79th Infantry Division

The symbol of the Fighting French was the Cross of Lorraine.

And in the summer of 1944 many a Frenchman was freed from the bondage of Naziism by the Americans who wear that cross—the 79th Infantry Division.

There were cheers, and flowers, and wine for all the liberating GIs of all our Divisions in Europe, but no outfit was ever more warmly greeted by a whole country than was the 79th by the grateful citizens of Cherbourg, La Haye-du-Puits, Lessay, Le Mans, Avranches, Reims, Charmes, Lunéville, and a dozen other cities on the division’s long path of liberation.

The Cross of Lorraine was first carried ashore at Utah Beach on American shoulders on D-plus-6. Four months later, a German division, in an order to its subordinate units, warned them to watch out for the 79th—“one of the best attack divisions in the U. S. Army.”

That had been true in World War I, when the 79th stormed Montfaucon and, in 30 hours of hellish fighting, had started the Kaiser’s armies on their way to defeat.

And it became equally evident in World War II as soon as the 79th was given its first important mission: a major share in the assault on Cherbourg. While its 314th Infantry Regiment scaled the tough sides of Fort du Roule, on the outskirts of the port, patrols of the 313th sneaked into the city and later the rest of the regiment followed up, smashing through Cherbourg Street by street and house by house, and winning for the Division the proud right to claim—First in Cherbourg.

Cherbourg surrendered on July 26 and the next day the 79th, having tasted only briefly the fruits of liberation, was on its wav to La Haye-du-Puits, nerve center of the German supply system for the enemy forces in northern France. Through hedgerows honeycombed with artillery and automatic weapons, and despite dug-in enemy tanks raking them at pointblank range, the Cross of Lorraine men swarmed into the town and took it on July 8. They headed south through Avranches and Fougères, and southeast to Le Mans, where, after bridging the Sarthe Rivér, they helped to close the Falaise pocket.

Swinging east, the 79th raced ahead of all other forces toward the Seine, reaching it at the ruined city of Mantes-Gassicourt. No other American outfit reached the Seine as soon, and the 79th, by getting there and holding the rubble of Mantes-Gassicourt, greatly facilitated the liberation of Paris. The Germans were stunned by this swift dash of the Cross of Lorraine; they thought at first that the 79th had suddenly become airborne and had been dropped near the Seine. Recovering from their surprise they hit the Division with Nebelwerfers and a revived Luftwaffe, but it didn’t get them anywhere.

Shifted to the First Army front in Belgium, the 79th set off in high gear and in 72 hours had crossed the Somme and was ready to fight in Belgium, 180 miles away, after making what a corps commander called “one of the fastest opposed advances of comparable distance by an infantry division in warfare.” Later the Cross of Lorraine was shifted far to the south, on the Seventh Army flank, and fought at the Meurthe River, in the Forêt de Parroy, in the city of Lunéville, and across the Rhine deep into Germany.

After the 79th had driven the Germans out of their positions in the Saveme Gap and Sarrebourg, late in 1944, General Patch told the division, “You have achieved a significant victory. I have full confidence in your ability to continue your relentless pursuit until the final victory.”

That was just what the 79th did.

From Fighting Divisions, Kahn & McLemore, Infantry Journal Press, 1945-1946.

