Red Arrow Across The Pacific | Mark Van Ells

Often overlooked in histories of the Pacific War, the National Guard provided much of the U.S. ground forces in the theater from 1942 to 1945. In his presentation, author Robert Kim highlights the 40th Infantry Division, composed of units from California, Utah, Nevada, and New York, and examines its role in major island-hopping campaigns, including the liberation of the Philippines. By the summer of 1945, the division was among the most experienced fighting forces in the Pacific.

Often overlooked in histories of the Pacific War, the National Guard provided much of the U.S. ground forces in the theater from 1942 to 1945. Assistant Historian with the Texas State Guard, Michael Ritchie will be sharing the history of the Texas Defense Guard that highlights the men who served on the homefront to protect Texas while our National Guard was deployed overseas.