EXTRACT
II. BATTLE HONORS. - 1. As authorized be Executive Order No. 9396 (sec. I, Bull. 11, WD, 1943), superseding Executive Order No. 9075 (sec. III, Bull. 11, WD, 1942), citation of the following unit in General Orders, No. 36, Headquarters Ist Infantry Division, 13 July 1944, as approved by the Commanding General, First U. S. Army, is confirmed under the provisions of section IV, Circular No. 333, war Department, 1943, in the name of the President of the United States as public evidence of deserved honor and distinction. The citation reads as follows: The 5th Ranger Infantry Battalion is cited for outstanding performance of duty and action. In the invasion of France the 5th Ranger Infantry Battalion was assigned the mission of securing a sector of the beachhead. As the leading assault unit in this sector the battalion landed on the beach at H-hour on D-Day. This landing was accomplished n the face of tremendous enemy rifle, machine gun, artillery, and rocket fire. In addition, the battalion encountered mines and underwater and beach obstacles. Refusing to be deterred from its mission of securing a beachhead, the 5th Ranger Infantry Battalion faced concentrated enemy fire and hazardous beach obstacles with determination and gallantry. Although subjected to heavy enemy fire during the entire day and despite numerous casualties and fatigue, the courage and esprit de corps of this battalion carried the enemy positions by nightfall, thereby securing the necessary beachhead without which the invasion of the continent could not proceed. The heroic and gallant action of the 5th Ranger In- |
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