Unit Citations

For their heroic efforts, the 741st Tank Battalion received citations and letters of commendation for the following campaigns:

• Normandy
• Hill 192, Vire, Siegfried Line
• Ardennes (Battle of the Bulge)

Normandy

"Per General Orders No. 42, Headquarters 1st United States Infantry Division, dated 19 July 1944, the 741st Tank Battalion was cited for outstanding performance of duty in action as follows:

"In the invasion of France, the 741st Tank Battalion rendered outstanding performance of duty in action against the enemy on the Colleville-aur-Mer beach on 6-7 June 1944. Armored units of the battalion led the assault wave in landing in the face of extensive and elaborate enemy minefields which had not been cleared or gapped and under the withering artillery, anti-tank, machine-gun, and mortar fire from organized and fortified enemy positions. In spite of extremely heavy losses the attack was aggressively pushed against the unexpectedly still enemy resistance, thereby enabling the infantry to hold the beach. When planned exits from the beach were unusable due to enemy installation of road blocks, minefields, and fortifications, the 741st Tank Battalion forced new exits from the beach against the enemy positions and by such action enabled a beach line to be secured and held, insuring success of the landing and the beachhead. Only through the courageous performance of the officers and enlisted men was the objective secured. In the midst of unceasing enemy fire and often in the face of certain death, duties were performed unhesitatingly and with utter disregard for personal safety. The courage and devotion to duty shown by members of the 741st Tank Battalion are worthy of emulation and reflect the highest traditions of the Army of the United States.

"The Distinguished Unit Citation is awarded to a unit whose battlefield record is such that if the same or similar acts were performed by an individual, that individual would be entitled to the Distinguished Service Cross. By these standards we must all strive to be worthy of the honor so richly earned through the concerted effort of all the members of this battalion.

"Under the provisions of Section IV, War Department Circular 333, 22 December 1943, as a member of the 741st Tank Battalion on 6 June 1944, you are entitled to make this badge a permanent part of you uniform. It will be worn centered over the right pocket.

"Robert N. Skaggs, Lt. Colonel, 741st Tank Battalion, Commanding"

Hill 192, Vire, Siegfried Line

"10 October 1944

"SUBJECT: Commendation

"TO: Commanding Officer, 741st Tank Battalion

"Upon the relief of the 741st Tank Battalion from attachment to this Corps I desire to express to you and, through you, to the officers and men of your command, my personal thanks and appreciation for the excellent manner in which they functioned while under my command.

"The 741st Tank Battalion has already been cited in orders by the First U.S. Army for the manner in which it performed in the assault on the beaches of Normandy on D-Day. Since that time it was of invaluable assistance in the support of the 2nd Infantry Division in the assault on Hill 192. After the capture of this key terrain feature your battalion materially assisted in the crossing of the Vire river in the operation which led up to the capture of Vire. During the latter half of September 1944, the 741st Tank Battalion was attached to the 28th Infantry Division and supported the 110th Infantry Regiment in the initial penetration of the vaunted Siegfried line. The achievement of the battalion in shooting out the "dragons teeth" in this line is one of the outstanding accomplishments in the employment of tanks.

"The 741st Tank Battalion is a good, hard fighting outfit. It is battle tested. It is with regret that I accept its loss to this command. My thanks and best wishes for your continued success go with each and every one of you.

"L. T. Gerow, Major General, U.S. Army, Commanding"

Ardennes

"Per General Orders No. 157, Headquarters Third United States Army, dated 1 July 1945, Companies A, B and C of the 741st Tank Battalion were cited for outstanding performance of duty in action during the period 17 - 19 December 1944, as follows:

"Companies A, B and C of the 741st Tank Battalion are cited for outstanding performance of duty against the enemy from 17 to 19 December 1944. During a violent enemy counterattack in the KRINKELT - ROCHERATH area, BELGIUM, personnel inexperienced in combat such as cooks, clerks and drivers, manned deadlined tanks and with superb courage met the headlong plunge of the enemy and inflicted severe casualties upon him. With utter disregard for their personal safety, the officers and men of these three gallant companies faced devastating hostile tank, anti-tank and self-propelled artillery fire and fought on tenaciously against overwhelming enemy forces. Again and again the infuriated enemy threw armor and infantry against the dauntless defenders but for three days and nights these assaults were turned back by the unwavering fortitude of the inspired men. When it became necessary to withdraw to a more tenable defensive position, the tank men covered the withdrawal and were the last to leave the scene of battle. During the bitter three day engagement they had destroyed twenty seven enemy tanks, five armored vehicles and two trucks. Their indomitable fighting spirit and unflinching devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the armed forces.

"The individuals assigned or attached to the above companies are entitled to wear the Distinguished Unit Badge and Oak Leaf Cluster to same in accordance with Section IV, paragraph 4, War Department Circular 333 dated 22 December 1943.

"By order of Lt. Colonel Bishop:

"William E Park, 1st Lt., 741 Tank Battalion, Adjutant (Acting)"