Charles J Skinner

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting

the MERITORIOUS UNIT COMMENDATION to the

563rd SIGNAL AIRCRAFT WARNING BATTALION

for service set forth in the following:

CITATION

“For outstanding performance and devotion to duty during the period 13 January 1945 to 28 March 1945.  This organization, because of its superior knowledge and performance of tactical operations, superb training, technical skill, spirit of cooperation, aggressiveness, and resourcefulness accomplished outstanding achievement relative to Aircraft Warning Service to the XIX Tactical Air Command throughout the continental campaign.  The superb efficiency and relentless efforts of all members of this command contributed materially in making possible the brilliant and successful onslaughts by aircraft of the command against the enemy during the Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes and Central Europe campaigns.  The accomplishment of this mission was extremely difficult and hazardous during the latter stages of the campaigns because of the rapid advance which necessitated constant leapfrogging of equipment and personnel.  That the Battalion was able at all times to furnish early aircraft warning to fighters and the fighter bombers as well as invaluable information on enemy ground targets reflects highly upon the 563rd Signal Aircraft Warning Battalion and is worthy of the highest traditions of the Military service.”

General Orders #59, Headquarters, XIX Tactical Air Command, 3 July 1945.

By command of General Sanders