Reserve Message
from Col Lindquist after the regiment was put into reserve summed up what the troops had accomplished.
(view in PDF format)
(courtesy family of Bob Abraham)

26 September 1944

MEMORANDUM:
TO : All Members 508th Parachute Infantry

1. After seven days and seven nights of continuous fighting the German [sic] we are now assembled in Division reserve for reorganization and a well deserved rest. Results of our operations for the last seven days are as follows:

     a. Established and maintained a defensive position along an MLR over twelve thousand yards in length, covering the north, east and southeastern boundary of the Division sector.

     b. Seized bridge 10 and prevented its destruction.

     c. Destroyed the apparatus believed to control the demolitions of the NIJMEGEN Bridge across the WAAL River, thus making possible the successful completion of the major Division mission.

     d. Seized, occupied, organized and defended the BERG En DAL-KAMP hill mass, terrain which controls the GROESBEEK-NIJMEGEN area.

     e. Cut Highway K, preventing movement of enemy reserves or escape of enemy along this important international route.

     f. Withstood and repulsed the major German efforts at WYLER and at BEEK to penetrate the Division sector.

     g. Captured 440 prisoners.

2. Again this regiment has accomplished successfully and completely all missions assigned to it. The performance of all its members has been fully in keeping with the high standards we have in this regiment. All of you can be proud of the accomplishments of the 508th and in the knowledge that you have contributed your share toward its grand military history that is being written daily. Paratrooper soldiers of the 508th, I salute you for what you have done and for what you will do in the future.

ROY E. LINDQUIST
Colonel, Infantry
Commanding