The Decoy Doughboy Souvenir Edition -- Printed in Czechoslovakia May 23, 1945. -- Publishes by and for the men of the 18th Combat Team. -- First Infantry Division, U. S. Army. Headquarters 1st U. S. Infantry Division 14, May 1945 SUBJECT: Commendation of the 1st U. S. Infantry Division. It is with feeling of great pride, admiration and respect that I pass on to you a glowing tribute of your valor on the field of battle, received from the Commanding General, Twelfth Army Group: 10 May 1945 Troops of the First Infantry Division This May 9th that passed was too big a part of your life to crowd it with recollections. It belongs to you and the world as the day on which the German war was ended. However, May 9th has a greater meaning for the of the First and Ninth Infantry Divisions. In recalling the day in future years, you can remember with great pride that it marks not the first, but the second unconditional surrender of an enemy you fought valorously for thirty long months. From the waddies of El Guettor where the First and Ninth Divisions fought shoulder to shoulder against crack elements of the Afrika Korps to the final surrender of German forces to the American Second Corps on May 9, 1943, the Tunisian campaign was an epoch, fashioned largely in the bravery, skill and achievements of your two divisions. American troops advancing through the minefields of the Sedienane and on the road to Mateur, gave our Nation its first great victory of the war, and the world its first great unconditional surrender of large-scale German forces. Since then I have followed your red number of the First Division and your tricolored insignia of the Ninth across the sands of Sicily, past the defenses of Troina, over the beaches of Normandy and through the hedgerows to Cherbourg. Side by side, your two divisions have fought the German army 700 miles across the Continent to the inevitable and final defeat of the German nation. The American Army is studded with splendid divisions. But rarely have two teamed so expertly; never have two divisions fought longer and harder with greater skill or courage And as your commanding, I want to share with the millions of your friends and champions throughout the Army, their pride in your unsurpassed and monumental achievements. s/O. N. Bradley CLIFT ANDRUS
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