The 80th Blue Ridge Division's Fight Across Europe in World War II

The 80th Blue Ridge Division was a United States Army infantry division that fought in World War II. The division was activated on 15 July 1942, at Camp Forrest, Tennessee. It was composed of men from West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina.

A Combat Engineer with Patton's Army: The Fight Across Europe with the 80th "Blue Ridge" Division in World War II

by Jill Lepore

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	37447 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	289 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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The division trained at Camp Forrest for over a year before being deployed to Europe in October 1943. The 80th landed at Omaha Beach on D-Day, 6 June 1944. The division fought its way across France, Belgium, and Germany, participating in several major battles, including the Battle of the Bulge.

The 80th Blue Ridge Division was one of the most decorated units in the U.S. Army during World War II. The division was awarded two Presidential Unit Citations, three Army Distinguished Unit Citations, and six campaign streamers.

The 80th Blue Ridge Division in Normandy

The 80th Blue Ridge Division landed on Omaha Beach on D-Day, 6 June 1944. The division was part of the V Corps, which was tasked with capturing the town of Saint-Lô. The 80th landed on Easy Red Sector, one of the most heavily defended sectors of Omaha Beach.

The 80th faced heavy resistance from German troops. The division was able to secure a foothold on the beach, but it took several days of fighting to break through the German defenses. The 80th eventually captured Saint-Lô on 18 July 1944.

The 80th Blue Ridge Division in the Battle of the Bulge

The 80th Blue Ridge Division participated in the Battle of the Bulge, which was the last major German offensive of the war. The division was part of the VII Corps, which was tasked with defending the Ardennes forest.

The 80th was heavily outnumbered by German troops. The division was able to hold its ground, but it was forced to retreat in the face of overwhelming enemy pressure. The 80th eventually counterattacked and helped to defeat the German offensive.

The 80th Blue Ridge Division in the Rhineland Campaign

The 80th Blue Ridge Division participated in the Rhineland Campaign, which was the final campaign of the war in Europe. The division was part of the IX Corps, which was tasked with crossing the Rhine River and capturing the Ruhr Valley.

The 80th crossed the Rhine River on 23 March 1945. The division fought its way through the Ruhr Valley, capturing several key cities. The 80th eventually reached the Elbe River, where it met up with Soviet troops.

The 80th Blue Ridge Division in Post-War Europe

The 80th Blue Ridge Division remained in Europe after the war. The division was responsible for occupying a sector of Germany. The 80th was inactivated in 1946.

Legacy of the 80th Blue Ridge Division

The 80th Blue Ridge Division is remembered for its bravery and tenacity in combat. The division was one of the most decorated units in the U.S. Army during World War II. The legacy of the 80th Blue Ridge Division lives on in the many memorials and monuments that have been erected in its honor.

The 80th Blue Ridge Division was a remarkable unit that fought its way across Europe during World War II. The division's courage and determination helped to secure victory for the Allies. The legacy of the 80th Blue Ridge Division will continue to inspire generations to come.

A Combat Engineer with Patton's Army: The Fight Across Europe with the 80th "Blue Ridge" Division in World War II

by Jill Lepore

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	37447 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	289 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE