Known as the "Alamo Division." Insignia, red monogram
of letters "T" and "O", symbolizing Texas
and Oklahoma, the native states of the first members of the division.
Organized Aug. 25, 1917, at Camp Travis, Texas, under the command
of Maj. Gen. Henry T. Allen. All of the first men in the division
were from Texas and Oklahoma, those from Oklahoma being in the
179th Brigade and those from Texas in the 180th Brigade. From
that time these brigades have been known as the Oklahoma and Texas
Brigades. The 90th sent away great numbers of men to fill up Regular
and National Guard divisions and to form special organizations
of army, corps, and S.O.S. troops. The division was filled up
with men from other camps, a large number coming from Camp Dodge,
Iowa. The division commenced leaving Camp Travis early in June
for Camp Mills. By June 30th all units had sailed from Hoboken.
A few organizations went direct to France but the majority of
the division landed in England. The 358th Infantry paraded before
the Lord Mayor of Liverpool on July 4th, and was given a banquet
by the city. Upon arrival in France the artillery brigade was
sent to a training area near Bordeaux. The rest of the division
was moved by train to the Aignay-le-Duc training area, northeast
of Dijon. Headquarters of the division, 179th Brigade and 357th
Infantry were at Aigany- le-Duc. Headquarters of the 180th Brigade
and the 359th Infantry were at Recey-sur-Ource. The 358th Infantry
was at Minot, and the 360th Infantry was at Rouvres. The division
stayed six weeks in this area, training eight hours a day for
the time when it should take its place in line.
The average advance made by the division in the St. Mihiel operation
was six kilometers, in the Meuse-Argonne twenty-two kilometers;
the division was under fire from Aug. 20th to Nov. 11th with the
exception of seven days occupied in changing sectors; seventy-five
days without a relief. During this time it went over the top in
two major offensives and seven minor operations, and was still
advancing when halted by the armistice. Formed part of Army of
Occupation.
The division captured 42 pieces of artillery, 36 trench mortars,
294 machine guns, 903 rifles and immense quantities of ammunition
and stores. It took as prisoners 32 officers and 1,844 men. Casualties
amounted to 37 officers and 1,042 men killed, 62 officers and
1,257 men severely wounded; 123 officers and 4,671 men slightly
wounded; 81 officers and 2,094 men gassed. The division received
give official commendations for its individual work in the St.
Mihiel and Meuse- Argonne operations. Never gave up a foot of
ground to the enemy. Distinguished Service Crosses awarded, 57.