104th Division

• Nickname – "Timberwolf Division": The 104th Infantry Division is famously known as the "Timberwolf Division," inspired by the fierce and cunning predator native to the division’s home region in the Pacific Northwest. • World War II Activation: The division was activated on 15 September 1942 at Camp Adair, Oregon, and was originally composed mainly of draftees from the western United States. • Night-fighting Specialists: The 104th Division became renowned for pioneering and excelling in night combat operations during World War II, training extensively to fight under the cover of darkness. • First Combat in France: The 104th Division entered combat in September 1944, landing in France and quickly moving into Belgium and the Netherlands as part of the Allied advance. • Liberation of Concentration Camps: In April 1945, elements of the 104th Division helped liberate the Nordhausen concentration camp in Germany, freeing thousands of prisoners. • Rhine River Crossing: The division took part in the crossing of the Rhine River in March 1945, a pivotal moment in the push into the heart of Nazi Germany. • Casualties and Honors: During World War II, the 104th suffered over 4,900 casualties. The division earned two Distinguished Unit Citations and its soldiers received numerous decorations, including one Medal of Honor. • Postwar Service: After World War II, the 104th Division was reactivated as a training division in the U.S. Army Reserve, focusing on training new soldiers rather than combat deployments. • Unique Shoulder Patch: The division's distinctive shoulder sleeve insignia features a timberwolf’s head in profile, symbolizing the unit’s spirit and roots. • Historical Legacy: The Timberwolf Division’s World War II exploits are remembered in annual reunions, memorials, and even in European towns liberated by its soldiers, where monuments and ceremonies honor their legacy.