2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment

Action:
The 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, is cited for outstanding performance of duty and extraordinary heroism in action against the enemy on 19 and 20 September 1944 at Nijmegen, Holland. This battalion was given the mission of capturing the city of Nijmegen and the southern approaches of the vital Waal River bridges in that city. The enemy had strong defensive position in the park area and had resisted all efforts during three days to eliminate their forces. With British tanks in support, the 2nd Battalion moved to the attack at 14:45 hours, on 19 September, along the main road to the city in the face of artillery and small arms fire. In the city the companies fanned out to their separate missions. The principal effort was aimed against the approaches to the highway bridge. The lead tank was knocked out by direct fire. The troops fought their way through the town and flanked the bridge plaza, while Company E commenced a frontal assault. By 19:00 hours all elements were in close contact with the enemy. Patrols from both sides were very active and snipers commanded all streets. Paratroopers rushed the foxholes and trenches and knifed or bayoneted the occupants. Fighting continued through the night. Burning buildings surrounding the bridge-park area revealed every attempt to penetrate enemy defences. By dawn the situation was a stalemate with the enemy still determined to fight. At 15:30 hours on 20 September, the battalion commenced a direct assault from all sides. Fighting with every available weapon, the troopers closed with the enemy. Many Germans chose to die in their foxholes rather than surrender and continued fighting even when their situation seemed hopeless. The battle was not won until 18:00 hours, and all organized resistance was eliminated south of the bridge by 19:15 hours. British tanks were enabled to cross to the north shore. In this engagement, the battalion suffered 82 casualties, but killed 155 of the enemy, captured 91, and wounded hundreds. The superb achievement of the 2nd Battalion 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division in the battle of Nijmegen was characterized by high courage, dogged determination, and superior tenacity, and reflects the highest traditions of the U.S. Armed Forces.