29th Infantry Division

The 29th Infantry Division, nicknamed the Blue and Gray Division, was engaged in World War II operations on the European front from 1944 onwards. It had been activated before the conflict and mobilized from the National Guard of several states, mainly Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania.

The division took part in the Normandy landings on June 6, 1944, with its main mission being to capture Omaha Beach. After the landing, it took part in the Battle of Normandy, advancing through the bocage and engaging German forces in prolonged combat to secure communication routes and liberate several French towns. The division took part in operations around Cherbourg, helping to open the strategic port for the supply of Allied forces.

After Normandy, the 29th Infantry Division continued its advance through France, participating in the Seine and Loire campaign and the advance toward the German border. In the fall of 1944, it was engaged in the Lorraine campaign, taking part in the fighting to cross rivers and break through German defensive lines.

In the winter of 1944-1945, the division participated in defensive and counterattack operations during the Battle of the Bulge, operating on the flank of the German offensive and helping to stabilize the front in that region.

In early 1945, the 29th Infantry Division took part in the final offensive in Germany. It crossed the Rhine, participated in operations in the Rhineland and the advance into central Germany, contributing to the reduction of pockets of resistance, the capture of cities, and the surrender of enemy forces. The division ended its operations with the German surrender in May 1945.

Its campaign credits include Normandy, Normandy – Omaha Beach, Normandy – Cherbourg, Lorraine, Ardennes-Alsace, Rhineland, and Central Europe. The 29th Infantry Division was involved in all phases of the American advance from the Normandy landings to the end of operations in Germany.