Paths of Armor

Book excerpt: Paths of Armor, first published in 1950, is the account of the historic 5th Armored Division from the time of its formation in October 1941, until the end of the World War II in May 1945. Included in this kindle edition are more than 100 pages of photographs and maps. Because of the secrecy of its missions and the speed at which it moved, the Division was also known as "Patton's Ghosts" (the division was part of Patton's Third Army), and because of its many successes, as the "Victory Division." Following training in the U.S., the Division transferred to England, and landed on Utah Beach in Normandy on July 24, 1944. Then followed months of combat as the Division moved across northern France, Belgium, Luxembourg, and into Germany. In December 1944, the Division took part in the fierce fighting in the Hurtgen Forest and the Battle of the Bulge.