About this Unit
Headquarters, 5th Army (HQ 5th Army) was activated by the United States Army on January 5, 1943, during World War II. Under the command of Lieutenant General Mark W. Clark, the unit played a pivotal role in the Italian Campaign, including the landings at Salerno and the battles for Monte Cassino and Rome. After World War II, HQ 5th Army was responsible for various training and administrative missions in the United States. Today, the legacy of the 5th Army continues as it serves as U.S. Army North, focusing on homeland defense and civil support operations.
Historical Facts
• Formation in World War II: The U.S. Fifth Army was activated on January 5, 1943, in Oujda, French Morocco, becoming the first American field army to be activated outside the United States during World War II.
• Italian Campaign: HQ 5th Army played a pivotal role in the Allied invasion of Italy, landing at Salerno in September 1943 and leading the drive northward, including the liberation of Rome in June 1944.
• Operation Avalanche: The Salerno landings (Operation Avalanche) marked the first major assault on the European mainland by Western Allies, with the 5th Army spearheading the operation, facing fierce German resistance.
• Commanded by Mark W. Clark: Lieutenant General Mark W. Clark, one of the youngest American generals, led the 5th Army and became famous for his leadership during the Italian Campaign.
• Multinational Force: The 5th Army was notable for its diverse composition, including American, British, French, Polish, Brazilian, and Italian units fighting together under its command.
• Battle for Monte Cassino: The 5th Army endured months of brutal fighting in the attempt to break through the German Gustav Line, culminating in the capture of Monte Cassino, a key victory in the campaign.
• The Gothic Line: In late 1944, the 5th Army was instrumental in breaching the formidable German defensive Gothic Line, opening the way into northern Italy.
• Post-World War II: After WWII, the 5th Army was headquartered in Florence, Italy, before moving to Stuttgart, Germany, and later returning to the United States where it became part of the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC).
• Reflagging as U.S. Army North: In 2004, the 5th Army was redesignated as U.S. Army North (Fifth Army), now headquartered at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, and focusing on homeland defense and disaster response.
• Legacy and Honors: The 5th Army received numerous unit citations and decorations, and its veterans are celebrated for their courage and contribution to the Allied victory in Europe.
