Unit Citation

The 307th Airborne Medical Company, 82nd Airborne Division is cited for extraordinary heroism and outstanding performance of duty in the initial assault on the northern coast of NORMANDY, FRANCE on 6th June 1944. It landed by glider on D-Day 6th June 1944, on the COTENTIN Peninsula in the area surrounding STE-MERE-ENGLISE, FRANCE. Landings was made in the face of artillery, machine gun and anti-aircraft fire from organized enemy positions, and movement from the landing fields were effected through small arms and artillery fire from mobile anti-airborne landing groups of German Forces in the area.

Although the gliders and personnel were widely scattered on landing, the superb discipline of this Company enable it to assemble and organize their personnel, ambulance jeeps and medical supplies. They established a Clearing Station as soon as they reached friendly lines and evacuated more than 500 casualties from Regimental Aid Stations during the next 24 hours. Almost without rest or pause for 48 hours, Officers and Enlisted Men of the Company gave the utmost of skill and will to accomplish their work of mercy in caring for the wounded. At times they were under direct attack by artillery and small arms fire, and always immediately adjacent to active fighting, and even subjected to bombing directed against nearly artillery batteries. Duties performed unhesitatingly with superior efficiency and tireless devotion to duty. The courage and perserverance shown by members of the 307th Airborne Medical Company are worthy of emulating and reflect the highest traditions of the Army of the United States.

By command of Brigadier General J.M. Gavin:

Official:                                   R.H. Wienecke
Lt.Col., G.S.
Chief of Staff