"The attack of the 502th Infantry regiment at BEST, HOLLAND, was a part of OPERATION MARKET which aimed to open a corridor from the Belgium-Holland border to the city of ARNHEM, HOLLAND. The corridor was to be established by means of a three-division air drop, these three divisions being assigned to seize and hold the main highway from EINDHOVEN, HOLLAND, to ARNHEM, until an armored column could pass through and effect a concentration on the far side of the NEDER RIJN. The 506th Regiment had the task of moving directly from its drop zone to ZON, HOLLAND, and then marching S to EINDHOVEN. It was believed by the Command that the enemy would defend this large city in considerable strength. Off the flank of ZON, a short distance to the westward, lay the small city of BEST. The 502nd Regiment , whose principal initial mission was to move on ZON behind the 506th Regiment and then stay in readiness to support the attack on EINDHOVEN , paid some passing attention to BEST in anticipating what might happen . Being on the western boundary of the corridor, the BEST bridgehead, if delivered into our hands, would further safeguard that portion of the corridor which passed through ZON and would likewise protect the drop zone, which is the base of supply in airborne operation. It was not believed that BEST would be strongly defended or that it would become necessary to commit large forces at this point. (This is the statement of the Battalion and Regimental Commanders and is confirmed by Division S2.)"