489 Armd. F.A. Bn. Victory March

The engaging story of the 789 Armored Field Artillery Battalion across Europe during WWII.

This vivacious pictorial map offers a humorous and insightful glimpse into the wartime experiences of an American soldier in the European Theater. It shows the campaign of the 489th Armored Field Artillery Battalion, from training operations in Europe to occupation duty in Germany. Bright red arrows trace the route of advance between numerous captioned vignettes drawn in a delightful cartoonish style. Soldierly attitudes about women, alcohol, and the dangers of battle are reflected with a distinctly irreverent attitude. Amusing examples include ‘The Life’ in Fougeres, ‘Gas Kaput’ near Metz, and historic reflections near the Argonne Forest. One offensive scene shows a soldier painting over caricatures of Mussolini and Hitler, asking “where are the monkey?” (referring to the Japanese).

Operating at part of the 7th Armored Division (insignia in upper center), the 489 Armd. F.A. Bn. participated in several notable engagements, including the Battle of the Bulge. Their primary weapon, the M7 ‘Priest’ 105 mm self-propelled gun, is featured throughout the image.

The map was designed anonymously and printed in Heidelberg, Germany in 1945 by Winter Offset. It is rare on the market (this is the first example I’ve had) and unlisted in WorldCat as of June 2024.