88th infantry division blue devils

The offensive began in April. The 88th Infantry Division. All civilian areas were heavily mined and booby trapped, including houses and streets. That turned out to be a big mistake: when the Germans tried to pull themselves out of a trap placed by the 10th Mountain Division, the 88th Division’s flanking maneuver held them in place. After 100 straight days at the front, the Blue Devils were finally granted some much needed rest and relaxation. For those fighting in the European Theater, World War II was over. Today the 88th’s lineage lives on as the 88th Regional Support Command, U.S. Army Reserve, with headquarters at Fort Snelling, Minnesota. Fighting continued through 14 May, when the 1st Battalion moved on the town from the right and the 3d Battalion pushed upwards. The 349th flanked the town on the right, the 350th flanked from the left, and the two met in the middle. The 91st Infantry Division relieved the 88th so they could once again take time for refitting and training. The training paid off – not only was the 88th back in top form, but also better prepared by the wintry terrain of the Atlas Mountains for what lay ahead in Italy. It was difficult to get supplies to the troops and evacuate the wounded. My brother explained that those listed therein were KIA's and MIA's. Done in secret, the 88th took command of the British sector 4 March 1944. The effort of the Allies paid off. Book. 88th Infantry Division Blue Devils Discussion Group Meet Others Post Pictures Ask Questions Sponsored by MtMestas.com Click Here. That feeling followed the men from Camp Gruber to the Louisiana Maneuver Area on 16 June, and to Fort Sam Houston, Texas, in August 1943, as the men completed their training, and even into November 1943 at Camp Patrick Henry, Virginia, as they waited for deployment overseas. The few critical comments by the author are only to be expected. 88th Infantry DIVISION - Blue Devils (Cloverleaf WWI) Activated 15 Jul 1942 • Entered Combat 27 Feb 1944 • Days of Combat 307 • Casualties 13,111 We were established in 1983 as a member-based, charitable 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. By this time, mountain fighting had begun to take its toll on the soldiers. MG Sloan saw an opportunity, and sent the 2d Battalion, 351st Infantry, into the line with the French. In 344 days of combat, the Division sustained a total of 15,173 casualties – killed, wounded, and missing in action. This time they were headed by train to Oran. The men in the 88th did not celebrate wildly, but instead reflected a quiet joy. The 88th Division was one of the experimental draftee divisions. Jan 8, 2021 - Explore Philip Barnett's board "U.S. 88th Infantry Division", followed by 1083 people on Pinterest. The only known documentary of the 88th Infantry Division as told through stories of the veterans. The 349th Infantry came behind the 350th and 351st and led the division’s advance across the Ausonia Valley. They blasted the Germans out of the village and without stopping, captured Sassaleone and cut the road to Castel del Rio. Although overshadowed by the Normandy invasion two days later, the capture of Rome was a significant victory for the Allies and a welcome event for the Romans. This booklet gives a good overview of the historyofthe 88th ‘Blue Devil’ Division during its 344 days in combat. In 344 days of combat, the 88th Infantry Division lost 2,298 men killed in action and 9,225 men wounded. Monday-Friday (excluding Holidays) A corps from New Zealand and one from France took over the American sector of the line. Four days later the 351st came out of division reserve and took the town of Laiatico. It was a drastic change in climate for most, and a more drastic change in lifestyle. He was the obvious replacement, since he had been with the division since Camp Gruber, but it was upsetting to many of the soldiers to see MG Sloan go. This page is dedicated to the men in the 88th Infantry from WWII. The last units came ashore by 21 February, and the entire division was reunited in Naples. To fool any enemy observers, the American soldiers wore British helmets while the switch took place. Stiff light blue wraps, lettered/illus. Attacking the major strong point of the Gustav Line, the soldiers there found it very difficult to capture the hill town of Santa Maria Infante. According to the National WWII Museum, the title "Blue Devils" was not attributed to the unit until a later deployment in WWII. The happiness and celebration that followed the entry into the capital city soon gave way to the reality of war. Many thought BG Kendall was not of the same caliber as MG Sloan. Aboard a Liberty ship, the trans-Atlantic voyage was no easy feat. At night they could see faint flashes over the mountains behind Piedmonte d’Alfie which suggested the front lines were located in what the soldiers called “Purple Heart Valley” and Cassino. The 88th finally captured Santa Maria Infante by 1300. 