[Congressional Bills 111th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 494 Engrossed in House (EH)]

H. Res. 494

                In the House of Representatives, U. S.,

                                                      December 2, 2009.
Whereas the 30th Infantry Division of the United States Army was first activated 
        in October 1917 and originally consisted of National Guard units from 
        North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee;
Whereas the 30th Infantry Division was nicknamed Old Hickory in honor of General 
        and President Andrew Jackson;
Whereas, when the 30th Infantry Division was reorganized at Fort Jackson in 1941 
        for service in World War II, the division included two North Carolina 
        National Guard infantry regiments, one Tennessee National Guard infantry 
        regiment, and other elements;
Whereas, during World War II, the 30th Infantry Division landed at Normandy on 
        June 14, 1944, participated in the advance across Northern France, 
        joined the invasion of the German Rhineland, defended the Ardennes-
        Alsace, and fought to the final defeat of Germany in May 1945;
Whereas the 823rd and the 743rd Tank Destroyer Battalions were periodically 
        attached to the 30th Division throughout its campaign in Europe;
Whereas the 30th Infantry Division played a key role in the breakout of the 
        Allied forces from Normandy at St. Lo and the subsequent advance across 
        Northern France;
Whereas the 30th Infantry Division is remembered for its role in the defense of 
        Mortain and St. Barthelmy, France, and Hill 317 against a German 
        counterattack in August 1944, actions in which three infantry regiments 
        of the division (the 117th, 119th, and 120th) and a part of a fourth 
        regiment and other elements of the division participated;
Whereas the 30th Infantry Division also played a key role stopping the German 
        advance in the Battle of the Bulge and recaptured Malmedy and Stavelot 
        and its vital bridge over the Ambleve River;
Whereas, in the report prepared for General Dwight D. Eisenhower rating the 
        American combat units that fought in the European Theater, the Army's 
        official historian, S.L.A. Marshall, rated the 30th Division as first 
        among the infantry divisions that had performed the most efficient and 
        consistent battle service, writing that ``It was the combined judgments 
        of the approximately 35 historical officers who had worked on the 
        records and in the field that the 30th had merited this distinction. It 
        was our finding that the 30th has been outstanding in three operations 
        and we could consistently recommend it for citation on any of these 
        occasions. It was further found that it had in no single instance 
        performed discreditably or weakly when considering against the average 
        of the Theater and that in no single operation had it carried less than 
        its share of the burden or looked bad when compared to the forces on its 
        flanks. We were especially impressed with the fact that it consistently 
        achieved results without undue wastage of its men.'';
Whereas, in recognition of its exemplary service during World War II, the 
        Headquarters Company of the 30th Infantry Division was awarded the 
        Meritorious Unit Commendation and the French Croix de Guerre; and
Whereas the proud fighting tradition of the 30th Infantry Division is 
        perpetuated by the 30th Armored Brigade Combat Team, North Carolina Army 
        National Guard: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives recognizes the exemplary service 
of the soldiers of the 30th Infantry Division of the United States Army during 
World War II.
            Attest:

                                                                          Clerk.