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29th Division oral history collection

 Collection
Identifier: OH 29D

Abstract

This oral history collection consists of interviews with nine members of the 29th Division, an infantry division of the United States Army that saw action in the Normandy Invasion, or D-Day, during World War II. Interviewed between 1987-1989, the veterans discuss their battalions, their ranks, objectives, tactics they implemented, and the obstacles they faced.

Dates

  • 1987 September 22- 1989 June 10

Conditions Governing Access

The collection is open for research use.

Conditions Governing Use

The reproduction of materials in this collection may be subject to copyright restrictions. It is the responsibility of the researcher to determine and satisfy copyright clearances or other case restrictions when publishing or otherwise distributing materials found in the collections. For more information visit the MCHC’s Rights and Permissions page.

Biographical / Historical

The Normandy Invasion, D-Day, or as it was covertly known, Operation Overlord, was a major Allied offensive into western Europe during World War II. The invasion into France began on June 6th, 1944, and by the end of August, France was entirely free of German control. This led to the liberation of all of Europe, and the end of the war. Although the overarching leadership played incredibly important roles in the war effort, these massive victories were accomplished because of the dedication of the men on the ground fighting for freedom, and their lives.

The 29th Division was a National Guard unit composed of men from Maryland, Virginia, and Washington D.C. The division played a major role in the invasion, landing at Omaha Beach. The division then followed their objective to take the region of Saint-Lô in northwest France, as well as other significant areas in the country. Through the 29th's success, the U.S. First Army was able to launch Operation Cobra, another key element for the Allied success.

Extent

9 Items (There are nine oral history interviews in this collection.)

Language of Materials

English

Bibliography

Balkoski, Joseph. "The 29th Infantry Division in World War II." 29th Division Assocation. https://29thdivisionassociation.com/29th-division-world-war-ii/.

Keegan, John. "Normandy Invasion. Britannica. July 20, 1998. https://www.britannica.com/event/Normandy-Invasion.

"29th Infantry Division." The Virginia National Guard. https://va.ng.mil/Army-Guard/29th-ID/#:~:text=Known%20as%20the%20Blue%20and,Beach%20in%20World%20War%20II.

Scope and Contents

This collection consists of nine oral history interviews. Randall Bierne predominantly conducted the interviews, except for one interview which was conducted by students at the Gilman School in Baltimore, Maryland.

The individuals interviewed were all members of the 29th Division who fought in the Normandy Invasion during World War II, also known as Operation Overlord or D-Day. The soldiers each describe what battalions they were a part of, their ranks, their objectives, the tactics they implemented, and the obstacles they faced.

Title
Guide to the 29th Division oral history collection
Status
Under Revision
Author
Cathryn Kinde
Date
2022-03
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Part of the H. Furlong Baldwin Library Repository

Contact:
H. Furlong Baldwin Library
Maryland Center for History and Culture
610 Park Avenue
Baltimore MD 21201 United States
4106853750