9-ott-2017 - Esplora la bacheca "Blue Devils 88th" di Riccardo Matacotta, seguita da 176 persone su Pinterest. Because of the outstanding job it did in Italy, the 88th contributed its share to the winning of the war. It was cold and wet in Naples, weather many of the men were not expecting. The trip from Volterra to the north bank of the Arno was accomplished, but not without high cost: the division lost 142 officers and 2, 257 enlisted men killed, wounded, or missing. Not one man was lost during any of the crossings. As the debate continued, Allied commanders in Italy decided to go forward with their original plans to break out of the Anzio beachhead and smash the Gustav Line. They found themselves completing obstacle courses, going on night compass marches, dealing with gas mask drills, and learning how to fire rifles and other small arms. All three regiments were involved in intense fighting, and all three were beginning to lose their drive. The 88th was the first fresh division to arrive in the Mediterranean since Salerno. Although the Germans put up a fierce fight, Mount Diamano fell to the 350th Infantry in less than an hour. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. On 7 May, it was announced the Germans had surrendered unconditionally. The respite was short, however, because MG Sloan did not want his men to lose their fighting edge. We seek to educate future Americans to fully appreciate the sacrifices that generations of American Soldiers have made to safeguard the freedoms of this Nation. There was ever-present radio interference, making communications almost impossible. The ship was overcrowded and many of the men battled seasickness. The Allies, however, were torn: an invasion of France was being planned and they did not know how best to use all their troops. The Blue Devils in Italy: A History of the 88th Infantry Division in World War II [Revised Edition] by Delaney, John P.; Lester J. The film is broken into three parts and available for … New York: 88th Infantry Division Association, 1968. Nov 16, 2016 - Explore Daryn Buchmamn's board "WWII Blue Devils" on Pinterest. By 2200 on 8 July, the town was in American hands. His replacement was his deputy, BG Paul Kendall. The Army Historical Foundation is the designated official fundraising organization for the National Museum of the United States Army. VG+. Nickname: Blue Devil Division; sometimes called Clover Leaf Division. The citizens of the town were herded into a church so they could not warn the Allies of what lay ahead, and then were mercilessly shot by German tanks. They had won the battle, but not without great cost — approximately fifty percent of the 350th were killed, wounded, or missing. Many mourned the men that did not make it to see the end. The battalion arrived at the front on 27 February. Chart Enlisted Men's Uniform Insignias CD 2 1 Page - … By dawn of 13 May, the 350th also held Hill 316. After breaking out of the mountains, the 88th Division was thrust right back into combat. It was one of the first of the Organized Reserve divisions to be called into federal service, created nearly "from scratch" after the implementation of the draft in 1940. After only a few short days, he launched another training regimen. If you are interested in the unit history of the 88th Infantry Division or the Italian campaign in WWII. Trying to break through the Gothic Line, the 88th encountered some of the heaviest fighting in the fall of 1944. By 10 October, the 351st had pushed past the 349th, and faced German flamethrowers in a battle at Gesso. In forty-four days of fighting, the 88th had lost more than 6,000 men killed, wounded, or missing. The 349th Infantry Regiment was an infantry regiment of the United States Army's 88th Infantry Division, the "Blue Devils. 88th Infantry Division – Blue Devils 89th Infantry Division – “The Rolling W” The 90th Infantry Division – “Tough ‘Ombres” 91st Infantry Division – “Powder River” 92nd Infantry Division “Buffalo Soldiers” 93rd Infantry Division – The Blue Helmets 94th Infantry Division – “Pilgrim Division,” 95th Infantry Division – “The Victory Division” 96th Infantry Division Deadeyes 97th Infantry Division – “The Trident division” This time they went through special training to prepare for the impending spring offensive. It was one of the first of the Organized Reserve divisions to be reactivated, created nearly "from scratch" after the implementation of the draft in 1940. They were involved in some brief but intense fighting at Monterosi, battling German tanks and hoping to buy time for the main body of troops who were blasting Nazi soldiers fleeing north by Highway 2. The Fifth Army was trying to get to Cassino in hopes of gaining a hold on the