
THE PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION (ARMY)
FOR EXTRAORDINARY HEROISM
IS AWARDED TO THE
1ST SQUADRON, 12TH CAVALRY REGIMENT,
1ST CAVALRY DIVISION
UNITED STATES ARMY
The 1st
Squadron, 12th Cavalry Regiment (reinforced by Weapons Troop, 12th
Cavalry Regiment, Reconnaissance and Train Defense Platoon, 12th
Cavalry Regiment, and 2d Platoon, 1st Collecting Troop, 1st
Medical Squadron), is cited for extraordinary heroism in overcoming unusually
difficult and hazardous conditions in action against the enemy at Leyte
Province, Philippine Islands, from 28 November to 1 December 1944. Having
fought to the top of the ridge running east from Mount Cabungangan,
cutting their own trail in heavy undergrowth during a raging typhoon and
consistently meeting a hail of fire from the enemy, the 1st Squadron
found supplies difficult to obtain. The Squadron was, at the time, after weeks
of heavy fighting, down to 60 percent of its T/O strength. On 28 November 1944,
while the squadron was attacking a strong Japanese defensive position to the
northeast, it was attacked from the rear by Japanese who had infiltrated during
the night, and both supply and communications were severed. Without food, short
of ammunition, and reinforcements 2 days march away, the squadron prepared to
attack. Containing the force to the north and east, reversing its direction of
attack, and after a 12-hour march through untracked jungle, the squadron
surrounded and wiped out the Japanese attacking force by continuous day and
night hand-to-hand fighting. Turning its attention to the original enemy force
and employing hand-to-hand fighting, all resistance in the area was
neutralized. By this action, the 1st Squadron, reinforced, prepared
the way for the advance of the division into Ormoc Valley. Every officer and man of the
squadron displayed outstanding spirit, courage, determination, and an
unflinching will to conquer.
General Orders No. 242
Headquarters, 1st Cavalry
Division
22 December 1945
Confirmed by:
General Orders No. 110
Headquarters, War Department
26 September 1946
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