Lt. O'Dean Thomas Cox Plaque -143rd Infantry Regiment
Details:
In front of the cross at the “Monument Aux Morts”.
Plaque
A rectangular plaque, printed in colors, which features the photo, a quote from John E. Dahlquist, and a summary of the heroic action done by Lt. Cox’s Company to liberate Bitschhoffen. The inscription is in French then translated into English. The 143rd Infantry Regiment and the 36th Infantry Division insignias are printed on the center.
Monument Text:
« À ma connaissance, aucune unité
n'a jamais autant mérité cette citation. »
Ces mots de John E. Dahlquist, commandant de la
36e division US résument l'action héroïque du 143e
régiment d'infanterie lors de la libération de Bitschhoffen
qui vaudra au régiment une citation présidentielle.
_____________________________________
« To my knowledge, no unit has ever
deserved this quote. »
These words of John E. Dahlquist, the 36th US Division
Commander, summarize the heroic action of the 143rd
Infantry Regiment during the liberation of Bitschhoffen
which will be worth to the regiment a presidential citation.
Below the quote:
Le 15 mars 1945 à 1 h du matin, sans aucune préparation d'artillerie, le 3e bataillon attaque
par surprise. La Compagnie K du Lieutenant O'Dean Cox avance sur un terrain à découvert
et semé de mines anti -personnelles. Repoussée par trois fois, la compagnie se reforme et bien
qu'un tiers de ses hommes ont été tués ou blessés, libère Bitschhoffen dans la matinée.
_________________________________________________
On March 15, 1945 at 1 a.m., without any artillery preparation, the 3rd Battalion
attacked by surprise. Lieutenant O'Dean Cox's Company K advanced over open
ground sown with anti-personnel mines. Repulsed three times, the company reformed,
and although a third of his men were killed or wounded, liberated Bitschhoffen by morning.
Commemorates:
People:
Units:
143rd Infantry Regiment, 36th Division
36th Infantry Division
7th Army
United States Army
Wars:
WWII