Militaire Willems Orde

NETHERLANDS CITATION

On October 8, 1945, the 82d Airborne Division became the first non-Dutch unit to be awarded the Militaire Willems Orde, Degree of Knight of the Fourth Class. In addition to having the Division colors decorated, this award entitles all members of the Division who fought in Holland during the period for which the award was made to wear the Orange Lanyard of the Royal Nether- lands Army. The 508th Parachute Infantry was part of the 82d Airborne Division at this time. Appropriate quotations from the citation are made below.

I. Netherlands Decree

WE, WILHELMINA, by Grace of God, Queen of the Netherlands, Princess of Orange-Nassau, etc., etc., etc. On the recommendation of Our Ministers of War and for Foreign Affairs, dated October 3, 1945 Secret Nr Y.22;

In accordance with the provisions of the amended Act of April 30, 1815, Nr.5 (Statute-Book Nr.33); In view of clause 18 of the regulations of administration and discipline for the Militaire Willems Orde, as laid down in the Royal Decree of June 25, 1815, Nr.10; Considering the 82d Airborne Division of the United States Army during the airborne operations and the ensu- ing fighting actions in the central part of the Netherlands in the period from September 17 to October 4, 1944 excelled in performing tasks allotted to it with tact coupled with superior gallantry, self-sacrifice, and loyalty; Considering also that the actions fought by the afore- said Division took place in the area of Nijmegen; HAVE APPROVED AND ORDERED:

1. To decree that the Divisional colours of the 82d Air- borne Division of the United States Army shall be deco- rated with the Militaire Willems Orde, Degree of Knight of the Fourth Class;

2. To authorize the Division to carry in its Divisional colours the name of the town of NIJMEGEN 1944 Our Ministers of War and for Foreign Affairs are, each for his own part, in charge of the execution of this Decree, copy of which shall be sent to the Chancellor of the Netherlands Orders of Knighthood

THE HAGUE, October 8, 1945
WILHELMINA

THE MINISTER OF WAR
J. MEIJNEN

THE MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
VAN KLEFFENS

II. Ministerial Decree, Netherlands Government

MINISTERIAL DECREE OF THE NETHERLANDS MINISTER OF WAR, dated October 8, 1945, Section III, Secret No. X.25.

The Minister of War considering that the outstanding performance of duty of the 82d Airborne Division, United States Army, during the airborne operations and the ensuing fighting actions in the central part of the NETHERLANDS in the period from September 17 to October 4, 1944, have induced HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN to decorate its Divisional colours with the MILITAIRE WILLEMS ORDE, Degree of Knight of the Fourth Class: considering also that it is desirable for each member of the Division who took part in the aforesaid operations to possess a lasting memento to this glorious struggle; DECREES: that each member of the personnel of the 82d AIRBORNE DIVISION, UNITED STATES ARMY, who took part in the operations in the area of NIJMEGEN in the period from September 17 to October 4, 1944, is allowed to wear the ORANGE LANYARD, as laid down in article 123g of the Clothing Regulations 1944 of the Royal Netherlands Army.

THE HAGUE, OCTOBER 8, 1945

THE MINISTER OF WAR

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