134th Infantry Regiment "All Hell Can't Stop Us"

Col. Bernard A. Byrne

Commander, 320th Infantry Regiment

Legion of Merit

Colonel (Infantry) Bernard Abert Byrne (ASN: 0-12404), United States Army, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of the 320th Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division, during World War II.

Silver Star Medal

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Colonel (Infantry) Bernard Abert Byrne (ASN: 0-12404), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of the 320th Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division, in action in the vicinity of **** and ****, France, on 10 November 1944. On that day Colonel Byrne visited front line elements of his regiment and exposed himself to heavy enemy small arms and artillery fire in order to urge his men forward in the clearance of *** Woods. Colonel Byrne's command had been stopped by the enemy who had counterattacked with tanks and infantry. He exhibited courage and coolness under fire, moving among his left battalion in order to personally urge them forward. By inspirational leadership, Colonel Byrne's regiment captured **** Farm and pushed forward to clear the **** Woods. The gallantry of Colonel Byrne exemplifies the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States. Entered United States Military Academy from Ohio Headquarters 35th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 53, 23 November 1944

Bronze Star Medal OLC

Bronze Star Medal Colonel Bernard A. Byrne, O12404, Infantry, United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in performance of outstanding service from 31 July to 4 August 1944. Entered United States Military Academy from Ohio. Headquarters 35th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 30, 7 September 1944 Bronze Star Medal OLC Colonel Bernard A. Byrne, O12404, Infantry, United States Army, for meritorious service in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States in the vicinity of *** and ***, France from 4 to 10 December 1944. Entered United States Military Academy from Ohio.

Letter from Col. Byrne to mother of a soldier, France 14 August 1945

Download of copy of Col. Byrne's letter in PDF file format

Thanks to Mr. Gary S. Brown for Col. Byrne's letter pictured above.