The 9th Armored Division was activated on July 15 1942 at Fort Riley, Kansas, moved to Goff, California on June 10 1943 then to Camp Ibis, California on August 1 1943 while part in the #3 California Maneuvres in the Desert Training Center.
The 9-AD moved then to Camp Polk, Louisiana on October 25 1943 for the Third Army #5 Louisiana Maneuvres.
The division staged then at Camp Kilmer, New Jersey on August 14 1944 until departed the New York Port of Embarkation on August 18 1944 and arrived in England on September 1 1944.
The 9th Armored Division landed in France on October 3 1944, crossed into the Duchy of Luxembourg on October 20, into Belgium on December 18 1944, returned to France on December 23 1944, got back to Belgium on February 22 1945 and entered finally Germany on March 2 1945.
The 9th Armored was sent back to Hampton Roads Port of Embarkation in USA on October 13 1945 and was sent to Camp Patrick Henry, Virginia where it was deactivated.
Continue Reading >>>
Mar
02
2009
If the Krauts crack the defenses in the North Shoulder, they won’t surround the 101/AB Division in Bastogne, but the entire 1st Army in Belgium.
Feb
02
2009
Stationed at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, the 2nd Infantry Division was sent to maneuvers at Christine, Texas from January 3rd to January 27th 1940 then at Horton, Texas from April 26th to May 28th 1940. In August 1940, from the 16th to 23rd, the 2nd Division was sent to Cravens, Louisiana, and from June 1st to June 14th 1941, the Division participated in the VIII Corps, Brownwood, Maneuvers at Comanche, Texas. It was then sent to Mansfield, Louisiana, for the Louisiana Maneuvers of August and September 1941. On June 27th 1942, the 2nd Division was sent back to Fort Sam, Houston, Texas for the VIII Corps Louisiana Maneuvers and was re-designated 2nd Infantry Division on August 1st 1942. On September 22nd 1942 the 2nd moved to Camp McCoy, Wisconsin, then staged at Camp Shanks, New York, October 3rd 1943 until departed the New York POE, October 8th 1943. The 2nd Infantry Division arrived in England on October 18th 1943, landed in Normandy, France on June 7th 1944, crossed into Belgium on September 29th 1944 and finally into Germany on October 3rd 1944. After the Battle of the Bulge and the Germany Campaign, the 2nd entered Czechoslovakia May 4th 1945 and after VE Day the Division returned to the New York POE on July 20th 1945. It moved to Camp Swift, Texas, July 22nd 1945. A little while later, it moved to Camp Stoneman, California, March 28th 1946 and arrived finally at Fort Lewis, Washington, on April 15th 1946.
Continue Reading >>>
Jan
29
2009
Category : Battle of the Bulge, Germany
With the help and the work from my American friend David Gettman, the son of Lt Henry ‘Shorty’ Gettman, Platoon Leader of the 1st Platoon, 99th Reconnaissance Troop, 99th Infantry Division (1-99/99th Inf Div), 1st Army, ETO, WW II, Gerolzhofen, Germany, post VE Day.
In loving memory of Henry ‘Shorty’ Gettman, May 18 1911 – May 24 1983, and dedicated to all those heroes who proudly wore the Golden Caltrop of the 99th Reconnaissance Troop, and the Checkerboard of the 99th Infantry Division, the Battle Babies. Your sacrifice will not be forgotten.
Action This Hour !
On No 1, Fire 1 !
On No 2, Open 3 !
Advance !
Kill or be killed !
Geronimo !
Spinner !
Contact !
Pilot to Bombardier !
Open bombay doors !
Bombs away !
Gung Ho !
1000, 2000, 3000, Yank !
Yep, in the movies it sounds dramatic. But ‘breaking in’ at the front with dough boys on patrols through the snow – that’s another story. That is the true story. The story of Reconnaissance on reserve. The story of the battle of the defense of Höfen, Germany, November 9 to December 12 1944.
Continue Reading >>>
Jan
29
2009
The 99th Infantry Division was a unit of the United States Army in World War II. It played a strategic role in the Battle of the Bulge when its inexperienced troops held fast on the northern shoulder of the German advance, refusing them access to the vital northern road network that led into Belgium.
The 99th Infantry Division, also named Checkerboard Division or the Battle Babies Division, was activated on Nov 15 1942 at Camp Van Dorn, Missouri. On Sep 16 1943, the Division moved for the Third Army #4 Louisiana Maneuvers and two months later, on Nov 19 1943, the 99th Infantry Division moved to Camp Maxey, Texas then staged at Camp Myles Standish Massachusetts from Sep 13 1944 until departed Boston Port of Embarkation for England and arrived there on Oct 10 1944. Finally, the 99th Infantry Division landed in France on November 3 1944. The 99th arrived in Belgium and was involved in the Battle of the Bulge. In February 1945, the 99th started to advance into Germany till the Inn River and Giesenhausen when hostilities were declared ended on May 7 1945.