  Sergeant Fred Ackerley 315th Infantry Regiment 01/12/1945
  Private Wilburn W. Adams 313th Infantry Regiment 07/27/1945
  Private First Class Kerney J. Akins 313th Infantry Regiment 12/19/1944
  Private James E. Altic 313th Infantry Regiment 12/19/1944
  Private First Class Fred Atchison 313th Infantry Regiment 07/07/1945
  Private First Class Tony Baham 314th Infantry Regiment 01/21/1946
  Private Russell H. Bauknecht 313th Infantry Regiment 10/24/1944
  Private Samuel H. Benson 313th Infantry Regiment 12/18/1945
  Staff Sergeant Arvid W. Besola 313th Infantry Regiment 12/19/1944
  First Lieutenant Otis E. Bonebrake 315th Infantry Regiment 01/17/1945
  Private George D. Booth 313th Infantry Regiment 12/19/1944
  Private First Class Omer A. Buchanan 313th Infantry Regiment 01/04/1946
  Private First Class Melvin Burger 313th Infantry Regiment 10/14/1944
  Private First Class Ottovio D. Chiodo 313th Infantry Regiment 10/14/1944
  Second Lieutenant Matthew J. Clark 313th Infantry Regiment 12/19/1944
  Private First Class Mack E. Condley 315th Infantry Regiment 01/13/1945
  Private James M. Conrad 313th Infantry Regiment 12/20/1945
  Technical Sergeant William A. Craig 313th Infantry Regiment 12/19/1944
  Private First Class Gerard J. Dalton 313th Infantry Regiment 12/19/1944
  Private George F. Delaney 315th Infantry Regiment 10/20/1944
  Private Silas J. Dufrene 315th Infantry Regiment 01/19/1943
  Sergeant Clarence H. Dunn 313th Infantry Regiment 03/12/1945
  Corporal Joseph D. Egan 315th Infantry Regiment 10/03/1944
  Staff Sergeant Irwin S. Fein 315th Infantry Regiment 01/19/1945
  Sergeant Michael H. Fratago 313th Infantry Regiment 07/08/1945
  Private First Class James J. Golden 314th Infantry Regiment 01/08/1946
  Private First Class Thurland R. Grendell 315th Infantry Regiment 01/13/1945
  Private First Class Herman Hall 315th Infantry Regiment 01/15/1945
  Private Gus E. Harris 315th Infantry Regiment 11/13/1944
  Private Richard B. Henry 313th Infantry Regiment 07/07/1944
  Private First Class Joel A. Hill 313th Infantry Regiment 12/19/1944
  Private First Class Charles S. Howard 313th Infantry Regiment 07/07/1944
  Private Edward E. Johnson 314th Infantry Regiment 12/06/1945
  Private First Class Clifford A. Judah 315th Infantry Regiment 01/15/1945
  Private Amos R. Kennedy 313th Infantry Regiment 12/20/1945

  Private First Class Clarence W. Kessler 315th Infantry Regiment 01/19/1945
  Sergeant Lloyd Kleese 314th Infantry Regiment 02/23/1945
  Private First Class Robert J. Larson 313th Infantry Regiment 07/07/1945
  Technical Sergeant Delbert J. Marlton 315th Infantry Regiment 01/19/1945
  Private Jose V. Martinez 315th Infantry Regiment 01/14/1945
  Private First Class John McCallum 315th Infantry Regiment 10/24/1944
  Staff Sergeant James H. McClay 313th Infantry Regiment 12/19/1944
  Staff Sergeant Walter T. Menegazzi 314th Infantry Regiment 11/13/1944
  Second Lieutenant Frank J. Morgan 313th Infantry Regiment 07/01/1944
  Private George Nagy 314th Infantry Regiment 12/09/1944
  Private Wendell L. Nelson 313th Infantry Regiment 12/19/1944
  Private Raymond E. Oestrich 315th Infantry Regiment 01/17/1945
  Technical Sergeant Joseph H. Owens 315th Infantry Regiment 01/19/1945
  Private Albin J. Pescik 313th Infantry Regiment 11/17/1944
  Private John A. Pitts 315th Infantry Regiment 10/24/1944
  Private First Class Francis A. Reilly 315th Infantry Regiment 01/12/1945
  Private Lester F. Rue 313th Infantry Regiment 07/08/1944
  Sergeant Dwight L. Shupe 315th Infantry Regiment 09/29/1944
  Private Nicholas Skarow 314th Infantry Regiment 01/07/1945
  Private Monfred L. Smith 315th Infantry Regiment 10/20/1944
  Second Lieutenant John F. Starich 315th Infantry Regiment 01/19/1945
  Staff Sergeant Daniel Sweeney 313th Infantry Regiment 12/20/1945
  Private Ralph C. Taylor 315th Infantry Regiment 10/23/1944
  Staff Sergeant Donald R. Tewksbury 313th Infantry Regiment 07/22/1944
  Private Marion F. Thomason 315th Infantry Regiment 12/19/1944
  Private First Class Columbus F. Underwood 315th Infantry Regiment 01/16/1945
  Private First Class Earl A. Walker 315th Infantry Regiment 10/24/1944
  Private First Class Robert D. Wallace 315th Infantry Regiment 01/15/1945
  Staff Sergeant Dale D. Watts 313th Infantry Regiment 12/19/1944
  Staff Sergeant Goode S. Wier 313th Infantry Regiment 12/01/1945
  Private First Class Edward Wiggins 315th Infantry Regiment 01/15/1945
  Technical Sergeant Walter A. Wojcik 313th Infantry Regiment 07/08/1945
  Private First Class Frank J. Yangula 315th Infantry Regiment 01/12/1946

79TH INFANTRY DIVISION

AMERICAN MADE

79TH INFANTRY DIVISION

AMERICAN MADE

"Cross of Lorraine Division"

The insignia of the 79th Division is a gray Lorraine cross on a blue shield with a gray border; it was adopted during World War I. Having distinguished itself at Montfaucon, in Lorraine, the division selected the Cross of Lorraine, a symbol of triumph since the 15th Century, as its insignia.

