The 32nd 'Red Arrow' Veteran Association
WW2 32nd Division insignia

Highlights of the

32nd Division

"Les Terribles"

in the World War

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Michigan and Wisconsin National Guards activated for Federal service on 15 July 1917.

32nd Division organized from Michigan and Wisconsin National Guard units at Camp MacArthur, Texas in September of 1917.

Arrived in France on 6 February 1918, the sixth division to join the A.E.F.

Served six months in combat, from 18 May to 11 November 1918, with only 10 days in a rest area.

First American troops to set foot on German soil – in Alsace in May 1918.

Fought on five fronts in three major offensives – the Aisne-Marne, Oise-Aisne and Meuse-Argonne.

Captured Fismes in the Marne offensive after an advance of 19 kilometers in seven days.

Fought in the Oise-Aisne offensive as the only American unit in General Mangin’s famous Tenth French Army, breaking the German line which protected the Chemin des Dames.

Twice in the line in the Meuse-Argonne offensive, fighting continuously for 20 days, penetrating the Kriemhilde Stellung, crossing the Meuse and starting drive to flank Metz.

Fought and defeated 23 German Divisions, capturing 2,153 prisoners.

Gained 38 kilometers in four attacks and repulsed every enemy counter attack.

In action east of the Meuse when the Armistice was signed.

Suffered nearly 14,000 casualties from all causes.

Marched 300 kilometers to the Rhine for Army of Occupation duty as front line element of the Third U.S. Army. Occupied the center sector in the Coblenz bridge-head for four months, holding 63 towns and 400 square kilometers of territory.

Over 800 officers and men decorated by American, French and Belgian governments, including 245 Distinguished Service Crosses. The colors of all four Infantry Regiments, three Artillery Regiments and three Machine Gun Battalions wear the Croix de Guerre With Palm of the Republic of France while every flag and standard in the Division has four American battle bands.

The units of the 32nd Division which were awarded the Croix de Guerre With Palm were the only National Guard units bestowed with the highest order of the Croix de Guerre during WWI.

Insignia is a Red Arrow, signifying that the Division shot through every line the enemy put before it.

Awarded the nom-de-guerre of “Les Terribles” by the French.

The 32nd Division was the only American division to be bestowed with a nom-de-guerre by an Allied nation during the war.

Commanded in all its actions by Major General William G. Haan and in the Army of Occupation by Major General William Lassiter.

Departed Europe for home in April 1919. Arrived in the United States and demobilized in May.

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Sources:
The 32nd Division in the World War
U.S. Official Pictures of the World War
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Back To WWI History of the 32nd Division
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revised 8 October 2005
since 19 February 1999