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51
24 February, 1945
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 – 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 “Mahlman 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:
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