I wrote previously about Milo James Ross receiving the Silver Star. Today I wanted to share the order for the Unit Citation for Company C 130th Infantry Regiment of 33d Infantry Division. Grandpa received his Silver Star for the same activities that are referenced and the purpose for this Citation. Here is the language.
Headquarters 33d Infantry Division
A.P.O 33
General Orders 5 July 1945
Number 159
Unit Citation
Under the provisions of Section 1V, Circular No. 333, War Department, 22 December 1943, the following unit is cited by the Commanding General, 33d Infantry Division:
COMPANY C 130TH INFANTRY REGIMENT, is cited for outstanding performance of duty in armed conflicts with the enemy. Bilbil Mountain Province, Luzon, Philippine Islands, an extremely rugged forest covered, key defensive position was occupied by a company of Japs reenforced with a heavy machine gun section. A 90mm mortar section, and two sections (2 guns) of 75mm howitzers. This commanding ground afforded excellent observation and enabled the enemy to maneuver its forces and supporting weapons to advantageous positions to successfully repel seven previous attempts to seize Hill “X”, the strategically important knob on the southeastern slope of Bilbil Mountain. Hill “X” was honeycombed with prepared positions from which the enemy observed and harassed our movements along the Gallano-Baguio Road. On 12 April 1945, Company C, under the sweltering sun, laboriously climbed the steep mountainous trails, which followed the crest of an extremely narrow hogback ridge which, except for short cogon grass and spares bamboo growths, was devoid of cover, and pushed to within 400 yards of the crest of Hill “X” when they were met a heavy barrage of 90mm mortar fire which enveloped the entire ridge. Simultaneously, intense enemy machine gun and rifle fire emanating from the many camouflaged spider-holes and caves astride the trail inflicted many casualties forcing the company to dig it. A reconnaissance revealed no other route to the objective so the company evacuated its casualties and aggressively pressed against this seemingly impenetrable fortress throughout the day making the enemy disclose his strongpoints. On 13 April 1945, despite the fact that the men were weary from the strenclimb, the fierce fighting and constant watchfulness against night infiltration, the company launched a dawn attack. Undaunted by the intense fire which inflicted five casualties to the leading elements, the gallant fighting men of Company C imbued with an indomitable fighting spirit swiftly worked their way up the knifelike ridge, and in the fiercest kind of close-in fighting wiped out six Jap machine gun nests in succession, killing the defending Japs in their holes. The enemy fanatically contested with intense fire every foot of the way to the summit, but undismayed Company C seized Hill “X” and dig in, tenaciously holding on despite continuous harassing fire delivered from the dominating position on Bilbil Mountain. That night the Japs reenforced Bilbil Mountain and subjected Company C to repeated counter-attacks. Another company sent to assist in the attack on Bilbil Mountain on 14 April 1945 succeeded in reaching the summit only to be driven of by the fierce Jap counter-attack. The full fury and power of the Japs was again turned on Company C which alone held its position,, successfully repulsing all of the severe and determined counter-attacks. The tired fighting men of the Company C exhibiting unwavering fighting spirit, despite nearly 50 per cent casualties, tenaciously held Hill “X” for five days until reenforcements were available to continue the attack and annihilate the enemy. In the accomplishments of this mission, the unflinching devotion in duty and superb displayed by each man of the company reflected the highest traditions on the armed forces.
BY COMMAND OF MAJOR GENERAL CLARKSON:
A.T McANSH
Colonel, G.S.C..
Chief of Staff
Official:
F.B WATSON
Major, A.G.D..
Actg. Adj. Gen
Distribution :
“C”
Sagacity 