Distinguished Unit Citation

Battle Honors

As authorized by Executive Order 9396 (sec. I, Bul. 22,WD , 1943), superseding Executive Order 9075 (sec. III, WD Bul, 11, 1942), citation of the following units in General Orders No. 43, Headquarters 101st Airborne Division, 30 November 1944, as approved by the Commanding General, European Theater of Operations, are 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 506th PARACHUTE INFANTRY REGIMENT is cited for extraordinary heroism and outstanding performance of duty in action in the initial assault on the northern coast of Normandy, France. On the morning of 6 June 1944 in the vicinity of Ste. Come-du-Mont, France the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment descended by parachute in the early morning. Elements of the Regiment were widely spread, preventing a rapid assembly of the unit. To reach the assembly area small groups had to battle through well fortified positions. Many acts of gallantry and self sacrifice were performed by the officers and enlisted men in reducung pill boxes and heavily fortified enemy positions.

Just prior to the landing of the sea borne forces the high ground overlooking the beaches was seized and held by the 506th Parachute Infantry Regimetn. Immediately thereafter, in the face of determined and fierce enemy resistance, the regiment siezed and kept open the main causeway leading to the beaches. This action led to the successful and rapid advance inland of the sea-borne forces and assured the establishment of the beachheads in Western Europe.

The outstanding courage and resourcefulness and undaunted determination of this gallant force is in keeping with the highest traditions of the service.

[General Orders No. 4, WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington 25, D.C., 12 January 1945.]

BY ORDER OF THE SECRETARY OF WAR:                    G. C. Marshall
Chief of Staff

Official:                             J. A. ULIO

Major General

The Adjutant General