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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 opportunity to throw reinforcements to the east where they could oppose the beach landings. The troops on Hill 30 finally broke through to join the airborne troops at the bridgehead west of La Fiere on 9 June 1944. They repelled continuous attacks from infantry, tanks, mortars, and artillery for more than 60 hours without re-supply. Other elements of the 508TH Parachute Infantry fought courageously in the bitter fighting west of the Merderet River and in winning the bridgeheads across that river at La Fiere and Chef-du-Pont. The Regiment secured its objectives through heroic determination and initiative. Every member performed his duties with exemplary aggressiveness and superior skill. 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.“  Distinguished Unit Citation
The President of the Provisional Government of the French Republic authorized the 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment to carry the Fourragere in the colors of the Croix de Guerre, 1939-45. The citation signed in Paris on 6 April 1946 by Felix Gouin reads as follows: 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment
“A magnificent unit, reputed for the heroism and spirit of sacrifice of its combatants and which has made proof of the greatest military qualities during the battle of Normandy. It was part of the 82nd Airborne Division which, after having occupied roadnets and waterways commanding access to the Cotentin landing places, sacrificed itself on the banks of the Merderet and the Douve, at Saint Sauveur-le-Vicomte and at Etiennville from 6-20 June 1944 in order to restrain at all cost the
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