27th Infantry Division (United States)

27th Infantry Division (United States)
Unit name	27th Infantry Division
Caption	Shoulder sleeve insignia of the 27th Infantry Division
Dates	1917–1919, 1940–1945, 1946–1954
Country	United States
Branch	United States Army
Type	Infantry
Size	Division
Garrison	New York
Nickname	"New York Division", "Empire Division"
Motto	"Let's Go!"
Battles	World War I, World War II
Notable commanders	John F. O'Ryan, Ralph C. Smith

27th Infantry Division (United States) was a New York National Guard formation of the United States Army that saw extensive combat in both World War I and World War II. Known as the "New York Division" or "Empire Division," it was composed primarily of units from New York State. The division was activated for federal service in both world wars and was inactivated after the Korean War.

History

The division's lineage traces back to the New York National Guard, with its initial organization for federal service occurring in July 1917 following the American entry into World War I. It was one of the first American Expeditionary Forces divisions to arrive in France and saw significant action. After the war, it reverted to state control before being inducted back into federal service in October 1940, a year before the attack on Pearl Harbor. The division's final inactivation occurred in the early 1950s following the Korean War.

World War I

The 27th Division, under the command of Major General John F. O'Ryan, arrived in France in May 1918. It initially trained with the British Army and was assigned to the U.S. II Corps attached to the British Fourth Army. The division fought in the Somme offensive, participating in the critical Battle of St. Quentin Canal, which was part of the larger Hundred Days Offensive that breached the Hindenburg Line. Its actions during the Meuse-Argonne offensive further demonstrated its combat effectiveness. The division suffered over 8,000 casualties during the war before returning to the United States and being demobilized in early 1919.

World War II

Reactivated at Fort McClellan, Alabama in October 1940, the 27th Division, now commanded by Major General Ralph C. Smith, underwent extensive training. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, it was deployed to the Pacific Theater. The division first saw combat during the Battle of Makin in the Gilbert Islands, a costly operation to secure the atoll. It played a major role in the Battle of Saipan, where it fought alongside the U.S. Marine Corps in brutal engagements against the Imperial Japanese Army, including at Death Valley and Purple Heart Ridge. The division later participated in the Battle of Okinawa, providing critical support during the final major campaign of the war. It was preparing for the invasion of Japan when the war ended.

Post-World War II and inactivation

Following Victory over Japan Day, the 27th Infantry Division performed occupation duty in Japan before returning to the United States and inactivating in December 1945. It was briefly reconstituted in the New York Army National Guard in 1946. During the Korean War, the division was not deployed as a whole, but many of its personnel and subordinate units were called into federal service. The division headquarters was finally inactivated in early 1954, with its lineage and honors continuing through various New York Army National Guard units.

Commanders

Notable commanders of the division included Major General John F. O'Ryan, who led it throughout World War I. During World War II, Major General Ralph C. Smith commanded the division through its pivotal campaigns in the Central Pacific Area. Other wartime commanders included Major General George W. Griner Jr., who led the division during the later stages of the Battle of Okinawa.

Campaigns and decorations

The 27th Infantry Division's campaign participation includes the Somme Offensive and the Meuse-Argonne Offensive during World War I. In World War II, it was credited with the Central Pacific campaign, Western Pacific campaign, and the Ryukyu Islands campaign. The division was awarded several unit decorations, and its soldiers received numerous individual awards, including the Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross, and Silver Star. The division's distinctive shoulder sleeve insignia, featuring the stars of the Orion constellation, was authorized during World War I.

Category:Infantry divisions of the United States Army Category:Military units and formations established in 1917 Category:Military units and formations disestablished in 1954