Narrative of the Operation - Commendations

Eloquent of the enthusiasm which greeted the airborne phase of the advance into Holland are the commendations which were bestowed upon those whose aggressive and intelligent leadership had made the operation possible. On 18 September Gen. H. H. Arnold sent the following message to General Brereton:

"Highly gratified to receive information of success of your command in its initial operation. See decisive role for large-scale airborne operations in future military doctrine. All command and staff echelons congratulated on brilliant planning and execution of your assault."

The next day, 19 September, General Brereton received the following message of congratulation from Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower:

"The initial major operation of the Allied Airborne Army has already proceeded sufficiently far to confirm the wisdom of the decision to organize all our airborne forces under single command. Individually your divisions have previously exhibited unexcelled skill, courage, and resolution. But eh current operation marks the first  attempt in warfare to utilize a number of airborne divisions against a single major objective. The perfection of your staff work is demonstrated by the complete coordination between air, ground, and airborne forces, and this coordination has resulted in maximum tactical effect. I congratulate you and your deputy, General Browning, together with all officers and ranks serving under you. Best wishes and good luck for the future to every man of the Allied Airborne Army."

On 1 October General Eisenhower transmitted to General Brereton the following message fro Gen. George C. Marshall:

"Dear Brereton: My congratulations and thanks to you, your staff, and your pilots and crews for the courageous and determined manner in which they have carried out their duties in landing and supplying the divisions of the airborne army in Holland. I am requesting General Eisenhower to transmit a message to the United States ground units of the forces which are now engaged in the salient."

Within the First Allied Airborne Army itself there was strong conviction that the air component had most meritoriously discharged its obligations. Maj. Gen. James M. Gavin, Commanding General 82d Airborne Division, who on 21 October was promoted to the rank of major general in recognition of his gallantry and resourcefulness during the operations, wrote as follows to Maj. Gen. Paul L. Williams, Commanding General IX Troop Carrier Command:

"In summary, the Division captured the GRAVE bridge several hours after landing, seized the key terrain between GROESBEEK and NIJMEGEN during the night of D/D plus 1, captured two bridges over the MAAS-WAAL Canal by daylight D plus 1, and capture the big NIJMEGEN bridge on D plus 3. The Division could not have accomplished any one of these missions, nor its complete mission, but for the splendid, whole-hearted cooperation of the IX Troop Carrier Command. The drops and landings were the best in the history of this Division. The courageous performance of the pilots was magnificent and has been the subject of boundless favorable comment by all ground personnel. With all the sincerity at my command I would like to express to you my appreciation and that of every soldier of this Division for the splendid performance of your command."