I&R-Platoon, 394th Infantry Regiment

Awarded on: October 29th, 1981
Action:
Citation:
"The Intelligence and Reconnaissance Platoon, 394th Infantry Regiment, 99th Infantry Division, distinguished itself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy forces on 16 December 1944 near Lanzerath, Belgium.
The German Ardennes Offensive which began the Battle of the Bulge was directed initially against a small sector defended by the Intelligence and Reconnaissance Platoon. Following a two-hour artillery barrage, enemy forces of at least battalion strength launched three separate frontal attacks against the small Intelligence and Reconnaissance Platoon of 18 men. Each attack was successfully repelled by the platoon. The platoon position was becoming untenable as casualties mounted and ammunition was nearly exhausted.
Plans were made to break contact with the enemy and withdraw under cover of darkness. Before this could be accomplished, a fourth enemy attack finally overran the position and the platoon was captured at bayonet point. Although greatly outnumbered, through numerous feats of valor and an aggressive
and deceptive defense of their position, the platoon inflicted heavy
casualties on the enemy forces and successfully delayed for nearly 24 hours a major spearhead of the attacking German forces, Their valorous actions provided crucial time for ether American forces to prepare to defend against the massive German offensive.
The extraordinary gallantry, determination and esprit de corps of the Intelligence and Reconnaissance Platoon in close combat
against a numerically superior enemy force are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflect great credit upon the Unit and the Armed Forces of the United States."