Perhaps the most profound stories are found in the quietest of places like Division 45. It stands as a reminder of sacrifice and memory. Division 45 is a cemetery sector. It whispers tales of soldiers and their final resting place.
These grounds commemorate the 45th Infantry Division. This division played a crucial role during World War II. The US Army Center of Military History recognized it. It was honored for its part in the Allied liberation of Nazi camps. The 45th is one of 36 US divisions to receive this honor.
Let us reflect on some key facts. As Allied forces advanced across Europe they found Nazi concentration camps. This happened in 1944 and 1945. These soldiers liberated sick and starving prisoners from Nazi tyranny. They provided essential aid such as food clothing and medical care.
The 45th Infantry Division was formed in 1924. It comprised National Guard units from the southwestern United States. Reactivated in 1940 the “Thunderbird” division deployed to North Africa in 1943. They then landed in Sicily engaging Axis troops. The division fought its way up the Italian peninsula. In February 1944 the 45th landed at Anzio. Here they faced relentless German assaults. The unit moved to southern France in August 1944. They advanced rapidly reaching the German border by year’s end. In March 1945 the “Thunderbird” crossed the Rhine. They captured Nuremberg on April 20. Munich fell ten days later.
As the 45th finished its push on Munich they were sent to liberate Dachau. On April 29 1945 three US Army divisions reached Dachau. These were the 42nd 45th and 20th Armored. They found over 30000 prisoners in the overcrowded camp. Days earlier about 2000 inmates from Flossenbürg arrived at Dachau. SS guards forced nearly 7000 Dachau inmates southward. A train arrived on April 28. It held about 40 railway cars. This train left Buchenwald on April 7 with over 5000 prisoners. Nearly 2000 died during the journey. US troops found 2310 corpses on the train upon arrival. The 816 survivors were taken to barracks.
German opponents of the Nazi regime took over the town hall in Dachau. An international committee organized resistance within the camp. News of Dachau’s liberation spread quickly. Journalists and congressmen visited the camp. They reported finding rail cars filled with dead bodies. They saw emaciated prisoners who had crawled out to die.
Lieutenant Colonel Felix Sparks commanded the 45th Infantry Division troops. He described his initial shock upon seeing the railway cars filled with corpses. He said Dante’s Inferno paled in comparison to Dachau. There was a crematorium a gas chamber and rooms filled with naked corpses. The stench of death was overpowering.
US Army authorities began treating the sick and implementing sanitary measures. They brought in food for the starving prisoners. Local townspeople helped bury the dead. The 45th Infantry Division was recognized as a liberating unit in 1985.
The 45th Infantry Division suffered significant casualties. Killed totaled 1510. Wounded numbered 7246. Missing were 1436. Captured amounted to 266. Total battle casualties reached 10458.
The golden thunderbird became the 45th Infantry Division’s symbol in 1939. It replaced an earlier Native American symbol. The thunderbird signifies happiness in some Native American cultures. Kiowa Nation artist Woodrow Wilson Big Bow designed the insignia. The diamond shape represents Arizona New Mexico Colorado and Oklahoma. These are the four states linked to the Division’s National Guard units.
Division 45 stands here. It echoes with stories of courage liberation and profound loss. It is a place for solemn reflection. Take a moment to remember those who served. Remember those who were liberated. Reflect on the enduring cost of freedom.