9th Infantry Division
The U.S. Army's 9th Infantry Division was activated on October 1, 1939, and trained in the United States as part of the American mobilization before the country entered the war. It was initially prepared for amphibious operations and difficult terrain, and was deployed to the European theater in 1944 to participate in Allied operations on the Western Front.
The division landed in France in July 1944, a few weeks after the Normandy landings, and participated in consolidating the Allied bridgeheads and advancing into occupied territory. It was engaged in fighting to liberate towns and secure communication routes, operating in northern France and in fortified areas held by German forces.
During the fall of 1944, the 9th Infantry Division participated in the Lorraine campaign, advancing toward the German border and taking part in combat along the Moselle River and in operations to reduce pockets of enemy resistance. The division also contributed to offensive actions against the Siegfried Line and preparations for the crossing of the Rhine.
During the winter of 1944-1945, the division was involved in operations related to the Battle of the Bulge, helping to stabilize the front and recapture positions threatened by the German offensive. After the battle ended, the 9th Infantry Division resumed its advance into Germany.
In 1945, the division took part in the final offensive in Germany. It crossed the Rhine and then advanced into central Germany, participating in the capture of cities, the reduction of pockets of resistance, and the surrender of enemy forces until Germany's capitulation in May 1945. After the fighting ended, the division was engaged in security and occupation missions before being deactivated.
The 9th Infantry Division's service record during World War II includes campaign credits for Normandy, Northern France, Lorraine, Ardennes-Alsace, Rhineland, and Central Europe. Its involvement covered all major American campaigns on the Western Front from the summer of 1944 until Germany's surrender.
