US ARMY Bible 1941 5th Inf Div

Service Prayer Book dated 1941, excellent overall condition.

The 5th Division was stationed at Fort Custer for one reason alone, training to fight. One of the most significant features of the training was winter warfare. When winter came to Michigan, a program of maneuvers was designed to test material, men, and tactics under severe cold weather conditions. The results of these tests served as a guide for the entire United States Army in choosing equipment for cold weather expeditions.

The 5th Division drew heavily on draftees from the Fort Custer center to attain its full strength. In addition to the 1,000 draftees who would be quartered at the center in relays, there would be a permanent organization from 300 to 500 to operate it. The unit was a paper-only unit from 1921 to 1939 when it became reactivated. On July 24,1941, Major General Charles H. Bonesteel assumed command of the division. Then immediately before their departure for maneuvers in Louisiana, the division received a new commander, Brigadier General Cortland Parker