Headquarters 3rd Armored Division
APO 253
General Orders 85 July 2nd 1945
In accordance with the provisions of WD Circular 333, 22 December 1943, and as approved by Commanding General, Ninth United States Army the Reconnaissance Company, 32nd Armored Regiment is Cited for outstanding performance of duty in action against the enemy. This unit is entitled to a citation streamer; individuals assigned or attached are authorized the award of the Distinguished Unit Badge or Oak Leaf Cluster thereto, which ever is appropriate.
The citation follows:
Reconnaissance Company, 32nd Armored Regiment is cited for outstanding performance of duty in action against the enemy in Belgium on 3 and 4 September 1944. During the rapid advance of the 3rd Armored Division through Northern France and Belgium the leading elements bypassed numerous strong enemy formations who were attempting to retreat into Germany in an effort to man the Siegfried Line.
Reconnaissance Company, 32nd Armored Regiment was given the mission of protecting the Combat Command trains from these roving enemy groups. Setting up defense positions and road blocks covering all routes of approach to the trains area the company immediately received the initial attack; an enemy colum of armored cars and half tracks, which were taken under fire and destroyed. In rapid succession attacks by another armored colum, infantry men of company strength and infantry men of Battalion strength were beaten off only by the supreme efforts of every available officer and man. Despite constant heavy fighting against overwhelming odds, and without sleep for two days, the members of this company, undaunted by the heavy fire which threatened decimation of its ranks, saved the Combat Command trains from destruction thereby enabling it to continue its drive to the German Border. Five hundred and eighty five of the enemy had fallen into its hands, and estimated three hundred were killed or wounded and several vehicles were destroyed. During the major portion of the battle the company had no artillery support but, despite this tremendous disadvantage, their fighting spirit was undimed and morale remained at the highest peak. The courage, loyalty and determination displayed by each and every member of this company reflect great upon themselves and the Armed Forces of the United States.