About this Unit
The 35th Infantry Division, known as the "Santa Fe Division," was formed in 1917 and first saw combat in World War I, participating in the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. Reconstituted during World War II, the division landed in Normandy in July 1944 and fought through France, Belgium, and Germany, earning a reputation for tenacity in battles such as the Battle of Saint-Lô and the Battle of the Bulge. After the war, it became part of the Army National Guard, with units based in Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska. The division has since supported peacekeeping and homeland missions, including deployments to Bosnia and Iraq in the 21st century.
Historical Facts
•
Formation in World War I: The 35th Infantry Division was organized in August 1917, primarily from National Guard units from Kansas and Missouri, and served in France during World War I.
•
Meuse-Argonne Offensive: The division participated in the Meuse-Argonne Offensive in 1918, suffering heavy casualties but helping to break German defensive lines in one of the war’s final major operations.
•
Harry S. Truman’s Service: Future U.S. President Harry S. Truman served as a captain in the 129th Field Artillery Regiment, part of the 35th Division, during World War I.
•
World War II Re-activation: The division was reactivated for World War II and landed on Omaha Beach in July 1944, participating in the Normandy campaign.
•
Battle of the Bulge: The 35th Infantry Division played a critical role in the Battle of the Bulge, helping to repel the German offensive in the Ardennes in December 1944.
•
“Santa Fe” Nickname: The division’s nickname, “Santa Fe,” comes from its original patch design featuring a Santa Fe cross, which was a symbol of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway.
•
Decorated Division: The unit earned three campaign streamers and two French Croix de Guerre with Palm during World War II, recognizing its distinguished service.
•
Cold War Service: After World War II, the division was reorganized as a National Guard unit and remained active throughout the Cold War, with elements based in several Midwestern states.
•
Modern Deployments: In the 21st century, the 35th Infantry Division has deployed units to Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq, and Afghanistan as part of peacekeeping and combat operations.
•
Legacy and Heritage: The division’s lineage and honors are preserved today as part of the Army National Guard, with headquarters in Kansas, and it continues to support both state and federal missions.
