Seeking Roster for 45th Inf Division WW2

Short version, I know that my father was transferred from the Army Air Corps to the infantry, I don't know to what division, in the winter of 1944, when the Allies were lined up along the Rhine.

His discharge papers list him as part of HQ & HQ Company 290 Infantry, which, if I'm right was part of the 75th Division, but they were farther to the north, involved in the Bulge. His old dress uniform has a 3rd Infantry Division shoulder patch.

Dad told us he was at Dachau. Just that, no other details. I know that the 45th, the 42nd, and the 3rd Divisions swept down through that area. The 3rd Division was not directly involved in the liberation of Dachau, but Dad, if he was with the 3rd Division, could have been sent over to see the camp. Eisenhower wanted as many as possible to witness the camps.

In his effects was a hard cover book, similar to school year books, of the 180 Infantry, 45th Division, published in Munich,1945. Dad's photo or name is not in the book. Circumstance may have prevented that. Possibly because he had enough points to be shipped home. I have to wonder why he would have that particular book.

Primarily I'm looking for a roster of the 45th Division, but also interested in the same for the 3rd Division.

I look forward to any and all replies.

Thank you.

Parents
  • Dave, I just lost some of my fathers records in a move (I hope they turn up) including a list of the guys he served with, their city state and phone numbers. I am told his records were lost in a fire but you seem adept at finding people on rosters. Any chance you can find Herbert Ira Goldberg Heavy Machine Gunner 45th infantry. I have photos from his time in France and Germany.

  • Hi, Alfred.

    Your dad was a member of M (Heavy Weapons) Company, 3rd Battalion, 157th Infantry Regiment,

    according to the 29 June 1945 Division Roster.  Screenshot below.

    And he was the recipient of the Bronze Star and Purple Heart (Oak Leaf Cluster)

    per my General Orders' Worksheet. I have transcribed all of the 764 extant General Orders

    issued by HQ, 45th.

    We'd love to see those photos if you can find them.  By the way, LTC Felix Sparks

    would have been his Battalion Commander when 3rd Bn, 157th,  - and elements of the

    42nd Infantry Division - liberated Dachau on 29 April 1945. 

    This is my Facebook Group dedicated to the 45th:

    https://www.facebook.com/groups/1377024265874978/

    Dave 

  • Thank you so much! My father had nightmares about Dachau and I often wondered if he was involved with LTC Felix Sparks. I am fortunate enough to have his medals and Eisenhower jacket. I will share the photos I have as well as copies of the documents as I digitize them. Here is one.Contacts brought back from WWII - Herbert Ira Goldberg

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