|
 Col
Lindquist
found time to send a memo to the men of the 508th
on the 2nd anniversary of the regiment's formation. In it he reminded
them of their accomplishments and held great hope for new achievements in
the years to follow. How right he was!
(View in PDF
Format)
(Courtesy George Gurwell estate) |
HEADQUARTERS 508TH PARACHUTE INFANTRY
APO 230. U.S. ARMY
20 Oct 44
ORGANIZATION DAY
MESSAGE
TO: Each Member of the
regiment:
On October 20, 1942, a small cadre of officers and enlisted men arrived at
Camp Blanding Florida, to activate the 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment.
To- day, two years later, we find ourselves in our second campaign on the
battle field of eastern Holland doing the job which is out only reason for
existence --- defeating the Axis powers.
The past two years have been full years in the life of the regiment and its
history is filled with accomplishments that every member may review with
pride. The highlights in this history are, of course, the regiment's
participation in the "D" day invasion of France and the more recent landing
and fighting with our British allies here in Holland.
In garrison and in the battlefield this regiment has always acquitted it-
self in an outstanding manner. Every member now has the unstinted
admiration of both the British and our own American comrades in arms with
whom we have fought. No greater satisfaction can a soldier desire than the
knowledge that he has the respect and admiration of his fellow soldiers.
To quote Lt. Gen. Dempsey, Commanding General of the British 2n d army with
whom we are now fighting, "The 82nd airborne Division is the finest fighting
division in the world. The 508th has never failed it share in
reflecting such credit on the division."
What lies in store for the regiment in the future none of us know. Our
past history and accomplishments, however, are a criterion of what may
be expected of us in the future. When the war finally comes to an end
and we return to our homeland every page of history written on the 508th
will reflect your contributions to its accomplishments.
To every member of the regiment I wish to express my sincere appreciation
for your cooperation, my admiration for your fighting ability and
accomplishments and, my very sincere wishes for your continued successes,
good luck, and happy landings.
/s/ ROY E. LINDQUIST
Colonel, Infantry
Commanding |
