World War II: U.S. Infantry Divisions and General Norman Cota

U.S. Infantry Divisions in WWII

• Created 89 divisions to combat Axis forces.
• Each division had 14,000 soldiers led by a Major General.
• Needed rapid production of leaders due to only 8 active division commanders in 1939.
• Leaders often had to learn through practical experience.

General Norman "Dutch" Cota

• Early Life:

  • Born in 1893, Chelsea, Massachusetts.
  • Attended Worcester Academy; graduated from U.S. Military Academy in 1917.
  • Commissioned in Infantry; rose quickly to Major, involved in training for WWI.

• Interwar Period:

  • Served as instructor at West Point and Fort Benning.
  • Progressed through typical Army career paths, including command in Hawaii.

Pre-WWII and WWII Service

• Before WWII:

  • Transferred to Fort J, became executive officer of 16th Infantry Regiment.
  • Became chief of staff of the 1st Infantry Division; planned amphibious operations.

• Operation Torch & Beyond:

  • Instrumental in planning and executing North African invasion, Operation Torch (1942).
  • Promoted to Brigadier General, participated in Sicilian invasion (1943).

Role in Operation Overlord

• Assistant Division Commander of the 29th Infantry Division:

  • Oversaw training for D-Day landings.
  • Led 'Bastard Brigade' in initial assault waves on Omaha Beach.

• D-Day Contributions:

  • Landed on Omaha Beach, organized efforts to overcome initial setbacks.
  • Awarded U.S. Distinguished Service Cross and British Distinguished Service Order.

Post D-Day and Beyond

• Command of the 28th Infantry Division (Keystone Division):

  • Took command after being wounded in Normandy.
  • Led the division through France; captured Luxembourg.
  • Faced challenges in the Hurtgen Forest against well-fortified German positions.

• Challenges in the Hurtgen Forest:

  • Dense terrain, difficult logistics, and poor initial intelligence.
  • Divided forces weakened by German counter-attacks.
  • Strategic mistakes due to lack of flexibility and reconnaissance.

Conclusion

• General Cota played a crucial role in the U.S. Army's success in World War II through leadership in major operations.
• He faced significant challenges, notably in the Hurtgen Forest, which tested his command and the resilience of his division.
• His leadership style was marked by direct involvement and pragmatic decision-making in complex battlefield conditions.