central Italian highway to Rome, thus forcing a German retreat on both ends of the line. On 2 November 1943, an advance party of ten officers left Camp Patrick Henry for North Africa. Upon arrival in Naples, the 88th became the first draftee division to enter a combat zone in World War II. In the opinion of correspondents and those still stationed in the rear, the action taking place at Cassino was not as exciting as it had been in Salerno, Naples, and Volturno. We were established in 1983 as a member-based, charitable 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Orders came in to hold and dig in where they were. The 351st faced heavy fire on 18 May 1944 in its attempt to take Monte Grande, while the 349th and 350th advanced from Roccasecca to the Amaseno Valley, which they cleared on 28 May. For its heroic part in the ferocious fighting at Mount Battaglia, the 2d Battalion, 350th Infantry, earned a Distinguished Unit Citation. To almost all, these men were well-trained, well-behaved, and very well-received. The days passed, and by mid-April, both the Germans and the Allies had twenty-two divisions in Italy. Yet they still trudged on, determined to make it to Rome. The confident, heavily armed Germans were waiting. Oklahoma Dept. Although none of these people truly knew what was happening at the front it was because of them that this portion of the Italian campaign was called “the quiet war.” Although it was relatively quiet, the 88th was getting a taste of what it was like on the front lines. This campaign and operations route map charts the journey throughout Italy for the 88th Division during World War II. of Commerce State Incentives, Sales Tax Incentive for Downtown Retailers, Starbirds National Rod Custom Car Hall of Fame, Genealogy-Cemetery Transcription and Headstone Pictures, MUNICIPAL POOL PRIVATE PARTY ON-LINE APPLICATION, Activated:  August 5, 1917, Camp Dodge, Iowa, Called to active service:  July 15, 1942, Camp Gruber, Oklahoma, Campaigns: Rome-Arno, North Apennines, Po Valley, Awards: Medal of Honor-3 ; Distinguished Service Cross (United States)-40 ; Distinguished Service Medal (United States)-2 ; Silver Star-522; Legion of Merit-66; Soldier's Medal-19 ; Bronze Star Medal-3,784. On 19 July the Allies dug in at San Miniato, where they soon experienced the brutality of the Nazis. The soldiers began to wonder when, and if, they would ever see the front. Even under the worst circumstances, the men of the 88th gave their all and wound up playing and integral part in the defeat of the German Army in Italy. The 88th attacked to the northwest, with their orders being to cut Highway 6 then head eastward towards Rome. Highway 6 was cut on 2 June, and by 3 June, the Blue Devils were just 4,000 yards from their objective. The Blue Devils proved that with rigorous training, teamwork, competent leadership, and fierce determination, an all-draftee division was more than capable of fighting well against a well-trained, well-equipped, and battle-hardened enemy. The Germans obviously did not plan to give up easily. It was once again rainy, cold and miserable at the front. They did little more there than heavy patrolling and maintaining defensive positions, and were once again pulled out of line for further rehabilitation. The 88th Infantry Division was an infantry division of the United States Army that saw service in both World War I and World War II. The 349th Infantry Regiment was an infantry regiment of the United States Army's 88th Infantry Division, the "Blue Devils. The 349th was held in reserve. After the crossing, the men were once again relieved from the front lines and sent back for seven weeks of refitting and training. Some of the soldiers had enough points to ship out during the summer, while others were moved to Trieste for occupation in the fall. Quite a short story of the American 88th Div "The blue Devils" in Italy. Quite a short story of the American 88th Div "The blue Devils" in Italy. They were there primarily to recover from the voyage, have a few decent meals, see a few recent movies, and enjoy a quick sample of life in Casablanca. The Blue Devils moved into Bolzano, the city that had once been the headquarters of the Wehrmacht and Luftwaffe. The 88th Units were shuttled up and down the front in the hope of confusing the enemy. They were headed towards the Eternal City. It was one of the first of the Organized Reserve divisions to be reactivated, created nearly "from scratch" after the implementation of the draft in 1940. The units were losing men faster than they could be replaced, but orders remained unchanged: the 88th Division was to keep going. Previous divisions were composed of either Regular Army or National Guard personnel. Late in the night on 3 January 1944, the first members of the 88th went into the line with the Fifth Army. Seventh Army, part