CITATION FOR FRENCH CROIX DE GUERRE WITH PALM
"A select Regiment which demonstrated its tactical worth and fighting spirit under all circumstances. Under command of its chief, Colonel James E. Rudder, it participated from 28 January 1945 onward, in close collaboration with the French armored formations in the operations of the siege of Colmar. During all the time of the hard engagements against a tenacious enemy, its efforts and sacrifices contributed in a great measure to the success of the maneuver which was to end 2 February 1945, in the capture of Colmar, and spared the city of the consequences of street fighting. It fought side by side with the French units, and demonstrated a comradeship in all instances which gave the best example of fellowship in arms and community ideals."
Gen. Charles de Gaulle, President of the Provisional Government of France, 27 March 1945
Citation re-printed from page 321 of "The Regiment." A narrative history of the 109th Infantry Regiment during WWII by Harry M. Kemp, Colonel, retired U.S. Army.
During WWII Harry Kemp was the Company Commander of M Company, Executive Officer of the 3rd Battalion and Commander of the 2nd Battalion of the 109th Infantry Regiment. He was also one of the very few that made it all the way without being off the frontlines from Normandy in July 1944 to a year later in their last days in the European Theatre. On November 27, 2004 the country of Luxembourg decorated Kemp with the "Cross of Merit," their highest non-citizen award. It was given to Kemp for his efforts in securing the evacuation of the citizens of Diekirch, Luxembourg. His efforts saved at least 6,000 Luxembourgers from annihilation from the Nazi's when the "Battle of the Bulge" began at their doorstep on December 16, 1944. The amazing story of Diekirch and their hero Harry Kemp is featured in episode 3 and 4 of the screenplay.
Harry Kemp was also the first Veteran I came to know from the 109th in 2000. He would become a very dear friend and strong supporter of my documentary film and screenplay about the Regiment that he so loved. I was privileged and honored to escort Harry and his family to Luxembourg in 2004 to receive his well deserved award from the people of Luxembourg. It was a trip of a lifetime and one that I will never forget. Harry passed away November 19, 2006 and he is buried at Arlington.
Below are pictures I took of Harry in Diekirch during our trip to Luxembourg. The first two were taken during a banquet that honored Harry and other Veterans from the 109th that fought in Diekirch. The last picture is of Harry with two 109th Veterans that were in his 3rd Battalion during the "Battle of the Bulge." The Veteran on the far left is Edward Parks who was captured in the first days of "The Bulge" and next to him is Maurice Schmidli, who was a newer replacement that survived "The Bulge."
Contact: lindarae@thecrossofwar.com.