In mid August 1944 the 8th Division engaged German troops in the port city of Brest, France.  On the 17th the Division motto was established when surrendering Lt. Gen. Hermann Ramcke asked to see the credentials of Brig. Gen. Charles D. W.  Canham, Asst. Commander 8th I.D., who was brought forward to accept the surrender.  Gen. Canham pointed to riflemen of the 13th Infantry Regiment and replied "these are my credentials."