Merriam Press Military Monograph No. 23 Fifth Edition 2012 This is the story of the U.S. Army's 43rd "Winged Victory" Division whose memorable record in World War II will stand forever as an inspiration to all freedom-loving Americans. It is the story of valiant men who dedicated their lives to preserve all in life that is precious and coveted. While the story of the division may be recorded for posterity only on the printed page, its days of tragedy and comedy, adversity and prosperity, famine and feast, combat and rest, labor and recreation, are eternally engraved on the souls of thousands of red-blooded Americans who fought, conquered, died in the name of justice, humanity, and freedom. The 43rd Infantry Division was organized following World War I, and was made up of National Guard troops from the New England States-Maine, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Connecticut. Many of the organizations, particularly the Infantry Regiments and the Field Artillery Battalions had World War I records, and some had histories dating back to the days of the Revolutionary War. Upon induction into federal service on 24 February 1941, the officers and men were citizen soldiers. The division originally was inducted into federal service for the purpose of training for one year, but was held in service until inactivation on 1 November 1945, after having contributed greatly to the defeat of the enemy in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations. The 43rd saw duty and combat in such places as New Zealand, New Caledonia, Guadalcanal, the Russells, New Georgia, Munda, Arundel, New Guinea, invasion of Lingayen, the Shimbu Line, and Ipo Dam, as well as the surrender and occupation. Contents The Beginning War Comes Off to War New Zealand New Caledonia Guadalcanal and the Russells New Georgia Securing Munda Arundel Defending Munda Rest and Reorganization in New Zealand New Guinea Lingayen Moving Inland Stotsenberg Crushing the Shimbu Line Ipo Dam Surrender and Occupation Homecoming Appendix: Leonard Fish Wing 57 photos and illustrations 14 maps Review by Thomas Genduso: "My father, who will be 88 years old, was a member of the 43rd Infantry Division. He showed me his copy of your book and I therefore wanted to get a copy for my own collection. My father enjoyed your book. Some of the photographs brought back memories of the places he had seen. In reading the book, my father commented that 'it was nice to know what the other guys were doing!' Thank you for putting this book together.