and outstanding performance
of duty from 13 July to 7 August 1044, by all personnel of the Sd
Battalion, l3&7& Iinfantrg R&ment, reflect great credit on themselves and the
battaliou and uphold the highest traditions of the military service (General
Orders 156, Headquarters 318t Infantry Division, 20 September 1045.)
RY ORDER OF THE SWCRETARY 01. WBR:
Or~lcrA~. DWIGHT D EISENHOWER
EDWARD F. WITSELL Chref of Star
Major amwar
The Adjutant Oenerai