26 September 1944
From: The Commanding General.
To: The Commanding General, 6th Marine Division.
Subject: Services rendered by personnel of 1st Battalion, 29th Marines.
1. I wish to express my appreciation of the heroic part played by the officers and men of the 1st Battalion, 29th Marines (Reinf), while attached to the 2d Marine Division, in the defeat of the Japanese forces on Saipan.
2. This battalion landed on the Japanese base of Saipan, Marianas Islands, on D-day, 15 June 1944, and immediately upon landing was attached to CT-8 and subsequently committed to front-line action on the original beachhead. For a period of twenty days until the zone of action of this division was completely secured, it occupied front-line positions, participating in attacks against most determined resistance over the most difficult terrain the island offered. During this entire period, due to tactical considerations and the nature of enemy resistance, it was at no time relieved from its front-line positions. In its advance over very difficult terrain, including the main ridge of Mount Tapotchau, the commanding terrain feature of the island, it successfully repulsed numerous counter-attacks and overcame many pockets of inordinately tenacious enemy resistance, including heavy machine gun and mortar fire.
3. In its advance it suffered very heavy casualties. Despite these losses, this battalion continued its attacks and advances with unabating vigor and persistence.
4. It has been a pleasure to have under my command these officers and men who were of inestimable value to the success of the operation as a part of the 2d Marine Division, Reinforced. The parent organization of the 1st Battalion, 29th Marines can well be proud of the accomplishments of this battalion during the Saipan operation.
/s/ T. E. Watson
T. E. WATSON