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LTC LOUIS G. MENDEZ
BRONZE STAR MEDAL OAK LEAF CLUSTER AWARD |
RESTRICTED HEADQUARTERS 82D AIRBORNE DIVISION
Office of the Division Commander A.P.O. 469, U. S, Army,
22 May 1945. GENERAL ORDERS }
NUMBER -— 73 ) SECTION AWARD OF THE SILVER STAR MEDAL, OAF LEAP CLUSTER......................I
AWARD OF THE SILVER STAR MEDAL.................................................II
AWARD OF THE BRONZE STAR MEDAL, OAK LEAF CLUSTER...................III
AWARD OF THE BRONZE STAR MEDAL, FOR MERITORIOUS SERVICE........IV
AWARD OF THE PURPLE HEART MEDAL ............................................ .V
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| II — AWARD CF THE BRONZE STAR MEDAL. OAK LEAF CLUSTER: Under the provisions of AR 300-45, as amended, and pursuant to authority contained in letter 200.5 (AG) Headquarters XVIII Corps Airborne, dated 31 August 1944, the Bronze Star Medal having been previously awarded, an Oak Leaf Cluster is awarded to the following named individuals: |
| LOUIS G. MENDEZ, JR., 023262, Lieutenant Colonel, 508th Parachute Infantry. For meritorious service in connection with military operations against the enemy for the period 7 and 8 January 1945 near ***, *** and ***, BELGIUM. Lieutenant Colonel MENDEZ, Commending Officer, Third Battalion, executed with success an attack on ***, BELGIUM, during the final phases of the attack in the ***, ***, and *** area under extreme conditions of winter fighting. The Regimental attack in columns of Battalions, Third Battalion leading was pressed through snow in extreme cold weather across an area which was under direct enemy observation and fire, but Lieutenant Colonel MENDEZ’ unyielding determination and rapid readjustment of his force to meet the situation led them to rapid seizure of the objective. During the attack the Battalion captured or destroyed nine artillery pieces, two Mark IV tanks, and seven miscellaneous vehicles. The success achieved was in great measure due to Lieutenant Colonel MENDEZ’ sound and inspiring leadership. Entered military service from TRINIDAD, COLORADO.
(Order set courtesy Rex Combs collection) |
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