45th Infantry Division Thunderbird, second worldwar

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45th Infantry Division Thunderbird, second worldwar


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Books

Field Manuals

 

Books

The Rock of Anzio: From Sicily to Dachau: A History of the U.S. 45th Infantry Division

The Rock of Anzio: From Sicily to Dachau: A History of the U.S. 45th Infantry Division

Author: Flint Whitlock
Publishing Information: Published by Westview Press, Copyright 1998
ISBN: 0-8133-3399-7

The all around best one volume reference book on the 45th Infantry Division, and their actions in campaigns throughout Europe. "Based on extensive research into archives, photos, letters, diaries, previously classified official records, and scores of personal interviews with surviving veterans of the 45th." (Quote from dust jacket of book.)

45TH INFANTRY DIVISION

45TH INFANTRY DIVISION


The history of the Thunderbird did not begin with the chapters of this book. It is a long history and a varied one. This book covers, Sicily-Naples Foggia; Rome- Arno; Southern France; Rhineland; and Central Europe.

Can be purchased at the 45th Infantry Division Museum Gift shop

EAGER FOR DUTY,   A history of the 157th Infantry Regiment

EAGER FOR DUTY


A history of the 157th Infantry Regiment (Rifle). An informal story of the travels and battles of an Infantry Regiment in World War II. Covers from 4 Jun 43 to 8 May 45.

Can be purchased at the 45th Infantry Division Museum Gift shop

179TH INFANTRY REGIMENT

179TH INFANTRY REGIMENT
THE STORY OF A REGIMENT


By Warren P. Munsell

A history from 1925 to 9 May 1945


Can be purchased at the 45th Infantry Division Museum Gift shop

THE STORY OF THE 180TH INFANTRY REGIMENT

THE STORY OF THE 180TH INFANTRY REGIMENT


By George A. Fisher.

Cover the regiment from its formation in 1918 to the autumn of 1945 when the regiment was released from Federal service.

Can be purchased at the 45th Infantry Division Museum Gift shop

Friends at Anzio;Stories of Bacon and Burns 180th Infantry, 45th Division

Author: James Burns, Jr.
Publishing Information: Old Mountain Press Inc. Copywrite 2001
ISBN: 1-931575-10-X

This is a collection of the individual stories of Alva Bacon, James Burns, and their sergeant Marvin Palecek. They fought with the famed Thunderbird Division during World War II. $7.50 + $1.50 P&H.To order send check or money order to: James Burns, Jr. 2345 Sandalwood Dr. El Centro, California 92243 E-mail: rjburns1@mindspring.com

 

SPARKS: The Combat Diary of a Battalion Commander (Rifle) WWII

SPARKS: The Combat Diary of a Battalion Commander (Rifle) WWII

Author: Emajean Buechner (wife of Col. Howard A. Buechner, a surgeon in the 45th Infantry Division)
Publishing Information: Published by Thunderbird Press, Inc. Copyright 1991
ISBN: 0-913159-08-5

A compilation of articles written by Brigadier General Felix L. Sparks that appeared originally in the 157th Infantry Regiment Association newsletter, as well as interviews of Sparks by the author. General Sparks was one of the few who made it all the way from Sicily to Munich, Germany.

News of the 45th

News of the 45th

Author: Sergeant Don Robinson; Art Credit: Sergeant Bill Mauldin
Publishing Informaion: Published by The University of Oklahoma Press Copyright 1944
No ISBN available. Never reprinted.

The story of the first divisional newspaper. It has great anecdotes from Sicily and stateside training. The book is tough to come by, but worth it when you find it.

The Brass Ring: A Sort of Memoir

The Brass Ring: A Sort of Memoir

Author: Bill Mauldin
Publishing Information: Published by W.W. Norton & Company, Inc. Copyright 1971

ISBN: 0-393-07463-3

The autobiography of Bill Mauldin. It includes many anecdotes of his time with the 45th Infantry Division and Stars and Stripes, including his feud with General George Patton.

To Be As Brave: A WWII Veteran's Story

To Be As Brave: A WWII Veteran's Story

Author: Joe B. Murray as told to his daughter Brenda Murray Weir
Publishing Informaion: Brends Weir Advertising/Public Relations Copyright 2001
ISBN: 0-9708455-0-2

Joe Murray was a member of the 157th Infantry Regiment, and this is his story. Although an adult book, this is excellent for young readers (approx. 5th grade & up). It reads like a father telling stories to his child. Although not published by a major publishing house, this book is available at Barnes and Noble.

When the Odds Were Even: The Vosges Mountains Campaign, October 1944 - January 1945

When the Odds Were Even: The Vosges Mountains Campaign, October 1944 - January 1945

Author: Kieth E. Bonn
Publishing Information: Published by Presiidio Press Copyright 1994
ISBN: 0-89141-512-2 (hardcover) 0-89141-602-1 (paperback)

Focuses on 7th Army's campaign in Alsace, France. The 45th played a key role in this campaign. The best comparison of the 1944 U.S. Army vs. German Army comparing doctrine and capabilities.

Up Front

Up Front

Author: Bill Mauldin
Publishing Information: Published by Henry Holt & Co., Copyright 1945 Reprinted in November 2000 by Norton, W.W. & Company, Inc.
ISBN: 0-3930-5031-9

Take a look at the "lighter side" of World War II. A collection of cartoons featuring Willie and Joe drawn by Bill Mauldin, a WWII veteran of the 45th Infantry Division. Many of the original cartoons appeared in the 45th Division News, with Willie and Joe wearing the Thunderbird patch.

Anzio: Edge of Disaster

Anzio: Edge of Disaster

Author: William L. Allen
Publishing Information: Published by Elsevier-Dutton Copyright 1978
ISBN: 0-525-93003-5

After you have read "The Rock of Anzio" it is interesting to see what other authors have emphasized about the battle, and the role of individual units, in the 45th.

Anzio: The Massacre at the Beachhead

Anzio: The Massacre at the Beachhead

Author: Wynford Vaughan-Thomas
Publishing Information: Published by Hold, Rinehart and Winston Copyright 1961
No ISBN available.

Wynford Vaughan-Thomas was an English war correspondent who was at Anzio. He covers the British units and also the 45th, who was adjacent to the British. He offers his insight into General Lucas's headquarters.

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Field Manuals

Soldier's Handbook

FM 21-100

Basic Field Manual

Soldier's Handbook

July 22, 1941

Contains all soldier common tasks, what everyone would learn at basic training.

Infantry Drill Regulations

FM 22-5

Basic Field Manual

Infantry Drill Regulations

August 4, 1941

Everything you ever wanted to know about marching, formations, ceremonies, and military courtesy.

FM 21-75 Infantry Scouting, Patrolling, and Sniping

FM 21-75

Basic Field Manual

Infantry Scouting, Patrolling, and Sniping

February 6, 1944

The best single manual for squad level tactics.

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