COMMAND AND STAFF

Commanding General

17 Apr 44

Maj. Gen. I. T. Wyche

Assistant Division Commander

17 Apr 44	Brig. Gen. Frank U. Greer
9 Jan 45	Brig. Gen. John S. Winn, Jr.
27 Jan 45	Brig. Gen. George D. Wahl

Artillery Commander

17 Apr 44	Brig. Gen. George D. Wahl
17 Jan 45	Brig. Gen. John S. Winn, Jr.

Chief of Staff

17 Apr 44

Col. Kramer Thomas

Assistant Chief of Staff G-1

17 Apr 44

Lt. Col. Harry L. Sievers

Assistant Chief of Staff G-2

17 Apr 44

Lt. Col. A. C. Dohrmann

Assistant Chief of Staff G-3

17 Apr 44

Lt. Col. John A. Gloriod

Assistant Chief of Staff G-4

17 Apr 44

Lt. Col. Charles F. O'Riordan

Assistant Chief of Staff G-5

14 May 44	Maj. Herbert Sponholz
16 Feb 45	Lt. Col. Herbert Sponholz

Adjutant General

17 Apr 44

Lt. Col. John H. Hansen

Commanding Officer, 313th Infantry

17 Apr 44	Col. Sterling A. Wood
4 Nov 44	Lt. Col. Clarence M. Sagmden (Acting)
12 Nov 44	Lt. Col. Edwin M. Van Bibber (Acting)
20 Nov 44	Col. Sterling A. Wood
11 Dec 44	Lt. Col. Edwin M. Van Bibber (Acting)
14 Dec 44	Col. Sterling A. Wood
15 Dec 44	Lt. Col. Edwin M. Van Bibber
21 Feb 45	Col. Edwin M. Van Bibber
20 Apr 45	Lt. Col. Clarence M. Sagmden (Acting)
8 May 45	Col. Edwin M. Van Bibber

Commanding Officer, 314th Infantry

17 Apr 44	Col. Warren A. Robinson
6 Apr 45	Lt. Col. Ernest R. Purvis (Acting)
14 Apr 45	Lt. Col. James P. Davis
16 Apr 45	Col. Warren A. Robinson

Commanding Officer, 315th Infantry

17 Apr 44	Col. Porter B. Wiggins
23 Jun 44	Col. Bernard B. McMahon
29 Jul 44	Lt. Col. John A. McAleer
26 Oct 44	Col. Andrew J. Schriner

STATISTICS

Chronology

Activated	15 June 1942
Arrived ETO	17 April 1944
Arrived Continent (D+8)	14 June 1944
Entered Combat	19 June 1944
Days in Combat	248

Casualties (Tentative)

Killed	2,475
Wounded	10.701
Missing	1,699
Captured
Battle Casualties	14,875
Non-Battle Casualties	8,582
Total Casualties	23,457
Percent of T/O Strength	166.5

Campaigns

Normandy
Northern France
Rhineland
Central Europe

Individual Awards

Distinguished Service Cross	13
Legion of Merit	1
Silver Star	904
Soldiers Medal	19
Bronze Star	4,012
Air Medal	68

Prisoners of War Taken 35,466

COMPOSITION

313th Infantry
314th Infantry
315th Infantry
79th Reconnaissance Troop (Mechanized)
304th Engineer Combat Battalion
304th Medical Battalion
79th Division Artillery
310th Field Artillery Battalion (105mm Howitzer)
311th Field Artillery Battalion (105mm Howitzer)
904th Field Artillery Battalion (105mm Howitzer)
312th Field Artillery Battalion (155mm Howitzer)
Special Troops
779th Ordnance Light Maintenance Company
79th Quartermaster Company
79th Signal Company
Military Police Platoon
Headquarters Company
Band

