Did the 90th earn a unit citation?

I have done several google searches and haven't come across anything. Some days google is my friend and some days it isn't.

 

From Mr Norman Richards 90th Historian

The 3rd Bat. of the 358th did at Hill 122....see ya in Normandy June ....

 

Found this description here: http://www.90thdivisionassoc.org/90thDivisionFolders/358thhistorybook/3rd_bn_358.htm Located in Annex 5, about 2/3rds of the way down the document.

"UNIT CITATION

Under the provisions of Section IV, Circular 333, War Department, 22 December 1943, and pursuant to the authority contained in 4th Indorsement, Headquarters Third United States Army, File AG 200.6 (5 November 1944) GHMCA-4, dated 14 February 1945, the following unit is cited:

The third Battalion, 358th Infantry, is cited for extraordinary heroism in the face of enemy in France. During the period 10 B 12 July 1944, the officers and men of this organization displayed great courage, endurance and dogged determination in the attack through the dense Foret de Mont Castre, France. The position known as the AMahlman Line@ was part of the main enemy defensive line. It consisted of dug-in positions, cunningly camouflaged in the tangled underbrush and other devices which utilized, to the fullest, the natural defensive qualities of the area. Despite repeated fierce enemy counterattacks the Battalion relentlessly drove forward and eliminated a battalion of parachute infantry and a company of parachute engineers, both of which were part of the elite 5th German Parachute Division. By the end of the first day the Battalion Commander and 11 of the 17 officers were casualties but the advance had progressed to within 75 yards of the initial objective. The following day the remnants of the three rifle companies, one of which had 20 men, were reorganized into one composite company with a strength of 126 men and commanded by a lieutenant. In a renewed charge the depleted Battalion overran the objective, killed 40 enemy, captured 8 machine guns, bazookas and mortars. On 12 July 1944 as it left the forest the Battalion, retaining its aggressiveness, fought with exceptional daring and great skill and took successive objectives. The Battalion=s break through the enemy=s main position contributed materially to the Division=s advance. The inspiring leadership of its officers and the gallantry displayed by all ranks were in accordance with the highest military tradition.

By command of Major General ROOKS:"


I'm guessing that the "AMahlman Line@" is supposed to read "Mahlman Line". Looks like the entire history has been re-typed, numerous typos.

 

Impressive and quick responses!!!

 

Wow, thanks for all the responses. My great uncle was with the 359th so looks like he didn't receive one. Just wanting to make sure we didn't forget anything.
Krystal

 

So maybe he did earn one??

Very shortly after the war, Gen. Patton was authorized to recommend to Theater 10% of Third Army for Presidential Unit Citation. His response recommended two divisions, the 5th Infantry and the 90th, and some separate units. This was returned by Theater because the total came to more than 10%. He then sent a shortend list which included one full regiment plus some smaller units of the 5th but repeated his recommendation that the full 90th be so recognized! Further research revealed the 90th was the only divison recommended by Patton for this award. The 101st Airborne received it after the Bastogne operation but that was at War Department initiative, not Patton's.

 

Lou's information on the 359th/1st Bn is correct according to the listing in the "Unit Citation and Campaign ..." book referenced by Biak above. Unfortunately, I can never get attachments to load anymore, always get a 403 ... error?

Here's a link to the latest (2006) on the attempt to get a Presidential Unit Citation for the 90th: 90th Division Presidential Unit citation history

 

Here's the page:
Hope this opens for everyone, thanks Lou.

 

It works for me Steve cheers for the link.

 

Thank you, I appreciate it.
Krystal

 

According to Natman's attachment the 1st Battalion, 359th Inf Reg, 90th Inf Div received 2 Distinquished Unit Citations as shown in the following 2 General Orders: DA GO 12-49 and WD GO 2-46. I'll attach them if I can locate them. The 359th i
Darryl

 

I have the two General Orders awarding DUC for 1st Battalion, 359th Inf Reg if anyone needs a copy.
Darryl