Known as the "Liberty Division." Insignia, a gray Lorraine cross on a blue shield-shaped field, the whole outlined in gray. Organized Aug. 25, 1917, at Camp Meade, Md. The officers for the most part were from Pennsylvania and the selected men in the early increments were drawn from eastern Pennsylvania, Maryland and the District of Columbia. Beginning about this time large number of men were transferred to southern divisions and to special units throughout the United States. This continued until June, 1918.

Approximately 80,000 men were trained in this division and only about 25,000 retained.

The later increments came from New York, Ohio, Rhode Island and West Virginia.

Commenced its overseas movement July 9, 1918, the majority embarking at Hoboken, and debarking at Brest. The 154th Fld. Arty. Brigade embarked at Philadelphia and debarked in England, proceeding from there to a training area in France. The last units arrived in France, Aug. 3, 1918. This artillery brigade joined the division after the armistice.

The division left Brest for the twelfth training area, but were diverted to the tenth training area around Prauthoy and Champlite. Left the training area for the Robert Espagne area by rail. Subsequently proceeding by bus on Sept. 16th relieved a division in sector 304 (Montfaucon).

The 79th Division under the 5th Corps made its first offensive in the Mense-Argonne drive, advancing through Haucourt and Malancourt. On Sept. 27th they passed through Montfaucon and on Sept. 29th through Nantillois. They were relieved in this sector on Sept. 30th and passed to the command of the 2nd Colonial French Corps., moving Oct. 8th to the Troyon sector (Frenes-en-Woevre-Doncourt). Were relieved in this sector Oct. 26, 1918. Entered the Grand Montagne Sector (right of Meuse) and participated in the second phase of the Meuse-Argonne offensive, under the 17th French Corps, advancing through Borne-du- Cornouiller (Hill 376) on Nov. 6th, and through Damvillers and Wavrille on Nov. 9th. Ville-devant-Chaumont was passed on Nov. 11th. The division remained in same location and also took over area from Meuse river to Eresnes-en-Woevre until Nov. 26th. Moved to Souilly area south of Verdun, Dec. 27th.

Casualties, 3,223. Distinguished Service Crosses awarded, 80.

Maj.-Gen. Joseph E.Kuhn, U.S.A., commanded the division from Aug. 25, 1917.