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Three Most Capable Army Divisions in Pacific?


MPage
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A couple years ago I was reading the 77th ID's divisional history, and it mentioned that qualified observers stated that the 77th was one of three army divisions in the Pacific who could be relied upon to undertake any mission, anytime. Assuming that's actually true, who would the other two be? I think a clue, judging from that statement, is in the ''any mission, any time'' part.

 

I'd venture to guess that the 11th Airborne was one, as they could be more rapidly deployed (and an outstanding unit as well).

 

Does anyone know of army divisions that had a superior level of amphibious training and experience?

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Check out the 37th Infantry Division! You'll find they were in thick of it overseas for over 3 1/2 years.

 

The 37th was a top rate unit, engaging in jungle fighting, beach assaults, and urban warfare in the liberating of Manila in '45. Their commander, Maj. General Robert S Beightler, was the ONLY National Guard commander to keep his division throughout the entire war. Check them out, you won't be disappointed.

 

PS judging by your Avatar, you're aware that the 1st Cav was there also?

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Hi All,

 

In my opinion...

 

77th Inf Div

 

Activated: 25 March 1942

Overseas: 24 March 1944

Campaigns: Western Pacific, Southern Philippines, Ryukyus

post-202-1240583539.jpg

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...and....

 

25th Infantry Division

 

It was activated on 1 October 1941 in Hawaii...

 

Tours:

 

Central Pacific;

Guadalcanal;

Northern Solomons;

Luzon

post-202-1240583797.jpg

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For historical interest.....Mark's right about the 37th. They had more combat time than most divisions had overseas time, and in bitter, nasty campaigns.

 

 

For collecting interest.....never mind what I said above....all of the other divisions were better. Just sell me all of your 37th Div. WW2 groupings. ;)

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27th Infantry Division

 

Activated: 15 October 1940.

Overseas: 10 March 1942.

Campaigns: Various elements participated in several campaigns in the Pacific but not the entire division.

post-202-1240584555.jpg

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Gee, does anyone remember the 32nd?

 

The Division was credited with many "firsts" during World War II. It was the first United States division to deploy as an entire division overseas and among the first of seven U.S. Army and Marine units to engage in offensive ground combat operations during 1942. They were among the first to enter the war and were still engaging attacking Japanese soldiers after the Armistice was declared. The 32nd logged a total of 654 days of combat during WWII, more than any other U.S. Army division

Book_32nd_Infantry_Division.jpg

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Gee, does anyone remember the 32nd?

 

The Division was credited with many "firsts" during World War II. It was the first United States division to deploy as an entire division overseas and among the first of seven U.S. Army and Marine units to engage in offensive ground combat operations during 1942. They were among the first to enter the war and were still engaging attacking Japanese soldiers after the Armistice was declared. The 32nd logged a total of 654 days of combat during WWII, more than any other U.S. Army division

 

Yes, Les Terribles or Red Arrow Division!!

 

thumbsup.gif

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101combatvet

The 32nd had more days in combat then any other Division in the PTA.

 

Gee, does anyone remember the 32nd?

 

The Division was credited with many "firsts" during World War II. It was the first United States division to deploy as an entire division overseas and among the first of seven U.S. Army and Marine units to engage in offensive ground combat operations during 1942. They were among the first to enter the war and were still engaging attacking Japanese soldiers after the Armistice was declared. The 32nd logged a total of 654 days of combat during WWII, more than any other U.S. Army division

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I've been doing research on the divisions that fought in the Philippines. While doing so, I compiled all the ones that participated in the PTO and where they served:

Infantry Divisions:

6th: Hawaii, Dutch New Guinea, Philippines [Luzon], (Korea)

7th: Aleutian Islands, Kwajalein, Eniwetok, Hawaii, Philippines [Leyte], Okinawa, (Korea, Japan)

11th Airborne: New Guinea, Philippines [Leyte, Luzon], (Japan)

12th/Philippine: Philippines [Luzon], (Saipan, Okinawa)

23rd/Americal: Guadalcanal, Fiji, Bougainville, Philippines, (Japan)

