45th Infantry Division:
The Thunderbird Division.

When the U.S. entered WW II, the 45th Division was allocated
to the Colorado, Oklahoma, and New Mexico National Guard and
was training at Camp Barkley, Texas. After being Federalized
on September 16th, 1940, the Division had four changes of
station and underwent mountain and amphibious training and
also participated in 1942 Louisiana maneuvers before embarking
for North Africa in June of 1943.

The shoulder patch worn by the 45th Division was approved on
May 22nd, 1939, replacing the earlier approved swastika design
which was cancelled. The colors red and gold represent the early
Spanish who explored and settled the territory where the Division
was formed. The four sides of the patch represent the four states
which originally formed the Division: Colorado, Oklahoma,
New Mexico, and Arizona. The "Thunderbird" is an Indian symbol
meaning "sacred bearer of happiness unlimited." and also suggests
the area where the Division was organized.

Worn from:
22 May 1939 - 9 September 1974.

Re-designated:
Forty-Fifth Infantry Brigade.
Worn from:
9 September 1974 - Current.

Campaigns:
World War II
(Sicily, Naples-Foggia, Anzio, rome-Arno, Southern France,
Rhineland, Ardennes-Alsace, Central Europe),

Korean War (Second Winter,
Summer-Fall 1952, Third Winter, Summer 1953).

Decorations:
French Croix de Guerre with Palm World War II
(streamer embroidered Acquafondata),

Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation
(streamer embroidered Korea).