Courtesy National Archives
The 351st Infantry Regiment was ordered to active service in July 1942 at Camp Gruber, Oklahoma as part of the 88th Infantry Division. Formed from selective service personnel, it was sent to the Mediterranean Theater where it took part in three Italian Campaigns from February 1944 through May 1945.
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The 351st holds the distinction of being the first all-draftee regiment to see combat in WWII, and heartbreakingly, the last unit to suffer combat fatalities in Italy.
Through courage, sacrifice, and unwavering resolve, these citizen soldiers wrote an extraordinary chapter in American military history.
Courtesy R. Peterson
351st platoon leaders on R&R in Rome (Dec. 1944).
The 351st Infantry Regiment: A Proud Legacy
Combat Achievement
At the completion of our combat operations we had advanced from Naples to within 70 miles of the Brenner Pass, covering approximately 585 miles of some of the most rugged terrain in Europe. During our 344 combat days, we had accounted for over 40,000 enemy casualties, and had destroyed great amounts of stores and equipment. Eighteen members of the Regiment received the Distinguished Service Cross, and there were 650 lesser awards for valor. Over two-thirds of the Regiment wore the Purple Heart.
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​Official Regimental History
The Regiment's Journey
Formation (1942)
The regiment started in July 1942 at Camp Gruber, Oklahoma, as part of the 88th Infantry Division. It was made up mostly of draftees.
Combat Operations (1944-45)
They fought in three Italian campaigns, moving 585 miles from Naples towards the Brenner Pass engaging in 344 days of combat.
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2
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4
Deployment (1943-44)
After a lot of training stateside, the regiment was sent to North Africa for further preparation, arriving in Italy in February 1944.
Victory (May 1945)
Their mission ended when Germany surrendered in Italy. They had caused over 40,000 enemy casualties.
By The Numbers: 351st Infantry Regiment
344
Combat Days
Total days the regiment spent in active combat operations in the Italian Theater.
585
Miles Advanced
Distance covered from Naples to near the Brenner Pass through rugged Italian terrain.
40,000+
Enemy Casualties
Total enemy casualties inflicted during the regiment's combat operations.
18
DSC Awards
Number of regiment members who received the nation's second-highest military honor.
650+
Valor Awards
Additional decorations awarded to regiment members for acts of bravery.
