UNIT CITATION.

         The First Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry (less Company “A”) has been cited by the Commanding General, First United States Army, for out-standing performance of duty in action against the enemy.  The citation is as follows:

“Citation:

          The First Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry (less Company “A”) is cited for outstanding performance of duty in action against the enemy on  20-21 December 1944, at CHENEUX , Belgium.  This force was ordered to seize and occupy the town which is situated on hilly terrain and was defended by a heavily reinforced battalion of armored SS Troops supported by a Mark VI tank, numerous machine guns, SP 20 mm guns, SP 77 mm guns, and 105 mm howitzers.  The position was further defended in depth by armored halftracks mounting triple 20 mm cannon and SP 81mm mortars.  The battalion attacked CHENEUX in echelons of assault waves and stormed the strongly emplaced enemy through the heavy fire of 20 mm cannon, machine gun, mortar and small arms.  The first three waves suffered severe losses as they charged across 400 yards of open fields fenced with barbed wire.  Despite heavy losses, these airborne soldiers kept going with grim determination, each succeeding wave getting closer until the enemy and his armored vehicles and cannon were finally overwhelmed in fierce hand-to-hand combat.  When ammunition ran low the troopers drove the enemy from almost impregnable positions with bayonets and clubbed rifles.  The stubborn enemy was completely routed from his perimeter defenses and the attack continued until a portion of CHENEUX was seized, where reorganization was effected and preparations made for a counter-attack.  At dawn, the enemy laid down a heavy artillery preparation, then launched five successive counter-attacks through the day.  All of these were repelled and at dusk this this undaunted force continued the attack and drove the Germans from the town and nearby high ground.  In this battle for CHENEUX, the First Battalion of the 504th Parachute Infantry (less Company “A”), destroyed five companies of German SS Armored troops and large quantities of artillery, vehicles and one Mark VI tank.  They sealed a trap for thirty tanks and ninety-five vehicles which were eventually completely destroyed.  This airborne force sustained heavy casualties in the engagement, but, despite these losses and the fanatical ferocity with which the enemy defended key positions, it prevailed in a most outstanding manner through superb discipline, skill and teamwork.  The superior fortitude, unparalleled élan and individual feats of gallantry and high courage on the part of every man and officer reflect credit on the traditions of the airborne forces of the United States Army.”

                                                                                                                               By command of Major General GAVIN: