| Shanley's provisional unit
continued to defend this important defensive area until it was joined by
other elements of the Regiment. The 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment was
awarded the US DISTINGUISHED UNIT CITATION for its participation in the
Normandy invasion. Following is an excerpt from the General Orders
conferring upon the Regiment battle honors for the first three days of
fighting in Normandy, France:
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The 508th Parachute Infantry is cited for outstanding
performance of duty in action against the enemy between 6 and 9 June 1944
during the invasion of France. The Regiment landed by parachute shortly
after 0200 hours, 6 June 1944. Intense antiaircraft and machine gun fire
was directed against the approaching planes and parachutist drops. Enemy
mobile anti airborne landing groups immediately engaged assembled elements
of the Regiment and reinforced their opposition with heavily supported
reserve units. Elements of the Regiment seized Hill 30, in the wedge
between the Merderet and Douve Rivers, and fought vastly superior enemy
forces for three days. From this position, they continually threatened
German units moving in from the west, as well as the enemy forces opposing
the crossing of our troops over the Merderet near La Fiere and Chef du
Pont They likewise denied the enemy opportunities to throw reinforcements
to the east where they could oppose the beach landings— The courage and
devotion to duty shown by members of the 508th Parachute Infantry are
worthy of emulation and reflect the highest traditions of the Army of the
United States."
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