25th Infantry Division cut edge

25th Infantry Division Patch. original, WW2.

The 24th and 25th Infantry Divisions only served ten weeks in peacetime, because on December 7, 1941 came the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.

From there, and for a year, these two units took up their defensive position on the Hawaiian coast. They took the opportunity to train intensely in jungle combat.

On November 25, 1942, the 25th Division began its departure from Hawaii to deploy in the South Pacific. It landed in Guadalcanal between December 17, 1942 and April 1, 1943. The division, barely ashore, received the order to embark on the "Grand Mêlée". It attacked the strong Japanese forces entrenched there for five months already, which the other units of the United States Army and the United States Marine Corps had fiercely fought.

From January 10, 1943, and for 1 month, the battle raged. It leads to the capitulation of the Japanese garrison. The 25th Infantry Division, with its aggressiveness and speed, successfully completed its first war mission.

It was quickly directed to the Solomon Islands, held by the Japanese. She cleared the Arundel and Kolombangera Islands, and took part in the capture of Vella-Lavella. After the Solomons campaign, the division continued on to New Zealand. Finally, she reached New Caledonia to enjoy a refreshing rest and continue her training.

On January 11, 1945, the division landed in Luzon on the territory of the Philippines. There, they join forces with the 32nd Infantry Division. She fought intense battles in the mountains of Caraballo, and set an eloquent record with 165 days on the front line.

Soldiers of the 25th Infantry Division during the Battle of Guadalcanal.

Upon the liberation of the country, and for its services rendered to Luzon, the 25th received the “Philippine Presidential Unit Citation†as well as six other citations. With the Philippines campaign completed, the division began to actively prepare for the invasion of Japan.

On August 15, 1945, Japan surrendered, and it was as an occupying force that the 25th Infantry Division landed in Osaka.

During World War II, six Medals of Honor were awarded to soldiers of the now "Tropic Lightning".