About this Unit
The 3rd Battalion, 339th Infantry Regiment, part of the 84th Infantry Division ("Railsplitters"), was activated during World War II. The unit trained at Camp Howze, Texas, before deploying to the European Theater in 1944. The 3/339th played a significant role in the Siegfried Line campaign, the Battle of the Bulge, and the advance into Germany, earning a reputation for determination and resilience. After the war, the battalion was inactivated, but the 339th Infantry Regiment’s legacy continues through its service and contributions to victory in Europe.
Historical Facts
• World War II Origins: The 3rd Battalion, 339th Infantry Regiment, was part of the 84th Infantry Division ("Railsplitters"), which was activated for service in World War II in 1942.
• Normandy Arrival: The 84th Division, including the 3/339th, landed in France in early November 1944, several months after D-Day, and quickly moved into action.
• Operation Clipper: The battalion participated in Operation Clipper, a coordinated Allied offensive that captured the German-held town of Geilenkirchen in November 1944.
• Battle of the Bulge: The 3/339th played a key role in the Battle of the Bulge, helping to stop the German offensive in the Ardennes during the harsh winter of 1944-45.
• Crossing the Roer: Members of the battalion took part in the crossing of the Roer River in February 1945, which was critical to breaking through German defenses in western Germany.
• Capture of Hannover: The battalion advanced into Germany and was involved in the capture of the city of Hannover in April 1945, contributing to the final defeat of Nazi forces.
• Casualty Rate: The 339th Infantry Regiment, including its 3rd Battalion, suffered significant casualties during its campaigns, reflecting the heavy fighting experienced by the unit.
• Decorations: The regiment and its battalions, including 3/339th, received several unit citations and awards for valor and performance in combat.
• Post-War Service: After WWII, the 84th Division, including the 3/339th, was reactivated as part of the Army Reserve, continuing its legacy in training and support roles.
• Nickname – "Railsplitters": The division's nickname and insignia honor Abraham Lincoln, symbolizing the unit's roots in the Midwest and its enduring spirit, which the 3/339th proudly carried.
