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The History of the 7th Infantry Division

The 7th infantry division was a division of foot soldiers in the United States that was activated for service in World War One and was based in Fort Ord, California for most of the time it was active. Though trained for combat, the division never fought as an entire division during the First World War. Its exploits however are well known during the Second World War, where it suffered heavy casualties fighting against the Japanese forces in the Pacific Theater. After subsequently being stationed in Korea and Japan, it participated in the Korean War and later fought in the Battle of Pork Chop Hill and in similar engagements. After this, the 7th infantry division was returned to the United States.

Constituted in 1917 in Georgia at Camp Wheeler, the division was prepared a month later for engagement in World War One in Europe as part of the American Expeditionary Force. During its time in France, it engaged German forces, came under shelling attacks as well as chemical attacks. During this time, the 7th infantry division received a Shoulder Sleeve Insignia signifying it as a major formation of the United States Army. Upon a return to continental United States, its demobilization was initiated and the division was inactivated on September 22 of 1921.

On July 1, 1940, the 7th infantry division was reactivated with most of the soldiers in the division being selective soldiers that had been chosen as part of the first peacetime military draft of the US Army. With the Japanese attack of Pearl Harbor, the division increased its combat training. For the early parts of the war however, the 7th infantry division participated mainly in construction and training roles. Its successful combat in the Aleutian Islands against strong Japanese resistance culminated in the Chichagof Harbor battle that would see the destruction of all Japanese resistance on the island.

The 7th infantry division was later moved to Hawaii where it undertook training in new amphibious assault techniques which involves the use of naval firepower, logistics and strategy in a military assault. The division participated in engagements in Okinawa and during the Korean War. Its notable involvement during the Korean War was the Inchon Landing in what was called Operation Chromite. In the wake of the Cold War, the 7th infantry division was used to provide training assistance in field exercises, evaluating and coordination of units. It ensured that other units were at peak performance at all times. The division was deactivated for the last time on August 22, 2006 and identified as the highest priority inactive division due to its numerous accolades and its long history. It is highly likely that any future division to be activated will be designated the 7th infantry division.

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