On 22 September 1944 the “Officers and Men” of the American GI’s of the VI Corps received the following letter signed by General Lucien K. Truscott, Jr., their Commander.

22 Sep 44, TO THE OFFICERS AND MEN OF THE VI CORPS

In the bright, prophetic sunlight of the early morning of the 15th of August, you men of the VI Corps—men of the 3d Division, the 36th Division, the 45th Division and of every reinforcing unit—veterans, all, of other amphibious operations—launched your memorable assault against the shores of Southern France. Supported by powerful air, airborne, and naval forces and assisted by long-oppressed and waiting French Allies, you destroyed the beach defenses of the 19th German Army and advance inland to initial objectives with almost unprecedented speed.

[Not readable] facilitating their subsequent capture by our Allies. By your drive up the Durance River Valley, you trapped and annihilated a great portion of the fleeing 19th Army at the site of the now historic town of Montelimar.Without pause, you then turned to the northeast in a relentless pursuit of remnants, which you have continued almost to the German border. In thirty-eight days, you have traversed five hundred miles and have defeated a desperate enemy at every stand.

You have forced a crossing two major rivers. You have overcome every obstacle that a resourceful enemy could devise. You have, with even less than organic transport, managed to move yourselves, your weapons and your supplies over distances almost logistically unbelievable.

You have, by your successes, not only contributed immeasurably to the advance of the northern Allied Forces by preventing the movement of reserves against them but have eliminated the German 19th Army as an effective fighting force.

Your operations have been a most vital factor in clearing the enemy from almost all of France.

Your conduct here and your relationships with the people of France in the areas that you have liberated has been in accord with the highest standards of American military tradition. The fervent and wholehearted welcome which they have extended to you is testimonial of their gratitude and will remain, I am sure, a treasured memory in the minds of every member of this command.

Your country has reason to be proud of your accomplishments and grateful for the services that you have rendered.

This campaign will stand as a monument to you Americans of the VI Corps—a tribute to your training, initiative ingenuity, aggressiveness, boldness, determination, and fighting spirit and to the leadership of the officers and non-commissioned officers of all ranks.

To every officer and every man I tender my sincere appreciation for your accomplishments.

Our task is not yet done. Hard fighting lies ahead. The fanatical enemy, reorganized and reinforced is at bay on his own doorstep. Rugged terrain confronts us. Rain cold and snow will soon increase the difficulties of operations and add to the hardships that you must sustain.

But—surmounting every objective as you press on—you will destroy the enemy before you and, together with all the other forces at the command of the Allied Nations, will bring about his final defeat and unconditional surrender.

Veterans—men of the VI Corps—with respect and pride, your Commander salutes you.

L. K. Truscott, Jr., Lieutenant General, U. S. Army Commanding.[1]

~~~~~

[1] No citation. Could have be Prohme or Taggart. Later published in: “‘You Did It,’ General Truscott Says in Tribute to Troops.”  The Beachhead News, Souvenir Edition. Sunday, October 15, 1944. Volume 1, Number 100. Pages 1,4.

In case you haven’t read or listened to Dad’s book, you can learn more or order it here.

© Copyright WLL, INC. 2024.