Contributions of the "Red Bull" 34th Division

 

Contributions of the "Red Bull" 34th Division

The 34th Infantry Division, nicknamed the "Red Bull" division, played a significant role in the Allied effort during World War II, particularly in the Italian Campaign. The sources provide several examples of the division's contributions through the experiences of soldiers from Pocahontas County:

• Clark's "Red Bull" Division in Italy: The "Local Soldier Fights With Rainbow Division" article details the experiences of Pvt. Clark of Dunmore, who served with a unit of the 34th Division. The article highlights the division's extensive combat history:
  • Two and a half years overseas: Pvt. Clark's unit, part of the 168th Infantry Regiment, had been fighting in the European Theater for over two years by October 1944.
  • North African and Italian Campaigns: The 34th Division participated in both the North African and Italian Campaigns, enduring constant combat since landing in Italy.
  • Part of the "Rainbow" 42nd Division: For a period during World War II, Pvt. Clark's unit was attached to the 42nd "Rainbow" Division. This suggests the 34th Division was engaged in operations alongside other prominent units.
• Breaking Through Enemy Lines: The article "Marlinton Soldier Wins Silver Star in France" describes the actions of Sgt. Audrey M. Dilley of Marlinton, who served in the 133rd Regiment of the 34th "Red Bull" Division. During his service in Italy, Dilley volunteered for dangerous missions:
  • Repairing Communication Lines Under Fire: Dilley repeatedly volunteered to repair communication lines under heavy enemy fire, demonstrating courage and commitment to maintaining vital communication links.
• "Red Bull" Artillery in Action: The "Our Boys in Service" article, featuring Wayne Geiger of Marlinton, offers insight into the 34th Division's artillery operations.
  • Heavy Artillery Bombardment: The article mentions the use of eight-inch mobile cannons by the "Red Bull" division to shell enemy positions in Italy. This bombardment was so intense that it forced many German troops to surrender.

While the sources don't offer a complete picture of the "Red Bull" division's entire wartime service, they underscore the division's significant contributions to the war effort through the experiences of these individuals from Pocahontas County. The articles highlight the division's prolonged deployment, participation in key campaigns, and the bravery displayed by its soldiers in combat. They also emphasize the division's diverse combat capabilities, including infantry assaults, artillery bombardments, and maintaining critical communication lines under enemy fire.