The 24th Infantry Division, nicknamed the "Victory Division," was activated from the Hawaiian Division in October 1941, just months before the attack on Pearl Harbor. Headquartered at Schofield Barracks, Oahu, the division was among the first U.S. Army units to experience enemy action during the war, as Japanese aircraft strafed and bombed its facilities during the December 7, 1941 attack. Following the outbreak of hostilities, the 24th was tasked with defensive operations across the Hawaiian Islands before being deployed to the Southwest Pacific Theater. In 1943, the division was committed to operations in New Guinea, landing at Tanahmerah Bay in April 1944 as part of Operation Reckless, aimed at isolating Japanese forces and establishing bases for future assaults. Fighting in the dense jungles and treacherous terrain, the 24th encountered stiff resistance from entrenched Japanese defenders but succeeded in securing the region. In October 1944, the division participated in the Leyte Campaign, part of General Douglas MacArthur’s return to the Philippines. The 24th landed at Red Beach near Palo, marking the beginning of intense combat against Japanese forces in the mountains and rice paddies of Leyte. Their relentless advance through torrential rains and rugged terrain played a critical role in disrupting Japanese defensive lines and helped secure the island by the end of the year. The division then took part in the Luzon campaign, landing at Lingayen Gulf in January 1945. It advanced rapidly into Northern Luzon, liberating towns, destroying enemy strongpoints, and driving through the Caraballo Mountains. Despite fierce resistance, the 24th captured Santiago and assisted in the liberation of Baguio, the summer capital of the Philippines and a key Japanese stronghold. Following the Luzon campaign, the division was preparing for the planned invasion of Japan when hostilities ended in August 1945. Instead, the 24th became the first American division to land on the Japanese home islands for occupation duty, arriving at Yokosuka Naval Base on August 28, 1945, just days before Japan's formal surrender. Throughout the war, the 24th Infantry Division earned campaign credit for New Guinea, Leyte, and Luzon, and played a vital role in some of the most grueling jungle warfare and amphibious assaults in the Pacific. Its combat experience and contributions were crucial to the Allied success in the Philippines and the broader Southwest Pacific campaign. At VDG Militaria, we are dedicated to providing collectors with an exceptional selection of original military antiques. Our passion for history and commitment to authenticity ensure that every item we offer is thoroughly researched, accurately described, and meticulously photographed. Whether you are a seasoned collector or new to the world of militaria, our curated inventory includes a diverse range of artifacts from various periods and conflicts. From uniforms and insignia to medals and equipment, we aim to connect you with pieces that tell the stories of the past. Our expertise and attention to detail mean you can trust that every item you purchase is genuine and precisely represented. Customer satisfaction is our top priority, and we strive to make your collecting experience as seamless and enjoyable as possible. If you have any inquiries or need assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. Using the Offer Feature We are pleased to offer a "Make an Offer" feature on our website, allowing you to negotiate the price of items that catch your eye. Once you submit an offer, expect an email from us shortly after. If your offer is accepted, the email will include a special payment link for your convenience. Please check your spam folder if you have strict email filters. We promise to respond to all offers as quickly as possible. If you do not hear from us within one business day, feel free to reach out directly via phone or text at the contact information below to ensure your request is promptly addressed. Contact Us For the fastest response, we recommend reaching out via email or text. We typically reply to emails and text messages the quickest. 📧 Email: vdgmilitaria@yahoo.com
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