71st Infantry Division

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The 71st Infantry Division was activated on July 15, 1943. After a year and a half of training, the Division shipped out for Cherbourg, France in February of 1945. On March 12, 1945 the Division entered combat near Moselle, France. On March 23, the Division entered Germany near Pfalz. It was immediately ordered to Bitche to support the 100th Infantry Division in its assault on the city. After the city was captured, the 71st remained to wipe out any resistance.

In the beginning of April, the 71st Division was transferred to the Third Army and placed in Army Reserve. The Division was ordered into the Bavaria Region of Germany and established blocking positions in support of the Main Third Army advance. Here the 71st encountered the German 6th SS Mountain Division. After three days of brutal fighting, the 71st wiped out the enemy forces and secured the XII Corps flank. In the beginning of May, the 71st crossed into Austria and liberated several concentration camps.

By the time Germany had surrendered, the 71st Division had driven deep into enemy territory crossing the Enns River and sending patrols as far east as Waidhofen and Amstetten. The 71st Division penetrated further east into German territory than any other US ground unit.

The 71st Division remained in Austria for several months on occupation duty until they returned home and the Division was deactivated. In all, the 71st saw 49 days of combat. 145 Soldiers were killed and 599 were wounded. The 71st captured over 107,000 POWs during their drive. Only 13% of the division became casualties during their battles.

  
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