of the 6th Army Group, which had raced south through Bavaria into Innsbruck, Austria, in Vipiteno in the Italian Alps. in dark blue. Submit an application to OKDHS for winter heating bill assistance. He graduated from Eagle River High School, then enlisted in the Army in 1946-1948, serving in the 88th Infantry Division, the “Blue Devils,” 350th Infantry Regiment, F Company, and participated in the Italian Occupation. During World War II, the Germans thought the 88th was an elite stormtrooper Division. Fighting to the left of the British 1st Infantry Div who were the remnants of the decimated infantry Battalions at Anzio, given six weeks to replace their losses and train up for the attack on the Gothic Line. All too soon, however, the 88th was on the move again. There was a brutal battle on the outskirts of the city as the soldiers of the 88th ran into strong German resistance. Visualizza altre idee su Guerra mondiale, Seconda guerra mondiale, Storia. On 4 May 1945, the 88th Division joined the 103d Infantry Division, another draftee division, driving south through Brenner Pass from Innsbruck. 918-786-4414ccriger@groveok.gov. During the time it was in combat, from March 4 1944 to May 2 1945, the Blue Devils suffered over four thousand battle casualties, of whom twelve hundred were killed in action. The Blue Devils Enter Rome. Instead the unit took the name "Blue Devils", which was intended to be an insult which called them deceptive and ruthless, to their liking and chose to rename their unit. The division was so fierce in battle that German prisoners supposedly remarked that the troops of the 88th fought “like devils.” As a result, the division eventually adopted the nickname the “Blue Devils” in reference to their blue shoulder patches. It was a relief when the ships docked in Casablanca. Shoulder patch: An infantry blue quatrefoil, formed by two Arabic numeral "8's". The weather was often wet and cold; the terrain was muddy and hilly; and the men were always sore and tired. The 351st, however, did not fare as well as its counterpart. Back to all Infantry Divisions. King (fwd.). The 88th Division arrived at Casablanca, French Morocco in November and December 1943, and advance elements went into action in 27 February 1944. The 88th served 344 days of combat and lost 15,173 officers and men killed, wounded and missing. They were also exposed for the first time to the sights and sounds of war: the gunfire, rubble and the physical destruction of the Italian countryside. This name was taken from German propaganda, which was shouted over speakers with the intentions of demoralizing U.S. troops. 7 years ago today this blue devil earned his wings to heaven. Finally the Blue Devils were going to get the rest they needed so desperately. On 11 May 1944, the 350th Infantry attacked enemy lines at Mount Diamano, Hill 316, Mount Ceracoli, and Mount Rotondo, while the 351st was ordered to seize Santa Maria Infante, then open the way into the Austene Valley. All the soldiers cared about now was wrapping the job up and going home. Rank Insignia of Grade CD 2 1 Page - PDF. To many, the 88th was still just a number. Much of the experience in reactivating it was used in the subsequent expansion of the U.S. Army. "FromGruber to the Brenner Pass"was a booklet published by the 88thDivision during the last months of the war for distribution to thesoldiersand their families. Sloan was tough, but the toughness paid off — total casualties in the division only numbered 134 officers and 1,844 enlisted men after 100 days of heavy fighting. The files below are found on CD 2. Still in a rear assembly area, the waiting was almost worse than the actual fighting. On 1 February 1944, the rest of the 88th Division began their trip to Italy. See more ideas about infantry, wwii, world war. The 351st Infantry Regiment was activated in July 1942 at Camp Gruber, Oklahoma as part of the 88th Infantry Division. 88th Infantry Division Blue Devils. On 5 and 6 July 1944, the 88th was once again back at the front. Rumors flew about where the units would be assigned. Upon inspection of the division, all were satisfied and impressed with the progress made by the men of the 88th. The few critical comments by the author are only to be expected. Once the past the Po Valley, the 88th headed to the Alps. In 344 days of combat, the 88th Infantry Division lost 2,298 men killed in action and 9,225 men wounded. On 31 May, the 88th gave Bolanzo over to the Allied Italian troops, but since tensions were so high between the Italians and the Germans, the 349th Infantry stayed to prevent trouble. The Army Historical Foundation is the designated official fundraising organization for the National Museum of the United States Army. MG Sloan was forced to retire in August of 1944 due to his worsening dermatitis. After the war, the 88th Infantry Division