35th Infantry Division

The 35th Infantry Division was activated on 23 December 1940, as a National Guard Division from Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska. It sailed to Europe on 12 May 1944 in preparation to become one of the force buildup divisions following the Invasion of Normandy in World War II.

The 35th Infantry Division arrived in England, 25 May 1944, and continued training for combat. The Division landed on Omaha Beach, on the Normandy, France coast, 7 July 1944, D-Day. Immediately entering combat, the 35th engaged German units North of St. Lo, in hedgerow country.

After the fall of St. Lo and in early August the Division broke out of the Cotentin Peninsula during which time they helped secure the Mortain-Avranches area.

Following the Breakout, the 35th moved across France via Orleans and Sens. They then attacked across the Moselle River capturing Nancy France in September. They continued onto Germany and the Saar in early December.

Relieved from the front for R&R the 35th had to abruptly cancel their rest and rush to Arlon, Belgium to repulse German attacks in what became known as the Battle of the Bulge. Late January had the Division back to their R&R.

February found the Division back in the line, crossing the Roer, then reaching the Rhine in early March After crossing the Rhine they fought to the Ruhr River in April. They then moved to the Elbe River and then Hanover where they were stationed when the war ended and occupation duty ensued for the 35th Infantry Division.

Nickname: Santa Fe