63rd Infantry Division (United States)
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| 63rd Infantry Division | |
|---|---|
 Shoulder Sleeve Insignia of the 63d Infantry Division |
|
| Active | June 15, 1943 - September 27, 1945, 1952 - 1963 |
| Country | United States |
| Branch | Army |
| Type | Division |
| Role | Infantry |
| Size | ~15,000 |
| Nickname | Blood and Fire |
| Engagements | World War II |
| U.S. Infantry Divisions | |
|---|---|
| Previous | Next |
| 62nd Infantry Division | 65th Infantry Division |
The 63rd Infantry Division was a formation of the United States Army in World War II.
It was made up of three infantry regiments, the 253rd Infantry Regiment, the 254th Infantry Regiment and the 255th Infantry Regiment. The Divisional artillery was provided by the 718th FA Bn., 861st FA Bn., 862ed FA Bn,. 863rd FA Bn. Other attached units were the 263rd Eng Bn. and the 363rd Med Bn.
In their 125 days of combat, the 63rd Infantry Division suffered 13,776 casualties with 1,038 KIA. 407 soldiers were buried in Europe. In total, over 70,000 personnel served with the formation. Soldiers of the 63rd ID were awarded 2 Medals of Honor, 9 Distinguished Service Crosses, 472 Silver Stars, 3 Legions of Merit, 30 Soldier's Medals, 5430 Bronze Stars, 5053 Purple Hearts, 70 Air Medals, 1 British Military Cross, 2 British Military Medals, 1 French Legion of Honor and 15 French Croix de Guerre. Since the end of World War II, over 9,000 former members of the 63rd infantry division have died.
[edit] General
- Nickname: Blood and Fire.
- Shoulder Patch: An upright bayonet of gold tipped with a drop of blood on a background of crimson flame, all on a field of olive drab; the patch is pear shaped.
- Currently Designated the 63d Regional Readiness Command operating in California, Arizona, and Nevada. Headquartered at Los Alamitos, CA.
- Anthony Benedetto, who later became singer Tony Bennett, served in the 63rd Infantry Division during 1944 and 1945.
[edit] References
- The Army Almanac: A Book of Facts Concerning the Army of the United States U.S. Government Printing Office, 1950 reproduced at CMH.
