Operations Against Germany World War II 188th Field Artillery Battalion 155mm Howitzer, Trac-Drawn First U.S. Army 1944-45

Uncommon (and somewhat comical) commemorative map of World War II.

This scarce World War II unit map was published in 1945 by the U.S. Army’s 663rd Engineer Company, likely while stationed in Germany. The image presents the route of the 188th Field Artillery Battalion across the European Theater of Operations, from landing on Utah Beach on D+5 to occupation duty in Bachra in May of the following year. Unit insignia of the VII Corps and the 188th can be seen in the upper corners, with the latter apparently celebrating the Cheyenne heritage of its members (mostly from Wyoming).

Several well-designed vignettes reflect notable elements from the campaign (at least from the perspective of the participants). Enjoying a bit of vino under the trees of Bagnoles, the ‘Rat Race’ across France, proudly displaying captured German POWs, and avoiding any temptation for ‘fraternization’ on duty are all excellent examples that commemorate the soldier’s experiences.

The map is uncommon on the market (this is the first example I have handled) and noted in only two examples in OCLC – at Texas A&M University and the North Dakota State Historical Society. Further examples have been identified at the Minnesota Historical Society and the Carlisle Barracks (Pennsylvania). OCLC# 1366107321; 60858805.