The Story of the 34th Infantry Division
Book I • Louisiana to Pisa

Chapter I • IRELAND
Beginning [pp. 1-2]

   The entry of the United States into the war found the 34th Infantry Division already organized. Formed from the National Guard of Iowa, Minnesota, and North and South Dakota, the Division [under the command of Major General Ellard A. Walsh] was inducted into Federal service on 10 February 1941 and, after basic training at Camp Claiborne, [Louisiana,] took part in the Louisiana maneuvers. Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, certain units were dispatched to key places in the southern states for security purposes, but hardly had they settled down to their first war job when they were ordered to Fort Dix, New Jersey, for the War Department had selected the 34th to be the first American Division to go to the European Theater of War in World War II. The destination was Northern Ireland.

   The Commanding General, [then Major General Russell P Hartle,] with a small staff group and some elements of the Division, left for overseas almost at once to prepare for the main body. During their absence, and on practically no notice, the Division rapidly streamlined itself from a square to a triangular Division, which meant, unfortunately, that several units had to leave the Division. There was little time for regrets, though, for in three waves between 15 January 1942 and 13 May 1942 the Division shipped out, so that by the end of May the whole formation had concentrated in Ulster. The Division at once began a training program for small units which, especially as it was being executed overseas, had rather more urgency than the Louisiana maneuvers.

   The country of Northern Ireland is wild and wet. Jagged hills and bare moors are dotted with peat bogs and cut by brown mountain torrents. The Division soon became accustomed to the difficulties of the cross-country movements which later were to form part of their daily existence in combat. Almost as soon as the Division had arrived in Ireland a call was made for volunteers to create the 1st Ranger Battalion, which may be said to have had its origins in the 34th Infantry Division. In order to create team spirit and cooperation with our British Allies, a number of exercises involving the services of both nations were held. Training for combat was intensified after Major General Charles W. Ryder assumed command of the Division on 12 June 1942, for the General was certain that more active duties than garrisoning a base lay ahead.

Introduction Foreword Contents

Chapter II ALGIERS Pretending

Updated 2003 October 24.
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