History of The Third Infantry Division in World War II

Washington DC: Infantry Journal Press, 1947. First Edition [stated], presumed first printing. Hardcover. Fair. Endpaper maps. xxiii, [1], 574, [2] pages. Illustrations (some in color). Maps. Appendix. Rosters. Front and rear boards were nearly separated and have been repaired/reglued. Page discoloration noted. Few units in the U.S. Army can boast as proud a unit history as the Third Infantry Division; it fought on all of the Europe and North African fronts that American soldiers were engaged against the Axis forces during World War II. The 3rd Infantry Division saw combat in North Africa, Sicily, Italy, France, Germany and Austria for 531 consecutive days. This official division history written by the officers who served with the unit at the time serves as a fascinating memorial and a detailed history of the "Marne Division" during World War II. The 3rd Division is the only division of the U.S. Army during World War II that fought the Axis on all European fronts, and was among the first American combat units to engage in offensive ground combat operations. The division fought in France in World War I. In World War II, it landed with Gen. Patton's task force in a contested amphibious landing on the coast of Morocco, North Africa, overwhelming Vichy French defenders in November 1942. In 1943, the division invaded Sicily in July, and invaded Italy at Salerno in September, before fighting in France and finally Germany. Medal of Honor recipient Audie Murphy, featured in the Hollywood movie, "To Hell and Back," was a member. During the war the 3rd Infantry Division consisted of the 7th, 15th and 30th Infantry Regiments, together with supporting units. The final WWII commander of the 3rd Division was Brigadier General John W. "Iron Mike" O'Daniel, previously the assistant division commander (ADC) and a distinguished World War I veteran.