About this Unit
The 97th Infantry Division, known as the "Trident Division," was activated in February 1918 during World War I but did not see combat before the Armistice. Reactivated in February 1943 for World War II, the division deployed to Europe in 1945, participating in the final offensives in Germany, including the capture of the city of Cheb. After the German surrender, the 97th was sent to Japan for occupation duties, becoming the first U.S. Army unit to enter the country following the Japanese surrender. The division was inactivated in March 1946.
Historical Facts
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Activation and Early History: The 97th Infantry Division, nicknamed the "Trident Division," was activated on 25 February 1943 at Camp Swift, Texas, during World War II.
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Patches and Insignia: The division's shoulder patch features a blue trident, symbolizing preparedness for operations on land, sea, and air.
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Late Deployment to Europe: The 97th was one of the last U.S. infantry divisions sent to the European Theater of Operations, arriving in March 1945.
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Combat Entry in Germany: The division entered combat on 2 April 1945, crossing the Rhine River and fighting in the Ruhr Pocket, helping to encircle and capture large numbers of German troops.
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Liberation of Concentration Camp: Elements of the 97th liberated the Flossenbürg concentration camp, freeing thousands of prisoners in April 1945.
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Unique Service in Czechoslovakia: The division advanced into Czechoslovakia, liberating the city of Cheb and becoming one of the first Allied units to reach Czechoslovak territory.
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Planned Invasion of Japan: After V-E Day, the 97th was selected for redeployment to the Pacific for the planned invasion of Japan (Operation Downfall), but the war ended before they saw combat in Asia.
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Occupation Duty in Japan: The division landed at Yokohama, Japan, on 23 September 1945, and performed occupation duties until returning home in early 1946.
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Decorations and Honors: The 97th Infantry Division earned campaign streamers for Central Europe and Rhineland campaigns and received numerous individual awards for valor.
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Postwar Legacy: The division was inactivated in early 1946 and briefly reactivated as a training division in the Army Reserve, preserving its historic legacy.
