90th Infantry Division

To the fighting men of the Third Battalion, 358th Inf., living and dead, whose gallantry and fighting spirit, typifies the American soldier all over the world, this history is respectively dedicated. Original enlisted men’s cadre, from the 20th Infantry, arrived several weeks early also. Among these men were S/Sgt. William W. Masters of Company M, S/Sgt. James L. Leath of Company I, S/Sgt. Robert L. Hoffler and S/Sgt. Marion G. Lanzarini of Company L. A seventeen week basic training course was immediately undertaken in the hot Texas sun, during which Major Strauss was promoted to Lt. Col. After this course was completed, a twelve day review course of similar nature was instituted. Maj. Jack A. Goodman assumed command of the Battalion at this time. These courses included problems up to units the size of a battalion. In the fall of 1942, the 90th Division was motorized so that all companies had sufficient transportation to ride all personnel and equipment. On this transportation the Battalion rolled to Camp Bowie, Texas to partake in its first combat firing problem in November. Then in succession, followed Regimental Combat Team and Divisional tactical problems during the months of December 1942 and January 1943. These problems umpired by officers of the 95th Division, were always preceded by long motor marches to contact the “enemy” on Hankins, Cox or Sears ranch. The hot Texas weather of the previous summer now gave way to frigid experiences riding in motor vehicles and pitching pup tents in the snow and sleet. In late January 1943 the Battalion moved with the Division to Louisiana for a two month maneuver with the 77th Infantry Division as opponents. The final two weeks of these maneuvers were well underway before the Division was allowed for the first time to attack in full strength. The “enemy” was immediately routed and “cut to pieces.” Near the close of this maneuver, Col. Joseph H. Ryustemeyer, our tough, efficient Regimental Commander, left and was succeeded by Lt. Col. James V. Thompson, formerly Division G-3. Upon return to Camp Barkeley, Maj. Jacob W. Bealke, Jr., assumed command of the Battalion. Under his able direction, the outfit gradually developed into a highly disciplined and well trained tactical organization. Early September found the entire Division en route to Yuma, Arizona for training in desert warfare. Operating out of the newly constructed Camp Granite, the Division received additional instruction under the burning desert sun, ending up with a month of maneuvers against the 93rd Infantry Division, a colored outfit. In maneuvers the 90th became the first Division to successfully "crack" the Palen Pass fortified defense line. Christmas found Major Bealke promoted to Lt. Colonel. A few enlisted men and officers were allowed three day passes to see the sights of Los Angeles. By News Years Eve, the Division was en route on a five day trip to Fort Dix, New Jersey. Here furloughs were granted, and liberal passes permitted men to visit New York, Philadelphia, Washington and Trenton over the weekends. Then came the POM [Port of Mobilization] period which lasted for almost three months. During this time all companies were reorganized, replacements received and the multitudinous preparations requisite for a long oversees voyage completed. in this case it was Camp Kilmer, N. J. Here the final preparations were made. March 21st the entire Battalion took a train ride to the New York Port of Embarkation. Loading the ship took up the next two days and then came the day when we all bid farewell to the Statue of Liberty on March 23rd. We saw that grand old lady a lot sooner than we had expected when our ship, the SS John Erickson, developed engine trouble about 100 miles out and had to return to port for repairs. While the trouble was being remedied, the troops stood unhappily on the decks, watching the pedestrians in the heart of New York, just a short distance away. Repairs were quickly completed a