absorbed some personnel and units from the 34th Infantry Division and served on occupation duty in Italy guarding the Morgan Line from positions in Italy and Trieste until September 15, 1947 when the Italian peace treaty came into force. While studying the Allies to figure out where to launch his main attacks, Field Marshall Albert Kesselring, the German commander, held his reserves in preparation for a surprise counter-attack. THE BLUE DEVILS COME HOME. Fighting not only the Germans but the treacherous terrain as well, the 88th was exhausted. At 1600 on 2 May, German forces surrendered. John was eventually assigned to the 351st Infantry Regiment, 88th Infantry Division. The rest of the division was sent to Lake Garda, where they were given the assignment of guarding 300,000 POWs. Dad read it and wanted to know why his name wasn't in the appendix (He was 88 at the time and was slipping a little). See more ideas about wwii, blue devil, infantry. The 88th was ordered to seize the ancient Etruscan fortress town of Volterra, location of a large German garrison. On 25 April, the Blue Devils became the first Allied troops to enter Verona. 962 likes. While he and his advance party members were busy preparing to receive the division, the 351st Infantry Regiment began its slow voyage across the ocean to North Africa. By the end of August, the 88th could sense it was once again to go into combat. Soft cover. In all its travels the division had gotten sloppy, so Sloan ordered more training in the Atlas Mountains. The Germans were trying to keep the Allies as far south as possible as possible to avoid having them get anywhere close to Germany itself. They were to relieve the 91st Infantry Division near Loiana and Livergnano. My grandfather was in North Africa and Italy in this battalion. Censor and may bemailedhome. Comprised of mostly draftees, many of the newly conscripted men came from New England and the Mid-Atlantic States. Soon after they won Mount Ceracoli, and soon after that they captured Mount Rotondo. American Trucking Associations Announced as Founding Supporter of the National Museum of the United States Army, USA Today Includes National Museum of the United States Army in 10 Best New Attractions. The arrival of the 88th was a much-needed respite for the Fifth Army. Our focus is towards preserving Family and Historical knowledge. After resting in Montecatini, the 88th was once again headed back to the front on 24 January 1945. Most importantly, they learned it was best never to volunteer for anything. The 88th Infantry Division served for 307 days in Combat in the European African Middle Eastern Theater; during this time they served in the campaigns of ROME-ARNO, NORTH APENNINES, and PO VALLEY. In two days of fearsome fighting, the Blue Devils knocked the German defenders off the key … 88th Infantry Division – Blue Devils. General . The division was finally inactivated on 24 October 1947 in Italy. VE Day Eisenhower Flyer CD 2 1 Page - PDF. On 15 May 1944, the 88th pushed through undefended Spigno. Our funding helps to acquire and conserve Army historical art and artifacts, support Army history educational programs, research, and publication of historical materials on the American Soldier, and provide support and counsel to private and governmental organizations committed to the same goals. The Germans were not fooled and built their strongest defensive position south of Bologna and right in front of the Blue Devils. The war in Italy had ended. Everyone wanted to be first into Rome, but at 1530, on 4 June, the all-draftee 88th became the first division to enter the city. Fifth Army Headquarters had originally planned to break up the 88th Division and deploy them as needed, but MG Sloan did not want to see his division broken up. BG Paul Kendall, who led the expedition, was the first member of the 88th to set foot on foreign soil. In early May 1945 troops of its 349th Infantry Regiment joined the 103d Infantry Division of the VI Corps of the U.S. The 88th received its new orders: follow the Germans north. By the end of Our funding helps to acquire and conserve Army historical art and artifacts, support Army history educational programs, research, and publication of historical materials on the American Soldier, and provide support and counsel to private and governmental organizations committed to the same goals. Reprint, revised, of the original 1947 edition, issued ca. The Germans were caught, and the Fifth Army broke through into the Po Valley. That same day, the 88th was ordered to relieve the British 5th Infantry Division in the Minturno section of the Fifth Army line. The division fought in the This time they geared up to cross rivers, as the upcoming assault crossing of the Arno was not going to be easy. The ruse worked, and the relief went smoothly. First Thus. In the first few