Distinguished Unit Citation

Battle Honors

As authorized by citation of the following unit in General Orders No. 352 Headquarters, First United State Army, 28 December 1945, as approved by the Commanding General, European Theater of Operations, are confirmed under the provisions of section IV, Circular No. 333, War Department, 22 December 1943, battle honors are awarded to:

The First Battalion, 513th Parachute Infantry Regiment, is cited for extraordinary heroism, efficiency and achievement in action against the enemy near Wesel, Germany, on 24 March 1945. After having been subjected to intense and damaging antiaircraft fire and landing on a drop zone swept with heavy automatic weapons fire from previously prepared enemy emplacements, the First Battalion, 513th Parachute Infantry Regiment went into action to accomplish their mission in addition to materially assisting the British 6th Airborne Division. Despite losses and attendant handicaps, the First Battalion acquitted itself in a thoroughly proficient and courageous manner. The efficient aggressiveness of this battalion in the face of great odds and a defensively prepared enemy resulted in the subsequent success of the airborne and land invasion of Germany.

The Second Battalion, 513th Parachute Infantry Regiment, is cited for extraordinary heroism, achievement and gallantry in action against the enemy in the vicinity of Wesel, Germany, on 24 March 1945. Encountering heavy antiaircraft resistance, this battalion landed amid strong enemy positions. In spite of the stiff resistance encountered on the ground, the battalion assembled and organized to reduce six 88mm guns and capture 1252 prisioners during the day's action. Although suffering severe casualties, both in the air and on the ground, the courageous and heroic action demonstrated by the members of this unit assisted materially in gaining the successful exploitation of the airborne invasion of Germany. In spite of having lost an estimated 27 of their transport planes to hostile antiaircraft fire, the efforts of this Second Battalion, 513th Parachute Infantry Regiment made the overall success of the mission possible.

The Third Battalion, 513th Parachute Infantry Regiment, is cited for outstanding performance of duty in action against the enemy between 24 March 1945 and 26 March 1945, during the airborne operation across the Rhine River near Wesel, Germany. The Battalion landed by parachute behind enemy lines in the Issel River Area, Northwest of Brunen, Germany. Intense antiaircraft and small arms fire was encountered by the approaching planes and during the parachute drops. Despite the fact the Battalion was dropped 3500 yards north of the predetermined drop zone and was immediately engaged by hostile fire from numerous well fortified and concealed positions, the battalion was quickly assembled and after violent fighting, the landing zone was secured. The unit, fighting bitterly all the way and after taking 779 prisoners in the first day of action, moved to its predesignated landing zone to the south. ON 26 March 1945, at 0800, the battalion supported by one platoon of American tanks, assaulted the German positions on a 1500 yard front across flat terrain affording no cover or concealment and against an enemy concentrated in farmhouses, barns and dug-in positions. By 1600 the same day the battalion objective, a strategic hill approximately 200 feet high with a 30 degree slope, had been taken. During this attack the battalion destroyed three large gun emplacements.

The regiment displayed courage of the highest order in every engagement and against bitter and tenacious opposition. Duties were performed unhesitatingly and with determination and aggressiveness in continuous aand unremitting assault.The courage and devotion to duty shown by members of the 513th PARACHUTE INFANTRY are worthy of emulation and reflect the highest traditions of the Army of the United States.

[General Orders No. 352, Headquarters U.S. Forces, European Theater, 28 December 1945.]

By Order of The Secretary of War

Official:                                   DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER
Chief of Staff

EDWARD  F. WITSELL

Major General

The Adjutant General