About this Unit
The 30th Infantry Division, nicknamed the "Old Hickory" Division, was organized in 1917 and served with distinction in both World War I and World War II. During World War I, the division fought alongside British forces, earning acclaim for its role in breaking the Hindenburg Line in 1918. In World War II, the 30th Infantry Division landed in Normandy shortly after D-Day and participated in key campaigns including the Battle of Saint-Lô, the Battle of the Bulge, and the crossing of the Rhine. Renowned for its combat effectiveness, the 30th Infantry Division was recognized as one of the most outstanding American infantry divisions of the war.
Historical Facts
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Origins and Nickname: The 30th Infantry Division was formed in 1917 and was nicknamed the "Old Hickory" Division in honor of President Andrew Jackson, who was known as "Old Hickory."
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World War I Service: The division served in France during World War I as part of the American Expeditionary Forces and fought alongside British forces in the Somme Offensive and the Ypres-Lys Offensive.
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Breaking the Hindenburg Line: The 30th played a crucial role in breaking the Hindenburg Line in September 1918, a major German defensive position, earning significant acclaim from Allied leaders.
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World War II Re-Activation: The division was reactivated in 1940 and trained at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, before being deployed to the European Theater.
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D-Day and Normandy: The 30th Infantry Division landed in Normandy shortly after D-Day, on June 10, 1944, and participated in the breakout from Saint-Lô.
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St. Lô and Mortain: The division played a key role in the Battle of Mortain, halting a major German counterattack and helping to close the Falaise Pocket, which trapped German forces in France.
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Battle of the Bulge: The 30th fought in the Battle of the Bulge, holding defensive lines against German advances and earning the nickname "Roosevelt’s SS" from the Germans for their fighting tenacity.
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Medal of Honor Recipients: Three soldiers from the division were awarded the Medal of Honor for their actions during World War II: Sergeant Gerry H. Kisters, Sergeant Paul L. Bolden, and Staff Sergeant Joseph E. Schaefer.
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Casualties and Honors: The 30th suffered over 19,000 casualties in World War II and was recognized as one of the most effective U.S. infantry divisions by both American and British commanders.
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Postwar Legacy: After World War II, the division was deactivated, but its lineage continues today in the North Carolina National Guard as the 30th Armored Brigade Combat Team, preserving its "Old Hickory" heritage.
