The 30th Infantry Division, known as Old Hickory, played a crucial role in the liberation of Belgium and the southern Netherlands from German occupation during World War II in September 1944. American troops from this division, made up of men from North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Georgia, displayed exceptional bravery and determination in the face of heavy German resistance.
The division’s soldiers faced fierce battles as they fought through the Ardennes Forest and the Siegfried Line, ultimately breaking through enemy lines and advancing towards the city of Aachen in Germany. Their efforts helped to secure key strategic locations and pave the way for the eventual defeat of the German forces in the region.
The liberation of Belgium and the southern Netherlands marked a significant turning point in the war, as Allied forces gained a foothold in Western Europe and began pushing back against the German Army. The 30th Infantry Division’s contribution to this effort was instrumental in achieving victory and bringing an end to the Nazi occupation of the region.
The bravery and sacrifice of the soldiers from Old Hickory will be forever remembered and honored for their role in the liberation of Belgium and the southern Netherlands. Their legacy serves as a reminder of the courage and resilience displayed by American troops during one of the most challenging periods in world history.
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