By Sidney A Salomon (1913 - 2004)
2 Silver Stars; Purple Heart w/Oak Leaf Cluster
HEADQUARTERS SECOND RANGER INFANTRY BATTALION
APO 655, U.S. ARMY
CITATION
The 2nd Ranger Battalion is cited for outstanding performance of duty in action during the period 6 to 9 December 1944 in the vicinity of Bergstein, Germany.
The 2nd Ranger Battalion was assigned the mission of securing the town of Bergstein and capturing Hill 400, the key terrain feature overlooking the Roer River to the east. Ordered into action on short notice with no opportunity for prior reconnaissance, the officers and men of the 2nd Ranger Battalion accomplished their assigned mission by dawn of the following day.
Severe weather conditions did not hamper the night movement to the attack line of departure, nor did heavy interdictory fire deter the battalion along the three mile approach march.
That portion of the battalion in position around Bergstein and Hill 400, under continual mortar and artillery fire, repulsed the enemy attempts to pierce the perimeter.
The assaulting companies, advancing swiftly and with audacious surprise, drove the enemy from concrete fortifications on the hill crest, thereby creating the deepest penetration into Germany at this time.
The aroused enemy immediately responded with a furious deluge of accurate mortar and artillery fire on the unprotected personnel holding the hill. The shaken survivors clung steadfastly to their insecure positions, successfully repelling five enemy counterattacks each preceded by artillery and mortar concentrations of the greatest intensity.
Evacuation of casualties, communication and resupply of ammunition and medical supplies were made almost impossible by the enemy's violent reaction to the slightest activity in the area. Approximately 75% of the assaulting force became casualties.
Despite the increasing action at close range, evacuation of casualties was expedited, supply was effected and two Ranger forces were organized. One of these forces rushed into action at a critical moment during one of the counterattacks. The other force successfully evacuated some casualties.
In spite of the most adverse conditions of weather and terrain, for almost forty-eight hours, the 2nd Ranger Battalion held its position and inflicted heavy casualties on a determined, aggressive, numerically superior enemy.
Index
Posted here with kind permission of the family of the late Sidney A. Salomon.
Many thanks Peter.