The 36th Infantry Division during World War II
In 1985, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum and the US Army Center of Military History began a program to honor US Army divisions that took part in the Allied liberation of Nazi camps. The US Army Center of Military History defines a liberating division as one whose official records show its presence at a camp within 48 hours of the first soldier’s arrival. The 36th Infantry Division is among the 36 US divisions that have been recognized to date.
Key Facts
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1
US, British, Soviet, and Canadian troops encountered concentration camps and other sites of Nazi crimes as they advanced across Europe in 1944 and 1945.
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2
The Allied soldiers liberated sick and starving camp prisoners from Nazi tyranny. They also provided them with food, clothing, and medical aid.
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3
The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum and the US Army Center of Military History have recognized 36 US divisions for their role in the liberation of Nazi camps.
36th Infantry Division Campaigns during World War II
Formed in July 1917, just a few months after the United States entered World War I, the 36th Infantry Division first saw combat in France in 1918. The "Texas" or "Lone Star" division was reactivated in 1940 and landed in North Africa in April 1943 as part of the Allied campaign to drive German and Italian forces from the continent.
In September 1943, the unit advanced into Italy, where it took part in the fighting at Monte Cassino and entered Rome in June 1944. The 36th was subsequently redeployed to southern France and moved northeast to the region of Alsace. During the German offensive in December (the Battle of the Bulge), the "Texas" held its defensive position and by the end of the month was counterattacking enemy forces. In 1945, the division advanced into the Rhineland and, by war's end, had reached the Bavarian Alps.
The 36th Infantry Division and the Liberation of Kaufering
During the 36th's drive into Bavaria, the division overran some of the Kaufering subcamps of the Dachau concentration camp on April 30, 1945. One of its attached battalions had been ordered to locate and secure all concentration camps in the area around Hurlach, near Landsberg.
Recognition as a Liberating Unit
The 36th Infantry Division was recognized as a liberating unit by the US Army's Center of Military History and the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in 1995.
36th Infantry Casualty Figures
Casualty figures for the 36th Infantry Division, European theater of operations:
- Total battle casualties: 7,914
- Total deaths in battle: 1,933
36th Infantry Division Nickname
The 36th Infantry Division, the "Texas" division, was raised from National Guard units from Texas and Oklahoma during World War I. The "T" in the division's insignia represents Texas, the arrowhead Oklahoma. The division was also sometimes called the "Lone Star" division, again symbolizing its Texas roots.
Critical Thinking Questions
What challenges did Allied forces face when they encountered the camps and sites of other atrocities?
What challenges faced survivors of the Holocaust upon liberation?