The 45th Infantry Division, known as the "Thunderbird Division," was a National Guard formation composed primarily of troops from Oklahoma, New Mexico, Colorado, and Arizona. Federalized in 1940, the division trained for nearly three years before entering combat with the Seventh Army during the Allied invasion of Sicily in July 1943. It participated in the amphibious landings near Scoglitti and fought through the mountainous terrain of central Sicily in coordinated actions against German and Italian forces. The division continued its campaign in Italy with the September 1943 landings at Salerno, advancing through the Volturno Valley and into the harsh terrain of central Italy. In early 1944, the 45th was redeployed to Anzio, where it endured months of static, attritional warfare before participating in the May breakout and subsequent liberation of Rome in June. In August 1944, the division landed again as part of Operation Dragoon in southern France. It advanced rapidly through the Rhône Valley, pushing northward into the Vosges Mountains by autumn. During the bitter winter of 1944–45, the 45th held critical ground in Alsace during the German Nordwind offensive. In the final months of the war, it crossed into Bavaria, captured Nuremberg after heavy urban fighting in April 1945, and liberated the Dachau concentration camp on April 29. By the end of the war, the 45th Infantry Division had fought in four campaigns—Sicily, Italy, Southern France, and Central Europe—accumulating over 500 days in combat. It earned a reputation for resilience and operational effectiveness across varied and demanding battlefields. 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
📱 Phone/Text: 651-968-3882 Thank you for visiting VDG Militaria. We wish you happy collecting and look forward to helping you find the perfect addition to your collection.