Distinguished Unit Citation

Battle Honors

The 1st Battalion, 187th Glider Infantry Regiment is cited for outstanding heroism, and conspicuous performance of duty in action against the enemy on Luzon from 31 January to 5 February 1945.

During this period, the battalion distinguished itself by the unparalleled part it played in the advance of an airborne division to Manila. This unit landed at 1030 hours on January 31 at Nasugbu, as the division reserve, but was immediately ordered to join advance elements in the main effort toward Tagaytay Ridge.

A forced march was conducted over difficult terrain in the face of continuous enemy fire, with the troops hand-carrying all equipment, weapons, and ammunition. The battalion joined with and advanced infantry regiment at 0400 hours the next morning and attacked the center of a strong Japanese defensive line two hours later.

When the first position was reduced, the battalion continued the attack to the east, surprising the strong enemy garrison at Aga and overrunning its defenses before they could properly be manned. Spearheading the third attack, the determined troops of this unit cracked the major Japanese line on the high ground west of Tagaytay Ridge. Under withering artillery, mortar and machine gun fire, the battalion stormed the enemy held ridge and engaged in hand-to-hand combat, assaulting well-camouflaged pillboxes with bayonets and flame throwers.

After destroying these positions, the battalion by-passed the highest ridge to effect a junction with a Parachute Infantry Regiment on Tagaytay Ridge. This contact culminated a three-day foot march under continuous enemy fire and covered a distance of thirty-five miles. The rapidity of the advance threw the enemy off balance, exposing his well-prepared defenses to the attack.

During the next two days the battalion contained a strong enemy force in the Mount Sungay sector, protecting the division's right flank in the march to Manila. Sungay did not fall until a month later, at which time the area was attacked by two regiments.

The magnificent endurance, heroic courage, and esprit de corps of the men of the 1st Battalion, 187th Glider Infantry Regiment displayed through the grueling offensive, reflects great credit on the armed forces of the United States.

(General Orders No. 69, Headquarters Eighth Army,, 25 June 1945, as approved by the commander in Chief , Pacific.) [ General Order No. 68, War Department, Washington, 14 August 1945]

By Order of The Secretary of War