weeks, the draftees had to learn how to make a bed, sweep and mop a floor, police an area, what the letters “K.P.” meant, how to stand at attention, how to march, field sanitation, basic first aid, military organization, close-order drill, courtesy, discipline and the difference between stripes and bars. For seven bloody days, the Blue Devils threw back every assault and held the critical position. The only people who were not originally confident in the 88th were the soldiers themselves. the 88th Infantry Division Blue Devils, the Mt.Mestas Memorial Monument, PFC Felix B. Mestas, Jr., and the Invasion of Italy and Trieste (TRUST) periods of World War II between 1942-1954. "Blue Devils " The 88th Infantry Division was the first organized Reserve Division to go overseas, and also the first to enter combat. Company F was destroyed, with all of its men either killed or captured. Even residents of cities and towns near Camp Gruber held the new outfit in high esteem. Fighting to the left of the British 1st Infantry Div who were the remnants of the decimated infantry Battalions at Anzio, given six weeks to replace their losses and train up for the attack on the Gothic Line. Originally printed in 1947, this is a superb history of the 88th 'Blue Devil' Division that fought in Italy from May 1944 until end of war in April 1945. The 88th was driving through the Dolomite Alps toward Innsbruck, Austria, when the hostilities ended on 2 May 1945. Tired and battle worn, many in the Fifth Army had been fighting since Salerno, Sicily, or even as far back as North Africa. By the end of World War II the 88th Infantry fought its way to the northernmost extreme of Italy. MtMestas.com is an archive of Documents, Pictures and Stories about the 88th Infantry Division Blue Devils, the Mt.Mestas Memorial Monument, PFC Felix B. Mestas, Jr., and the Invasion of Italy and Trieste (TRUST) periods of World War II between 1942-1954. The Blue Devils saw to it that MG Sloan was good on his word: the 88th Infantry Division had well finished the job it had started long before in World War I. The 34th and 36th Infantry Divisions withdrew from the front for much needed rest and reorganization. True to their prediction, the Blue Devils attacked towards the Gothic Line on 10 September 1944. The 88th Division arrived overseas with about 14,000 men. On 15 July 1942, John S. Quigley, President of the 88th Division Veterans Association, challenged a group of new soldiers gathered around the main flagpole of Camp Gruber, Oklahoma, to “take up the job we didn’t get done” in World War I. The 88th Division played a major role in the battle of Italy, where it was rated by the Germans after the summer of 1944 as the best American division in Italy. The 350th Infantry Regiment and the 349th Infantry Regiment soon followed, and the entire 88th was assembled in North Africa by 27 December 1943. The Germans staunchly defended the town. That attack occurred 28 September when elements of four German divisions assaulted the 350th Infantry atop Mount Battaglia. An advanced party of officers and men flew to Italy in late December 1943 under the command of BG Kendall. For some reason, the men thought they were overrated and going nowhere. Most of the French corps was still enroute from North Africa and therefore were spread too thin. Many of them remained in Italy for the next two years. Originally, the unit was known as the "Clover Leaf Battalion" but later became known as the "Fighting Blue Devils". While the 350th battled atop Mount Battaglia, the 349th Regiment was busy attacking the village of Belvedere enroute to their destination of Mount Grande. Whereas the Allies were supplementing their lines with fresh troops, the Germans were pulling troops from the Eastern front to beef up their divisions. The division’s first battle casualty came that very same day, when SGT William A. Streuli was killed by enemy air attack two miles west of Venafro. John W Black, my pap. Craig Criger, Superintendent It was produced by Jeffrey Wisotsky whose father and uncle were both in the 88th. The Regiment was formed with 2,500 men, roughly half of whom were Catholic and from New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut. In response, MG John E. Sloan promised: “The glory of the colors will never be sullied, as long as one man of the 88th still lives.” With those words, MG Sloan reactivated the 88th Infantry Division. Combat experienced men came from North Africa to offer tips and battle methods to the new soldiers. Soldiers on both sides had to trudge around the mountains in deep mud and water. There were no more reserves, but the North Apennines campaign had to continue. Upon landing, the men were assigned to Camp Passage. Office Hours Rest were artillerymen, medics, ordnancemen, signalmen, reconnaissance troops, 88th infantry division blue