COPY
HEADQUARTERS FIRST BATTALION
TWELFTH INFANTRY

7 January, 1945

SUBJECT: Letter of Commendation.

TO: Commanding Officer, 419th Field Artillery Battalion
(THRU: COMMANDING OFFICER, 10th Armored Division Artillery, APO #260.)

1. During the German Winter Offensive, December 16th to the 24th, the 419th Field Artillery Division rendered invaluable fire support on the front of the First Battalion, Twelfth Infantry, in the vicinity of MICHELSHOF-SCHEIDGEN, Luxembourg from 21 December to 23 December 1944. These supporting fires, which were most effective, contributed greatly to this Battalion's success in repulsing the many enemy attacks in its sector. Even though the 419th Field Artillery Battalion was shelled continuously the man remained on their pieces and placed accurate fires along the Battalion front without delay. Their fire covered all the approaches thoroughly inflicting heavy casualties upon the enemy. The accuracy of the fire of this Battalion impeded the advance of the enemy in this sector in addition to destroying many German weapons. Direct hits were observed on enemy patrols and leading elements.
2. I wish to commend each Officer and Enlisted Man of your Battalion for the outstanding and vital performance of duty in this action -- the battle of LUXEMBOURG. The splendid support rendered by your battalion was a great contribution to the success of the First Battalion, Twelfth Infantry, in holding the enemy attack in its sector.


/s/ OMA R. BATES
OMA R. BATES
Lt. Col., 12th Inf.,
Commanding


CERTIFIED TRUE COPY
/s/ HERBERT D. BENSON
HERBERT D. BENSON
Major, Field Artillery,
S-1