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comprehension, and the tactics varied with the terrain. Nonetheless, three denominators persisted in both campaigns.
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The determination of the Germans to destroy the airborne forces at all costs.
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The zeal of the allied forces for the destruction of the Third Reich.
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The insistence of the Allies for the “unconditional surrender” of the German Nation.
Although the significant differences between the two campaigns make comparison difficult, several obvious insights are helpful.
Normandy was the baptism of fire for the 508th PIR, whereas many of the German soldiers it met on the battlefield were combat veterans of campaigns in Africa, Italy and Sicily.
The 508th PIR parachuted into Normandy at night amid the chaos and confusion of antiaircraft and machinegun fires. Many of the planes lost formation and pilots lost orientation.
The 508th PIR men and equipment bundles were strewn all over Normandy, inhibiting equipment recovery and unit assembly for several days. Whereas, in Holland the 508th PIR dropped on a bright Sunday afternoon on the designated drop zone. It quickly assembled and within hours was in the City of Nijmegen, preparing to seize the critical Highway Bridge over the Waal River.
On October 8, 1945, the 82nd 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 Netherlands Army. The 508th PIR was attached to the 82nd Airborne Division at this time.
Appropriate quotations from the citation follow.
The Netherlands Orange Lanyard
1 Netherlands Degree
Nassau, etc., etc.
On the recommendation of Our Ministers of War and Foreign Affairs, dated October 3, 1945, Secret Nr. Y. 22; | 
