Big Red One and Fort Riley part of V-E Day 75 years ago
Posted May 08, 2020 8:02 AM
The crusade on which we embarked in the early summer of 1944 has reached its glorious conclusion. Full victory in Europe has been attained. - General of the Army Dwight D. Eisenhower, from his "Victory Order of the Day" memo, dated May 8, 1945.
Today marks the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe, or V-E, Day. The 1st Infantry Division and Fort Riley both played significant roles in World War II.
America's First Division fought in North Africa and Sicily, before leading the invasion of France on D-Day. From its first battle in 1942 to V-E Day, the 1st Infantry Division suffered more than 21,000 casualties, earned eight campaign streamers, and added 17 Medal of Honor winners to the roll of heroes. Following the war, the Big Red One served in occupied Germany, and the division's 26th Infantry Regiment provided security at the Nuremburg war crimes trials.
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