27th Infantry Division
Formation and Early History
The 27th Infantry Division of the United States Army was a key military formation with a storied history, particularly noted for its service during both World Wars. Initially constituted in 1908 as the 6th Division, it was redesignated as the 27th Division in 1917 following the United States' entry into World War I. The division was primarily composed of units from the New York National Guard, earning it the nickname "New York Division."
During World War I, the 27th Infantry Division was part of the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF) and was involved in significant operations on the Western Front. It played a crucial role in the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, which was one of the largest operations of the AEF and a pivotal part of the final Allied offensive of the war. The division's actions in this offensive were instrumental in breaking through the formidable German defenses known as the Hindenburg Line.
Interwar Period
After World War I, the 27th Infantry Division was demobilized, but it was reconstituted in the National Guard in 1921. During the interwar period, the division underwent several reorganizations and training exercises to adapt to the evolving nature of warfare. The division's structure was modernized, incorporating lessons learned from the First World War, and it participated in various peacetime maneuvers to maintain readiness.
World War II Operations
The 27th Infantry Division was federalized in October 1940, as tensions escalated globally and the United States prepared for potential involvement in World War II. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, the division was deployed to the Pacific Theater, where it played a significant role in several key battles.
Pacific Theater Engagements
The division's first major engagement in World War II was the Battle of Makin, part of the Gilbert and Marshall Islands campaign. This amphibious assault in November 1943 was crucial for securing a foothold in the central Pacific. The division's performance at Makin demonstrated its ability to execute complex amphibious operations, a skill that would be vital in subsequent campaigns.
Following Makin, the 27th Infantry Division participated in the Battle of Saipan in June 1944, one of the most significant battles in the Pacific. The division faced fierce resistance from Japanese forces but played a critical role in securing the island, which provided a strategic base for further operations in the Pacific.
The division's final major engagement of the war was the Battle of Okinawa, one of the largest amphibious assaults in the Pacific Theater. The 27th Infantry Division was involved in intense combat, facing well-entrenched Japanese forces. The battle was characterized by brutal fighting and significant casualties, but the division's efforts were instrumental in securing Okinawa, paving the way for a potential invasion of the Japanese mainland.
Post-World War II and Deactivation
After World War II, the 27th Infantry Division returned to the United States and was demobilized in December 1945. However, it was reactivated in the New York National Guard in 1947 as part of the post-war reorganization of the U.S. Army. The division underwent several transformations during the Cold War, adapting to new military doctrines and technologies.
In 1954, the division was reorganized as a "Pentomic" division, a structure designed to enhance mobility and nuclear survivability. This reorganization reflected the changing strategic environment of the Cold War, emphasizing rapid deployment and flexibility.
The 27th Infantry Division was ultimately deactivated in 1967 as part of a broader reduction in the size of the National Guard. Its legacy, however, continues to be honored by the New York National Guard and through various memorials and historical studies.
Legacy and Honors
The 27th Infantry Division received numerous accolades and honors for its service, particularly during World War II. Its units were awarded several Presidential Unit Citations and other commendations for their bravery and effectiveness in combat. The division's history is preserved in various military museums and archives, ensuring that its contributions to American military history are remembered.
The division's legacy is also maintained through the continued service of its successor units in the New York National Guard. These units carry forward the traditions and honors of the 27th Infantry Division, embodying its spirit of service and dedication.