The Cross Of Lorraine: A Combat History Of The 79th Infantry Division, June 1942 For Sale

Language ‏ : ‎ EnglishPrint length ‏ : ‎ 206 pagesItem Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.34 poundsDimensions ‏ : ‎ 8.5 x 0.47 x 11 inchesABLE OF CONTENTS SECTION I — Through France, 14 June 1944 — 29 August 1944. Chapter 1 — Cherbourg Chapter 2 — La Haye du Puits and the Breakthrough Chapter 3 — To the Seine Bridgehead SECTION II — ^To Belgium and Back, 31 August 1944 — 25 Ooctober 1944. Chapter 1 — From Belgium to the Moselle Chapter 2 — The Foret de Parroy SECTION III— To the Rhine, 25 October 1944—14 February 1945. Chapter 1 — ^Through Alsace Chapter 2 — On the Defensive SECTION IV — Over the Rhine, 17 February 1945 — December 1945. Chapter 1 — To the Ruhr Chapter 2 — The Governing Phase — Journey’s End Background:The Cross of Lorraine was a symbol used by the 79th Infantry Division of the United States Army during World War II. The division, which was also known as the \"Lorraine Division,\" was activated in June 1942 and saw combat in the European Theater of Operations from September 1944 to the end of the war in May 1945.The 79th Infantry Division was composed of soldiers from across the United States and was known for its tenacity and determination in the face of heavy fighting. The division saw action in some of the most significant battles of the war, including the liberation of Paris, the Battle of the Bulge, and the crossing of the Rhine.The Cross of Lorraine, which was used as the division\'s insignia, is a two-barred cross that originated in medieval France. It is believed to have been chosen as the division\'s symbol because of its association with the region of Lorraine, which was an important part of the division\'s history.Overall, the 79th Infantry Division played a crucial role in the Allied victory in World War II, and its soldiers were honored for their bravery and sacrifice.From the Book:In my introduction to the Story of the 79th Infantry Division, written in December, 1944, I said: \"The story of the 79th Division is fact, not fiction. The accom- plishments set forth here are sufficient evidence that the individuals of the Division realized and accepted their several responsibilities. To our dear comrades who gave their all to bring about these great deeds let us do homage by renewing with ever greater vigor our determination to close with the enemy and exterminate him.” The homage to our dear comrades who gave their all is expressed by the subsequent brilliant deeds of the Division as recorded in this complete history. I shall always look back upon my Command of the 79th Division as the most successful period of my official career. This is so because of the co- operation of those fine Americans who wore the Cross of Lorraine. My greatest wish for the future is that all those who wore that Cross and their (XKterity will never again be exposed to the horrors of war. IRA T. WYCHE Major General, U, S. Army Commanding General, ygth Infantry Diviiion.STORY OF THE PATCH This is the story of the 79th’s shoulder patch. In the latter part of 1918, American divisions overseas were requested to submit designs for a distinctive, identifying insignia to be worn on the left shoulder of the uniform. The 79th’s combat history until then had been quite brief, and con- fined exclusively to the Lorraine sector of the Allied front in France. It was de- cided to adopt the blue and white Croix de Lorraine, a symbol of triumph dating back to the 19th century and recognized the civilized world over. Thus, from the sector where it made military history by its assault and capture of Montfaucon during the Meuse-Argonne drive in the closing stages of World War I, the Division derived both a patch and a new name.: