26th Infantry Division

The U.S. Army's 26th Infantry Division, nicknamed the Yankee Division, participated in operations on the European front beginning in 1944. It was activated before the war, but its involvement in Europe began with the Normandy landings in June 1944. The division landed in France following the first waves of assault and was assigned to the First U.S. Army, taking part in the advance inland after the beaches were conquered.

During the summer of 1944, the division participated in the Normandy campaign, advancing through the region and participating in the liberation of several towns. It continued its advance through France as part of the offensive towards the Moselle and Lorraine, engaging fortified German positions and helping to secure roads and strategic points.

In the fall of 1944, the 26th Infantry Division was engaged in the Rhineland campaign, operating along the German border and taking part in the fighting to reduce German defenses on the Rhine. During the Battle of the Bulge in December 1944, the division participated in the defense of its sector and in counterattacks aimed at containing the German offensive, contributing to the stabilization of the front in this region.

In 1945, the division took part in the final offensive in Germany. It crossed the Saar and Rhine rivers, participated in the penetration of the Rhineland and the reduction of German pockets of resistance, advancing towards central Germany. It took part in the capture of enemy towns and positions and the surrender of German forces until the final capitulation in May 1945.

The 26th Infantry Division's campaign credits include Normandy, Lorraine, Ardennes-Alsace, Rhineland, and Central Europe. The division was involved in all major operations of the U.S. Army on the Western Front, from the Normandy landings to the occupation of German territory at the end of the war.