U.S. Fifth Army

U.S. Fifth Army was a field army of the United States Army activated during World War II. It is best known for its pivotal role in the grueling Italian Campaign, commanding a diverse multinational force. After the war, it was inactivated and later reactivated, evolving into its current role as United States Army North, the U.S. Northern Command's joint force land component command headquartered at Fort Sam Houston.

History

The activation of this formation was ordered by General George C. Marshall in January 1943, with its initial headquarters established at Oujda in French Morocco. Under the command of Lieutenant General Mark W. Clark, it was tasked with planning and executing the Allied invasion of Italy. Following the Italian armistice in September 1943, it conducted the landings at Salerno, marking the beginning of its sustained combat on the European mainland. After the conclusion of World War II, it was inactivated in October 1945 at Camp Myles Standish. The army was reactivated in June 1946 at Chicago and subsequently moved its headquarters to Fort Sheridan. In 1971, a major reorganization led to its redesignation as United States Army North, assuming its contemporary homeland defense and civil support missions.

Organization

During the Italian Campaign, its structure was notably multinational, incorporating various Allied contingents. Its core American formations included the II Corps and later the IV Corps. It also commanded the British X Corps and, at different times, the French Expeditionary Corps under General Alphonse Juin and the Brazilian Expeditionary Force. This integrated command also included units from New Zealand, South Africa, and Italy following its change in allegiance. Post-war, as United States Army North, its organization shifted to include standing brigades and the coordination of federalized Army National Guard and United States Army Reserve forces for domestic operations.

Campaigns and operations

Its primary operational history is defined by the arduous advance up the Italian Peninsula. Major operations included the initial landing at Salerno, the grueling battles around the Winter Line and the fortress monastery of Monte Cassino, and the Anzio landings. It played a central role in the breakthrough of the Gustav Line and the subsequent capture of Rome in June 1944. The army then advanced north, overcoming the Gothic Line and engaging in fierce fighting during the Spring 1945 offensive in Italy, which culminated in the final Allied offensive and the German surrender in Italy in May 1945. In its modern incarnation, its operations focus on homeland defense, disaster response in support of FEMA, and security cooperation exercises such as Beyond the Horizon.

Commanders

Notable wartime commanders included its first and most famous leader, Lieutenant General Mark W. Clark, who led it from its inception through the capture of Rome. He was succeeded by Lieutenant General Lucian Truscott in December 1944, who commanded during the final offensive. Other commanders included General George H. Decker and General John K. Waters during its early Cold War period. As United States Army North, its commanders have held the title of commanding general, with recent holders including Lieutenant General Jeffrey W. Talley and Lieutenant General Laura J. Richardson.

Legacy and honors

Its legacy is immortalized by its tenacious campaign in Italy, commemorated at sites like the Sicily–Rome American Cemetery and Memorial. The army received several campaign streamers, including for Naples-Foggia, Anzio, Rome-Arno, and the North Apennines. The modern United States Army North continues its lineage, earning honors for its response to Hurricane Katrina and the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. Its shoulder sleeve insignia, featuring a blue shield with a red "V," remains a symbol of its historic and enduring service.

Category:Field armies of the United States Category:United States Army North