Page 68 - history-of-military-units-in-columbia-county-fl-(1970)-robert-gary-shields

History of Military Units in Columbia County, FL (1970) Robert Gary Shields

the enemy withdrawal, and for 3 days, fought a suicidal force endeavoring
to get across the Pulangi River. The advance of the rest of the combat team

was held up by a strong force in well-organized positions on ideal defensive
terrain in the Pinalay Lake area. The battalion was committed to this
engagement, and for the next 4 days, attacked the position from the flanks ai

the rear. On the fourth day, supported for the first time by artillery fire,
the battalion overran the position’ and was credited with 106 of the.187

enemy found killed. The next night, the enemy launched a counter-attack
against the battalion perimeter, which lasted throughout the night. The
attack was repulsed and 73 of the enemy were killed in the engagement.

On 15 May 1945, they were committed to the capture of Silae, an enemy
stronghold protecting a crossing of the Pulangi River. They broke the enemy
line and! pushed forward to secure the town on the same day. The deep,

swift-flowing river was crossed at two points, by use of field expedients,
and the remainder of the enemy force was either destroyed or driven into the

mountains east of the river. The battalion was relieved and assembled in
Malaybalay on 27 June 1945. The aggressive action of the battalion,
continually driving the enemy before them, never allowing him to reorganize

or consolidate, played a mayor role in the liberation of Mindanano in
advance of the highest expectations. During the perion, a total of 67 days,

the battalion was in direct contact with the. enemy for 50 days. Of the
remaning time, only 4 days were available for rest and recuperation. The
battalion accounted for 430 enemy killed, 117 found dead, and 5 prisoners of
war. The conspicuous gallantry and outstanding performance of duty from

22 April to 27 June 1945 by all members of the Second Battalion, 124th
Infantry Regiment, feflected great credit on themselves and upheld the

highest traditions of -'.the service. (General Orders 146, Headquarters 31st
Infantry Division, 12 September 194,5, as approved by the Commander in Chief,
United States Army Forces, Pacific.)

By Order Of The Secretary Of War:
Dwight D. Eisenhower
Chief of Staff

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