24th: Hawaii, Australia, Dutch New Guinea, Philippines [Leyte, Marinduque, Luzon, Mindanao], (Japan)

 

25th: Guadalcanal, Central Pacific, New Caledonia, Philippines [Luzon], (Japan)

27th: Hawaii, Eniwetok, Saipan, New Hebrides, Okinawa,

31st: New Guinea, Philippines [Mindanao]

32nd: New Guinea, Philippines [Leyte, Luzon]

33rd: New Guinea, Philippines [Luzon], (Japan)

 

37th: Fiji, Bougainville, Philippines [Luzon]

38th: Hawaii, New Guinea, Philippines [Leyte, Luzon]

40th: Hawaii, Guadalcanal, New Britain, Philippines [Luzon, Panay, Negros Occidental], (Korea)

41st: Australia, New Guinea, Philippines [Palawan, Zamboanga, Mindanao], (Japan)

43rd: New Zealand, New Hebrides, New Caledonia, Guadalcanal, New Georgia, Philippines [Luzon], (Japan)

 

77th: Hawaii, Guam, New Caledonia, Philippines [Leyte, Cebu], Okinawa, (Japan)

81st: Palau Islands, New Caledonia, Philippines [Leyte], (Japan) (thanks Salvage Sailor!)

93rd: Guadalcanal, Dutch New Guinea, Wake Island, Philippines [Zamboanga, Palawan, (Jolo, Mindanao, Leyte)]

96th: Hawaii, Philippines [Leyte], Okinawa, [Mindoro]

 

Cavalry Divisions:

1st Cavalry: Australia, New Guinea, Philippines [Leyte, Samar, Luzon], (Japan)

 

(Please let me know if I am missing any.)

 

Interestingly enough, in my research I stumbled upon this quote: "The [41st Infantry] division had arrived in Australia with a reputation as 'the top ranking National Guard division and one of the three top divisions in the whole Army,' a reason for its early shipment."

 

In my opinion, it's hard to judge which divisions could be considered the top three Pacific divisions. All of them fought bravely despite all levels of hazards.

 

~Rabbit

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Salvage Sailor

You overlooked the Wildcats.....

 

81st Infantry Division - Palaus , Leyte

 

Also, though not a division, no US Army Pacific theater list would be complete without mentioning the Bushmasters - 158th Regimental Combat Team

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pathfinder505

You also overlooked the Blackhawks. The 86th

 

 

They left Europe and went to the Philippines. Thus serving in both major theaters. However, the 86th Division was aboard ship in Leyte harbor when the Japanese surrendered. After landing on Luzon the unit was dispersed throughout the Island. Some to Marikena, some to other locations. A few assigned to Corregador Island to guard Japanese prisoners of war.

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You also overlooked the Blackhawks. The 86th

They left Europe and went to the Philippines. Thus serving in both major theaters. However, the 86th Division was aboard ship in Leyte harbor when the Japanese surrendered. After landing on Luzon the unit was dispersed throughout the Island. Some to Marikena, some to other locations. A few assigned to Corregador Island to guard Japanese prisoners of war.

 

Another PTO and ETO veteran ... thumbsup.gif

 

43rd Infantary "Winged Victory" Division

Front: Pacific (1942-45)

Luzon Battle

 

97th Infantry "Trident" Division

Front: ETO (1945)

post-202-1240612781.jpg

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In my opinion I think it depended on what Corps or Army Commander made that statement. All divisions if you research them enough are notable for something. And there is not an enlisted man anywhere that would not stick up for his division when challengened. So as an enlisted man in the Phillipines for example assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division. My division is the best and hopefully the divisions to the right and to the left are almost as good as mine.

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In my opinion I think it depended on what Corps or Army Commander made that statement. All divisions if you research them enough are notable for something. And there is not an enlisted man anywhere that would not stick up for his division when challengened. So as an enlisted man in the Phillipines for example assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division. My division is the best and hopefully the divisions to the right and to the left are almost as good as mine.

 

What I neglected to initially mention was that most divisions or outfits have stated laudatory things relating to their record, so who knows. The original quote referred to "qualified observers", so who knows exactly who that was, or what that opinion was based upon.

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