DISTINGUISHED UNIT CITATION

Company G, 136th Infantry Regiment, is cited for outstanding performance of duty in action against the enemy during the period 20 March 1945 to 26 March 1945, on Northern Luzon Philippine Islands. An important bridge had been blown out by an enemy demolition crew in the vicinity of Camp 3. To secure the area near the bridge in order that the engineers could construct a crossing; it was necessary to occupy high ground on both sides of the Buod River, Company G was given the mission of securing the right flank, by blocking the enemy movements from down the Piggan and Hill BM Middle area. In the late afternoon of 23 March 1945, the enemy made a determined attack upon the position occupied by Company G. They set fire to the dry cogon grass and forced temporary evacuation of the area. When the company returned, the enemy had occupied their positions and opened up with mortars, machine guns and rifles. Company G immediately assaulted and after a bloody, close-range fight, drove the enemy out and again occupied the position. The fight had been costly as Company G had suffered sixteen casualties. At 0400 on 26 March 1945, approximately fifty enemy, armed with grenades and small arms, again hit Company G. They were supported by long range mortars and artillery fire from enemy positions on commanding ground. Endeavoring to stop the fanatical rushes of the enemy, Company G brought intense protective mortar fires close in around their positions, and shelled adjacent wooded areas. Despite the wall of mortar fire, the enemy continued their charges. Finally they set fire to the cogon grass in an attempt to drive Company G from the security of their foxholes and burn out machine-gun positions, but a sudden shift in the wind rendered the fire ineffectual. The men of Company G fought on stubbornly, hurling the enemy back each time he attacked. Not until 0700 was the attack completely repulsed. Within twenty yards of Company G's position, the bodies of twenty-five enemy dead, rifles, machine guns, and mortars were found. The determination, the unflinching devotion to duty and the superb courage displayed by each man of Company G, 136th Infantry Regiment, were major factors in the success of operations in Northern Luzon, and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the Armed Forces of the United States.