| 27th Infantry Division (1917–1954) 27th Armored Division (1954–67) |
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27th Infantry Division shoulder sleeve insignia. The red circle stars depict Orion, punning on "O'Ryan", the name of the division's World War I commander John F. O'Ryan. |
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| Active | 1917–1919 1940–1945 c.1946–54 1954–67 (27th Armored Division) |
| Country | United States of America |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Branch | Army National Guard |
| Nickname | New York "O'Ryan's Roughnecks" |
| Engagements | World War I World War II Iraq Campaign {as 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team} |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders |
Major General John F. O'Ryan |
| US infantry divisions (1939–present) | |
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| Previous | Next |
| 26th Infantry Division | 28th Infantry Division |
The 27th Infantry Division was a unit of the Army National Guard in World War I and World War II. The Division traces its history from the 6th Division, made up of New York units and formed in May 1917. The 6th Division designation was changed to the 27th Division in July 1917.[1]
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The New York 27th Division was one of only three Divisions formed up entirely from a single state National Guard, the other two being Illinois and Pennsylvania. As a result all the National Guard members of the 27th joined from New York, however, not all New Yorkers served in the 27th.[2]
Note: The Artillery elements were reassigned upon arrival in France, and those elements did not see service with the 27th Division during combat.
Prior to departing to training, the Division participated in a large send off parade in New York City along 5th Avenue on 30 August 1917. The 7th Infantry Regiment was the first to leave for training on Sept 11, 1917 by train. The training was conducted at a purpose built temporary facility at Camp Wadsworth, Spartanburg, South Carolina. Nearby hotels such as the Cleveland Hotel became centers for social life. The camp also house seven YMCA Huts and a Knights of Columbus Hall. While the 27th did have African American service-men they were not permitted to enter the service organization clubs on base which were segregated, until a black soldier's club was built in early 1918 (Spartanburg County Historical Association, http://www.schistory.net/campwadsworth/chapter7.html).
6:15 A.M.-Reveille and assembly. 6:35 – Mess. 6:55 – Sick call. 7:00-Fatigue. 7:05-Stables. 7:25-First Call. 7:30-Assembly for Drill. 11:30-Recall from Drill. 11:35-First Sergeant's call. 12 Noon-Mess. 12:55 P.M-First Call for Drill. 1:00-Drill. 5:30-Recall. 5:40-First Call for Retreat. 5:45-Assembly. 5:55-Retreat. 6:00-Mess Call. 9:00-Tattoo. 10:45-Call to Quarters. 11:00 Taps.2
The 27th Infantry Division arrived in Hawaii, 21 May 1942, to defend the outer islands from amphibious attack. Elements of the division were among one of five divisions (among the 3rd, 9th, Americal and the 2nd Armored Divisions) to engage in offensive combat operations during the last months of 1942. They first saw action in the attack and capture of Makin Atoll in the Gilbert Islands, 21–24 November 1943. Two battalions of the 106th Regiment participated in the attack on Eniwetok Atoll, 19–26 February 1944, returning to Oahu in March. During this mission, one battalion landed unopposed on Majuro Island, 1 February, and completed its seizure, 3 February. The division began preparations for the Marianas operations, 15 March. On D-day plus 1, 16 June 1944, elements landed at night on Saipan to support the Second and Fourth Marine Divisions. A beachhead was established and Aslito Airfield captured, 18 June. Fighting continued throughout June. During a pitched battle, 7 July, Japanese overran elements of the division in a banzai attack, but organized resistance was crushed the next day. During the months of July and August, the 27th cleaned out isolated pockets in the mountains and cliffs of Saipan.
Beginning in the middle of August, the division moved to the New Hebrides for rest and rehabilitation. On 25 March 1945, the 27th sailed from Espiritu Santo, arriving at Okinawa, 9 April 1945. The Division participated in the XXIV Corps general attack, 19 April 1945, securing a dominating ridge line south of Machinato and Kakazu. Machinato Airfield was captured, 28 April, after a severe struggle. On 1 May, the division was relieved by the 1st Marine Division and attached to the Island Command for garrison duty. Tori Shima was seized, 12 May, without opposition. The 27th attacked from the south end of Ishikawa Isthmus to sweep the northern sector of Okinawa. The enemy fought bitterly on Onnatake Hill from 23 May until 2 June, before losing the strong point. After a mopping-up period, the division left Okinawa, 7 September 1945, moved to Japan and occupied Niigata and Fukushima Prefectures.
The Division was reformed as a National Guard formation after the war, and from 1954 to 1967 was designated the 27th Armored Division. The division was reorganized as a brigade of the 50th Armored Division in 1967–68. The 27th Brigade of the New York ARNG carries on the lineage and history of the Division. In 1986, the SSI of the unit was amended for use by the 27th Infantry Brigade (later, 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team).