1st Infantry Division
The US Army's 1st Infantry Division, nicknamed the Big Red One, took part in several major campaigns in Europe during World War II. It was activated well before the war, but its involvement in the European conflict really began with the landing in North Africa as part of Operation Torch in November 1942. The division landed in Algeria and took part in operations advancing westward and southward, including fighting in Tunisia until the Axis forces surrendered in May 1943.
After the North African campaign, the division was involved in the invasion of Sicily in July 1943, participating in the conquest of the island as part of Operation Husky. It then continued with the landing on the Italian mainland in September 1943, taking part in the fighting in southern Italy and the advance northward, including clashes in the Salerno area and the crossing of the Volturno River.
In 1944, the 1st Infantry Division was transferred to Great Britain to prepare for the Normandy landings. On June 6, 1944, it took part in the landing on Omaha Beach as part of Operation Overlord, followed by the Battle of Normandy, advancing through the region and taking part in the liberation of several French towns.
After Normandy, the division took part in the Seine and Loire campaign, advancing towards the German border. In the fall of 1944, it was engaged in operations in Lorraine and in the Rhineland campaign. During the Battle of the Bulge, it took part in defensive fighting and counterattacks in the American sector.
In early 1945, the 1st Infantry Division took part in the final offensive in Germany, crossing the Rhine and advancing towards central Germany, helping to reduce pockets of resistance and capture enemy towns and positions until Germany's surrender in May 1945.
The 1st Infantry Division's campaign credits include North Africa, Sicily, Italy, Normandy, Lorraine, Ardennes-Alsace, Rhineland, and Central Europe. It participated in all major U.S. Army operations in Europe, North Africa, and Italy, operating on multiple fronts and in various combat conditions throughout the conflict.
