The 45th Infantry Division, known as the "Thunderbird Division" for the Native American symbol on its shoulder patch, was composed primarily of National Guard units from Oklahoma, Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona. It was federalized for active duty in September 1940 and spent nearly two years training in the United States before deploying overseas. The division became one of the most battle-hardened and experienced units of the U.S. Army during World War II. The 45th first saw combat during the Sicilian Campaign, landing on July 10, 1943, as part of Operation Husky. Fighting through the mountainous terrain of Sicily, the division played a key role in capturing the city of Santo Stefano and pushing German and Italian forces off the island. After Sicily, the 45th took part in the invasion of mainland Italy, landing at Salerno in September 1943. It fought its way north through rugged country and heavy resistance, participating in major actions at Venafro and Monte Sammucro during the difficult Italian campaign. In January 1944, the division was part of the Anzio landings (Operation Shingle), where it endured brutal trench warfare and counterattacks for over two months. Despite severe losses, the 45th held the line and eventually broke out of the beachhead, contributing to the liberation of Rome in June 1944. After Italy, the 45th landed in southern France in August 1944 as part of Operation Dragoon. From there, the division advanced rapidly north through the Rhône Valley, liberating towns and driving retreating German forces back toward the Vosges Mountains. The unit crossed into Germany in early 1945 and took part in heavy fighting in Bavaria, capturing cities such as Aschaffenburg and Nuremberg after bitter urban combat. On April 29, 1945, elements of the 45th Infantry Division helped liberate the Dachau concentration camp, arriving shortly after soldiers of the 42nd Infantry Division. What they found there—thousands of emaciated prisoners and hundreds of dead—left an indelible mark on the division’s soldiers and American history. By the end of the war, the 45th Infantry Division had fought in four major campaigns: Sicily, Naples-Foggia, Anzio, Southern France, Rhineland, Ardennes-Alsace, and Central Europe. The division suffered over 25,000 casualties during its combat service and was recognized for its courage, resilience, and key role in the defeat of Nazi Germany. 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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