Co E 303 Inf Regt 97 Inf Div

• Formation and Division: Company E, 303rd Infantry Regiment was part of the 97th Infantry Division, which was activated during World War II and nicknamed the "Trident Division" for its insignia. • Stateside Training: The 97th Infantry Division, including Co E, 303rd Inf Regt, trained extensively at Camp Swift, Texas, and Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, before deploying overseas. • Late European Arrival: The division was originally slated for deployment to the Pacific, but was rerouted to Europe in early 1945 as part of the final Allied push into Nazi Germany. • Combat Debut: Co E entered combat in March 1945, crossing the Rhine River and engaging in action across Germany as part of the division’s first combat experiences. • Liberation of Flossenbürg: Soldiers from the 303rd Infantry Regiment participated in the liberation of the Flossenbürg Concentration Camp in April 1945, helping free thousands of prisoners. • Meeting the Soviets: The 97th Infantry Division, including elements of the 303rd, made contact with Soviet forces near Cheb, Czechoslovakia, marking an important East-West Allied link-up. • End of European War: On May 8, 1945 (V-E Day), Company E was located in Czechoslovakia, having advanced deep into enemy territory as the war in Europe ended. • Pacific Duty: After Germany’s surrender, the 97th was redeployed to the Pacific, arriving in Japan for occupation duties in September 1945, where Co E helped oversee the transition to peace. • Postwar Recognition: The 303rd Infantry Regiment, including Company E, received campaign streamers for Central Europe and Rhineland, acknowledging their service and sacrifices. • Veterans' Legacy: Members of Co E, 303rd Infantry Regiment have held reunions and contributed oral histories, helping preserve the unit’s story and the broader narrative of the 97th Infantry Division’s unique combat path in WWII.