The Blue Devils in Italy; A History of the 88th Infantry Division in World War II

New York, NY: 88th Infantry Division Association Inc, 1968. Revised Edition. Wraps. Fair. [16],358, [58] pages. Frontis. Illustrations. Maps. Includes a narrative on Santa Maria Infante, 351st Infantry 11-14 May 1944. Cover has sticker residue, and tears and chips. Cover loose and has been reglued. Several pages at end came off the staples--partially disbound. An Official U.S. Army unit history of the "DRAFTEE DIVISION" by John P. Delaney. The 88th Infantry Division was the first all-selective service division in combat and was rated as one of the very best U.S. Army divisions in WWII. Summary: Originally published in 1947 by the Infantry Journal Press as the official unit history for the 88th Infantry Division in World War II. Nickname: Blue Devil Division; sometimes called Clover Leaf Division. Shoulder patch: An infantry blue quatrefoil, formed by two Arabic numeral "8's". In addition to an excellent narrative history, the book features rosters of divisional dead, and lists of decorations awarded. The 88th was the first American unit into Rome on 4 June, after a stiff engagement on the outskirts of the city. An element of the 88th is credited with being first to enter the Eternal City. The Division launched an attack toward Volterra on the 8th, taking the town the next day. Laiatico fell on the 11th, Villamagna on the 13th, and the Arno River was crossed on the 20th although the enemy resisted bitterly. On 21 September 1944, and advanced rapidly along the Firenzuola-Imola road, taking Mount Battaglia on the 28th. The strategic positions of Mount Grande and Farnetto were taken, 20 and 22 October. Monterumici fell on the 17th and the Po River was crossed, 24 April. The cities of Verona and Vicenza were captured on the 25th and 28th and the Brenta River was crossed, 30 April. The 88th was driving through the Dolomite Alps toward Innsbruck, Austria, when the hostilities ended on 2 May 1945. The unit was in combat for 344 days and sustained 15,173 casualties (killed, wounded or missing).