World War II: Formation and role

The 45th Infantry Division, known as the “Thunderbird Division” was activated for federal service on 16 September 1940. Originally a National Guard division composed of units from the southwestern United States, including Oklahoma, Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico, it was mobilized as part of the U.S. Army’s prewar expansion. The division later became one of the most experienced U.S. formations in the European Theater.

Early history

Following its activation, the 45th Infantry Division underwent extensive training in the United States, participating in large-scale maneuvers designed to prepare units for modern combat operations.

The division departed for overseas service on 8 June 1943 from the New York Port of Embarkation and arrived in North Africa on 22 June 1943, where it continued training and preparation for combat operations in the Mediterranean Theater.

After further preparation, the division participated in the Allied invasion of Sicily in July 1943, marking its entry into combat. It subsequently took part in operations in Italy before later transferring to southern France and advancing into Germany.

Command Chronology

Major General William S. Key
Sep 1940 – Aug 1943
Major General Troy H. Middleton
Aug 1943 – Nov 1943
Major General William W. Eagles
Nov 1943 – 1945

Order of Battle

Infantry Regiments

• 157th Infantry Regiment
• 179th Infantry Regiment
• 180th Infantry Regiment

Division Artillery

• 158th Field Artillery Battalion
• 160th Field Artillery Battalion
• 171st Field Artillery Battalion
• 189th Field Artillery Battalion

Reconnaissance and Support Units

• 45th Reconnaissance Troop (Mechanized)
• 120th Engineer Combat Battalion
• 120th Medical Battalion
• 45th Signal Company

Additional Division Units

• 700th Ordnance Light Maintenance Company
• 45th Quartermaster Company
• Military Police Platoon
• Band

Operations in France: Operation Dragoon

Landing in Southern France (15 August 1944)

The division did not participate in the Normandy landings. Instead, it was assigned to Operation Dragoon, landing along the Mediterranean coast on 15 August 1944 as part of the U.S. Seventh Army. The landings encountered relatively light resistance, and the division advanced rapidly inland as German forces withdrew northward.

Advance through France

Following the landings, the division advanced north through France as part of the broader Allied offensive. German forces conducted delaying actions, but resistance weakened as Allied pressure increased across multiple fronts.

Continued operations in Northwest Europe (1944–1945)

Vosges Mountains and Eastern France

The division participated in sustained combat in eastern France, particularly in the Vosges Mountains, where terrain and weather conditions slowed operations and favored the defense. These operations marked a transition from rapid advance to prolonged fighting against prepared German positions.

Final operations in Germany

In early 1945, the division advanced into Germany as part of the Allied push toward final victory. It captured key objectives including Nuremberg and Munich, both associated with the development of the Nazi Party prior to the war. On 29 April 1945, elements of the division participated in the liberation of Dachau concentration camp, where U.S. forces encountered large numbers of prisoners and evidence of severe conditions.

Operational significance

The combat record of the 45th Infantry Division reflects its role across multiple phases of the European campaign:

• Initial combat operations: North Africa and Sicily
• Mediterranean campaign: Italy (including Anzio)
• Amphibious assault: Southern France (Operation Dragoon)
• Advance through France: Rhône Valley and eastern France
• Attritional combat: Vosges Mountains
• Final advance: Southern Germany

Unlike divisions that landed in Normandy, the 45th Infantry Division contributed through the southern axis of advance, helping accelerate the collapse of German forces in France and southern Germany.