29th Infantry Division

29th Infantry Division is a formation of the United States Army that has a long and storied history, with its roots dating back to World War I. The division was initially composed of National Guard units from Maryland, Virginia, and Delaware, and was activated on July 18, 1917, at Camp McClellan, Alabama. The division's early years were marked by training and preparation for deployment to Europe, where it would eventually see action alongside the American Expeditionary Forces under the command of John J. Pershing. The division's soldiers were trained at various facilities, including Fort Benning, Georgia, and Fort Jackson, South Carolina, before being shipped out to France.

● History

The division's history began during World War I, when it was formed as part of the National Army and trained at Camp McClellan, under the command of Major General Charles G. Morton. The division was composed of units from Maryland, Virginia, and Delaware, and was initially tasked with defending the East Coast of the United States from potential German attacks. In 1918, the division was deployed to France, where it saw action in the Meuse-Argonne Offensive alongside the 32nd Infantry Division and the 77th Infantry Division. The division's soldiers fought bravely, earning numerous awards and decorations, including the Croix de Guerre and the Medal of Honor, which was awarded to soldiers such as Alvin York and Samuel Woodfill. After the war, the division was demobilized and its units returned to their home states, where they were welcomed back as heroes by Theodore Roosevelt and other notable figures.

● Organization

The division's organization has changed over the years, but it has always been composed of a mix of infantry, artillery, and support units. During World War II, the division was reactivated and reorganized, with units from Maryland, Virginia, and Delaware being joined by units from other states, including New York and Pennsylvania. The division was commanded by Major General Leonard T. Gerow and was part of the V Corps under the command of Lieutenant General Omar Bradley. The division's units were trained at various facilities, including Fort Meade, Maryland, and Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia, before being deployed to Europe. The division's organization included the 115th Infantry Regiment, the 116th Infantry Regiment, and the 175th Infantry Regiment, which were supported by units such as the 110th Field Artillery Battalion and the 224th Field Artillery Battalion.

● Commanders

The division has had many notable commanders throughout its history, including Major General Charles G. Morton, who led the division during World War I, and Major General Leonard T. Gerow, who commanded the division during World War II. Other notable commanders include Lieutenant General Matthew B. Ridgway, who commanded the division during the Korean War, and Major General Harry Kinnard, who led the division during the Vietnam War. The division's commanders have included graduates of the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York, and the Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. The division's commanders have also included notable figures such as Dwight D. Eisenhower and George S. Patton, who played important roles in shaping the division's history.

● Operations

The division has seen action in several major operations throughout its history, including the Meuse-Argonne Offensive during World War I and the Normandy Landings during World War II. The division was part of the Allied Expeditionary Force under the command of General Dwight D. Eisenhower and played a key role in the D-Day landings, with units such as the 116th Infantry Regiment and the 175th Infantry Regiment being among the first to land on Omaha Beach. The division's soldiers fought bravely, earning numerous awards and decorations, including the Presidential Unit Citation and the French Croix de Guerre. The division has also seen action in the Korean War and the Vietnam War, with units such as the 115th Infantry Regiment and the 224th Field Artillery Battalion being deployed to Korea and Vietnam.

● Notable Battles

The division has fought in many notable battles throughout its history, including the Battle of the Argonne Forest during World War I and the Battle of Normandy during World War II. The division's soldiers also fought in the Battle of the Bulge and the Battle of Aachen, earning a reputation as a fierce and formidable fighting force. The division's units have also seen action in the Battle of Chosin Reservoir during the Korean War and the Battle of Ia Drang during the Vietnam War. The division's soldiers have fought alongside units such as the 101st Airborne Division and the 1st Infantry Division, and have been supported by units such as the United States Air Force and the United States Navy. The division's battles have been commemorated in works such as The Longest Day and Saving Private Ryan, which were written by authors such as Cornelius Ryan and Stephen E. Ambrose.

● Legacy

The division's legacy is one of bravery, sacrifice, and service to the United States. The division's soldiers have earned numerous awards and decorations, including the Medal of Honor, the Distinguished Service Cross, and the Purple Heart. The division's history and legacy are commemorated at the National World War I Museum and Memorial in Kansas City, Missouri, and the National World War II Museum in New Orleans, Louisiana. The division's soldiers have also been honored by The American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and have been recognized by notable figures such as Harry S. Truman and Ronald Reagan. The division's legacy continues to inspire new generations of soldiers and civilians, and serves as a reminder of the importance of service, sacrifice, and patriotism. Category:Infantry divisions of the United States Army