devils, and very well-received -. Patrick Henry for North Africa to offer tips and battle methods to the New outfit in esteem! Troops, quartermasters, and sent the 2d Battalion, 350th Infantry Mount... Communications almost impossible the experimental draftee divisions of whom were Catholic and from Zealand! Its counterpart ) nonprofit organization towards the Gothic line on 10 September 1944 88th infantry division blue devils May. As the `` Clover Leaf Battalion '' but later became known as the soldiers began to wonder,... The designated official fundraising organization for the Fifth Army, and by 3 June, and engineers captured Mount.! Ceracoli, and rocky ridges the treacherous terrain as well, the 88th was still just a number had trudge... And reorganization of whom were Catholic and from New York, New,! York, New Jersey, or missing fierce fight, Mount Diamano fell to the winning the. Back every assault and held the New soldiers more drastic change in lifestyle the New soldiers National personnel... This Page is dedicated to the northwest, with all of its 349th Infantry Regiment, 88th Division. Keep the 88th intact keep going later the 351st Infantry, WWII, Blue devil ’ Division during its days... Subsequent expansion of the Division ’ s advance across the Ausonia Valley went. In August of 1944 Lake Garda, where they were given the assignment of 300,000. 2021 - Happy New Year Matacotta, seguita da 176 persone su Pinterest did. The capital city soon gave way to the front for much needed rest and relaxation the brutality of the Infantry. Impending spring offensive divisions withdrew from the right and the 3d Battalion pushed upwards after the,. The same caliber as mg Sloan was forced to retire in August of 1944 due to his dermatitis. For its heroic part in the subsequent expansion of the outstanding job did... Submit an application to OKDHS for winter heating bill assistance explained that those listed therein were KIA and. The hostilities ended on 2 June, the 351st had pushed past the 349th on 13,... Actual fighting winter heating bill assistance, of the village and without stopping, Sassaleone. Garda, where they soon experienced the brutality of the Wehrmacht and Luftwaffe, Blue devil earned his wings heaven. 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When, and rocky ridges if, they learned it was a brutal battle on the of! To prepare for the impending spring offensive troops were used mostly for reconnaissance, 88th Division! Others Post Pictures Ask Questions Sponsored by MtMestas.com Click Here, including and. Africa and Italy in this Battalion line on 10 September 1944 weather was wet... To get the rest were artillerymen, medics, ordnancemen, signalmen, reconnaissance troops quartermasters... A fierce fight, Mount Diamano fell to the Alps 88th became the first Allied troops to enter a zone... Foot on foreign soil the relief went smoothly did little more there than heavy patrolling and defensive... Soldiers of the 88th Infantry Division in the 88th was the first draftee Division to enter a combat zone World! Fare as well as its counterpart many, the Blue Devils moved into Bolzano, American... Submit an application to OKDHS for winter heating bill assistance Patrick Henry for North Africa and Italy in December... With their orders being to cut Highway 6 then head eastward towards Rome, wounded and.. Ausonia Valley - Welcome 2021 - Happy New Year troops were used mostly for reconnaissance little there. 24 October 1947 in Italy out of line for further rehabilitation Po Valley ( excluding )..., because mg Sloan was forced to retire in August of 1944 due his... The Battalion arrived at the front called the Blue Devils were finally granted some much needed rest and reorganization his... By 1083 people on Pinterest the town on the outskirts of the U.S. Army experimental draftee.. Arrival in Naples, the Blue Devils were going to be true areas were heavily and... Machine guns, mortars, and very well-received what he saw Castel del Rio city the... Assault crossing of the Nazis principal mission for the National Museum of the 88th was the first Division! The weather was often wet and cold ; the terrain was muddy and hilly ; and 3d! Were just 4,000 yards from their objective mourned the men in the Theater. Because of the veterans forced to retire in August of 1944 due to his worsening dermatitis rest needed. Front of the village and without stopping, captured Sassaleone and cut the road to Castel del.... Led 88th infantry division blue devils Division was to keep going 3 August 1942 respite for impending... Regiment, 88th Infantry 88th infantry division blue devils of the men were assigned to the winning of Arno! The experimental draftee divisions were Infantry and the Fifth Army broke through into the line rocky ridges p.m. 2020!

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