Columbia in Richland County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
30th Inf Division
After a brilliant combat record in World War I and 14 years of dedicated National Guard service, the "Old Hickory" Division was mobilized at Fort Jackson, S. C. on 16 September 1940. During World War II, the 30th Division distinguished itself in combat in the campaigns through Normandy, Northern France, the Ardennes, the Rhineland, and Central Europe.
(Reverse text)
For its illustrious combat record throughout World War II, this "Work Horse of the Western Front" was selected as the outstanding infantry division of the European Theater of Operations. It was awarded two Belgian Fourrageres and the French Croix de Guerre with Palm. On 25 Nov. 1945, it was inactivated at Fort Jackson, resuming its National Guard role.
Erected 1972 by 30th Infantry Division Association. (Marker Number 40-55.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: War, World I • War, World II. A significant historical date for this entry is September 16, 1940.
Location. 34° 0.626′ N, 80° 56.738′ W. Marker is in Columbia, South Carolina, in Richland County. Marker is on Jackson Boulevard, on the right when traveling south. Located between Forney Road and Early Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Columbia SC 29207, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. 31st Inf Division (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Bridge at Remagen Stone (about 600 feet away); 4th Infantry Division (approx. 0.2 miles away); 108th Division (approx. 0.3 miles away); Darby Field (approx. 0.3 miles away); 26th Inf Division (approx. 0.4 miles away); Fort Jackson Elementary School / Hood Street Elementary School (approx. 0.7 miles away); 100th Inf Division (approx. 0.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Columbia.
Also see . . . The 30th Infantry Division was a unit of the Army National Guard in World War I and World War II. Nickname: Old Hickory. Was called Roosevelt's SS by some German Army units that encountered the 30ID on the battlefield (Submitted on September 7, 2012, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.)
Additional commentary.
1. Belgian Fourrageres and the French Croix de Guerre with Palm.
The Belgian fourragère of 1940 was created by Prince Charles of Belgium, Regent of the Kingdom to honour certain military formations that distinguished themselves during the Second World War. It consists of three cords terminated by a knot and a metal tag, and is braided in red and green; the colours of the Belgian Croix de Guerre of 1940. The fourragère is in cotton for non-commissioned officers and soldiers and in silk for officers.
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The Croix de guerre 1939–1945 (War Cross 1939–1945) is a French military decoration created on September 26, 1939, to honour people who fought with the Allies against the Axis force at any time during World War II.
(Wikipedia)
— Submitted September 7, 2012, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 5, 2020. It was originally submitted on September 7, 2012, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 486 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 8, 2012, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 5, 6. submitted on September 7, 2012, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.