ATTACHMENTS

Antiaircraft Artillery

463d AAA AW Bn (Mbl)	1 Jul 44-9 Jul 45
18th AAA Gp	16 Apr 45-5 Jun 45

Armored

749th Tk Bn	1 Jul 44-24 Jul 44
Co B, 749th Tk Bn	31 Jul 44-1 Aug 44
191st Tk Bn	1 Dec 44-22 Dec 44
2d Plat, Co B, 25th Tk Bn (14th Armd Div)	6 Dec 44-8 Dec 44
781st Tk Bn	22 Dec 44-3 Jan 45
Co B, 47th Tk Bn (14th Armd Div)	5 Jan 45-14 Jan 45
CC A (14th Armd Div)	7 Jan 45-12 Jan 45
48th Tk Bn (14th Armd Div)	7 Jan 45-12 Jan 45
68th Armd Inf Bn (14th Armd Div)	7 Jan 45-12 Jan 45
500th Armd FA Bn (14th Armd Div)	7 Jan 45-12 Jan 45
Tr C, 94th Cav Rcn Sq (14th Armd Div)	7 Jan 45-12 Jan 45
Co C, 125th Armd Engr Bn (14th Armd Div)	7 Jan 45-12 Jan 45
CC B (12th Armd Div)	7 Jan 45-15 Jan 45
CC A (14th Armd Div)	20 Jan 45-21 Jan 45
48th Tk Bn (14th Armd Div)	20 Jan 45-21 Jan 45
68th Armd Inf Bn (14th Armd Div)	20 Jan 45-21 Jan 45
500th Armd FA Bn (14th Armd Div)	20 Jan 45-21 Jan 45
Tr C, 94th Cav Rcn Sq (14th Armd Div)	20 Jan 45-21 Jan 45
Co C, 125th Armd Engr Bn (14th Armd Div)	20 Jan 45-21 Jan 45
Co C, 25th Tk Bn (14th Armd Div)	22 Jan 45-27 Jan 45
CC B (14th Armd Div)	25 Jan 45-26 Jan 45
25th Tk Bn (14th Armd Div)	25 Jan 45-26 Jan 45
68th Armd Inf Bn (14th Armd Div)	25 Jan 45-26 Jan 45
Tr B, 94th Cav Rcn Sq (14th Armd Div)	25 Jan 45-26 Jan 45
Co B, 125th Armd Engr Bn (14th Armd Div)	25 Jan 45-26 Jan 45
Co A, 47th Tk Bn (14th Armd Div)	27 Jan 45-6 Feb 45
1st Plat, Co D, 47th Tk Bn (14th Armd Div)	27 Jan 45-6 Feb 45
761st Tk Bn	20 Feb 45-1 Mar 45
717th Tk Bn	8 Mar 45-17 Apr 45
744th Tk Bn	17 Apr 45-18 Apr 45
717th Tk Bn	18 Apr 45-20 May 45

Cavalry

94th Cav Rcn Sq (14th Armd Div)	1 Dec 44-11 Dec 44
Co D, 88th Cav Rcn Sq (8th Armd Div)	17 Mar 45-26 Mar 45

Chemical

74th Cml Co (SG)	20 Mar 45-26 Mar 45
89th Cml Mort Bn	20 Mar 45-13 Apr 45

Engineer

60th Engr C Bn (35th Div)

25 Mar 45-26 Mar 45

Field Artillery

44th Div Arty	17 Oct 44-24 Oct 44
Btry C, 500th Armd FA Bn (14th Armd Div)	6 Dec 44-8 Dec 44
493d Armd FA Bn (12th Armd Div)	7 Jan 45-14 Jan 45
495th Armd FA Bn (12th Armd Div)	7 Jan 45-14 Jan 45
8th Armd Div Arty	20 Mar 45-26 Mar 45
127th FA Bn (35th Div) (155mm How)	25 Mar 45-26 Mar 45
161st FA Bn (35th Div) (105mm How)	25 Mar 45-26 Mar 45
29th Div Arty	31 Mar 45-5 Apr 45

Infantry

114th Inf (44th Div)	17 Oct 44-24 Oct 44
71st Inf (44th Div)	18 Oct 44-24 Oct 44
324th Inf (44th Div)	19 Oct 44-24 Oct 44
19th Armd Inf Bn (14th Armd Div)	6 Dec 44-8 Dec 44
274th Inf (70th Div)	1 Jan 45-13 Jan 45
2d Bn, 276th Inf (70th Div)	1 Jan 45-3 Jan 45
Fr Algerienne 3d Inf Div	5 Jan 45-6 Jan 45
2d Bn, 276th Inf (70th Div)	5 Jan 45-9 Jan 45
1st Bn, 410th Inf (103d Div)	18 Jan 45-21 Jan 45
411th Inf (- 2d Bn) (103d Div)	19 Jan 45-21 Jan 45
134th CT (35th Div)	13 Mar 45-14 Mar 45
134th Inf (35th Div)	26 Mar 45
134th Inf (35th Div)	13-14 Apr 45

Tank Destroyer

813th TD Bn (SP)	1 Jul 44-9 Sep 44
773d TD Bn (SP)	9 Sep 44-12 Oct 44
813th TD Bn (SP)	12 Oct 44-21 Apr 45
809th TD Bn (SP)	20 Mar 45-26 Mar 45
605th TD Bn (T)	22 Apr 45-30 Apr 45

79th Infantry Division