7th. Army

• Origins in World War II: The 7th Army was activated on July 10, 1943, in North Africa under the command of Lieutenant General George S. Patton, Jr. Its first mission was to spearhead the Allied invasion of Sicily (Operation Husky). • First American Army in Sicily: The 7th Army became the first U.S. Army to fight on the European mainland during World War II, landing at Gela and Licata in Sicily on July 10, 1943. • Patton vs. Montgomery: During the Sicily campaign, there was a famous rivalry between General Patton's 7th Army and British General Montgomery's 8th Army, both racing to capture Messina first. Patton's forces reached Messina just hours ahead of Montgomery. • Operation Dragoon: In August 1944, the 7th Army led the Allied invasion of southern France during Operation Dragoon, landing on the Mediterranean coast and liberating key cities like Marseille, Toulon, and Lyon. • Advance into Germany: The 7th Army played a key role in the liberation of France and the invasion of Germany, capturing cities such as Nuremberg and Munich, and eventually linking up with Soviet forces in Austria. • Discovery of Concentration Camps: In April 1945, soldiers of the 7th Army liberated several Nazi concentration camps, including Dachau, one of the most infamous camps of the Holocaust. • Post-War Occupation: After World War II, the 7th Army became the major U.S. ground force in Europe and was responsible for occupation duties in southern Germany. • Cold War Role: Throughout the Cold War, the 7th Army formed the backbone of U.S. Army Europe, prepared to defend against any potential Soviet invasion through Central Europe. • Reorganizations and Downsizing: The 7th Army underwent several reorganizations during the late 20th century, including merging with U.S. Army Europe in 1966, but its emblem and lineage continue to be honored. • Legacy and Motto: The 7th Army is remembered for its tenacity and rapid advances. Its motto, "Seven Steps to Hell," reflects the hard-fought campaigns it led from Sicily to Germany.