WWII paratroopers get long awaited recognition

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Fifty-six years after helping to turn the tide in the Battle of the Bulge in World War II, members of the 551st Parachute Infantry Battalion received the Presidential Unit Citation on Friday for their heroism and accomplishment in combat.

Although the 551st fought bravely in southern France, it was the unit's valor and sacrifice as it spearheaded the counterattack against the last German offensive of the war that earned it this special honor.

"Today, we stand in the presence of heroes," said U.S. Army Chief of Staff Gen. Eric Shinseki as he presented the award to about 100 surviving members of the 551st.

Led by Lt. Col. Wood Joerg, the 551st jumped into the Battle of the Bulge, which ended with the capture of Rochelinval, a heavily fortified town on the Salm River critical to German troops. The unit fought with astonishing bravery, but was cut to ribbons by the time that part of the battle had ceased. Of the 689 men who began the fight, only 110 were left. Joerg was among those lost as the battle drew to a close. The Germans were ordered to retreat the next day.

The heavy losses caused the 551st to be deactivated. Those who remained had been reassigned to other units. But the 551st had a long list of accomplishment. The group was credited with the first daylight combat drop in the European Theater. The first German general captured during the war was taken prisoner by the 551st, along with other high ranking officers as it took the town of Draguignan, France. The president of France awarded the 551st the Croix de Guerre with Silver Gilt Star for "magnificent bravery" in the battle for Draguignan.

The unit was reactivated in 1947.

Rep. Connie Morella, R-Maryland, was instrumental in pushing through the request for recognition of the unit, which had failed on two previous attempts.

"This award is a reminder that the people they fought for remember their sacrifice and the sacrifice of those who did not return," Morella said.

See related sites about US

Note: Pages will open in a new browser window

External sites are not endorsed by CNN Interactive.