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Cota, Norman Daniel "Dutch"

Date of birth:
May 30th, 1893 (Chelsea/Massachusetts, United States)
Date of death:
October 4th, 1971 (Wichita/Kansas, United States)
Buried on:
United States Military Academy Post Cemetery
Plot: X. Row: M. Grave: 287.
Service number:
0-5284
Nationality:
American

Biography

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Brigadier General
Unit:
Headquarters, 29th Infantry Division "Blue and Gray", U.S. Army
Awarded on:
June 29th, 1944
Awarded for:
Operation Overlord
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Norman D. Cota (0-5284), Brigadier General, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Assistant Division Commander, 29th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 6 June 1944, at Normandy, France. General Cota landed on the beach shortly after the first assault wave of troops had landed. At this time the beach was under heavy enemy rifle, machine gun, mortar and artillery fire. Numerous casualties had been suffered, the attack was arrested, and disorganization was in process. With complete disregard for his own safety, General Cota moved up and down the fire-swept beach reorganizing units and coordinating their action. Under his leadership, a vigorous attack was launched that successfully overran the enemy positions and cleared the beaches. Brigadier General Cota's superb leadership, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 29th Infantry Division, and the United States Army."

Headquarters, First U.S. Army, General Orders No. 29
Distinguished Service Cross (DSC)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Major General
Unit:
Headquarters, 28th Infantry Division "Keystone", U.S. Army
Awarded on:
1945
Distinguished Service Medal - Army (DSM)
"For exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility as Commanding General of the 28th Infantry Division from 1944 to 1945."

War Department, General Orders No. 92
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Major General
Unit:
Headquarters, 1st Infantry Division "The Big Red One", U.S. Army
"For exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Chief of Staff, 1st Infantry Division, from 1942 to 1943."
Legion of Merit - US Military
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Major General
Unit:
Headquarters, 29th Infantry Division "Blue and Gray", U.S. Army
"For exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Assistant Commanding General, 29th Infantry Division, from 1943 to 1944."

Bronze oak leaf cluster
Legion of Merit - US Military
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Brigadier General
Unit:
Headquarters, 29th Infantry Division "Blue and Gray", U.S. Army
"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in connection with military operations against the enemy while serving as Assistant Division Commander, 29th Infantry Division, during World War II."
Silver Star Medal (SSM)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Brigadier General
Unit:
Headquarters, 29th Infantry Division "Blue and Gray", U.S. Army
"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in connection with military operations against the enemy while serving as Assistant Division Commander, 29th Infantry Division, during World War II."

Second SSM received as Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster.
Silver Star Medal (SSM)

Sources

  • Photo 1: US Federal Govenment
  • - Ewing, J.H., 29 Let’s Go! – A History of the 29th Infantry Division in World War II, The Battery Press, Nashville, USA, 1979
    - Autor: U.S. Army, 28th Infantry Division in World War II, The Battery Press, Nashville, USA, 1999
    - homeofheroes.com
    - Go2War2.nl - Cota, Norman