[VI Corps] Italy France Germany Austria

Magnificent expression of the extensive WWII campaigns fought by VI Corps of the United States Army.

Though not immediately apparent, the large number ‘6’ in a blue circle is the insignia for the United States VI Corps. The unit was activated in August of 1940 and took place in some of the most high profile operations in the European and Mediterranean theaters of World War II.

This map inauspiciously, and somewhat irreverently (note the ‘fish tank’ in the lower right), shows the route undertaken by the corps during the entirety of the war. Dated locations show chronological progress between the invasion of Salerno (9 Sept 1943) and linking up with the Fifth Army on May 4, 1945. An inset map in the lower right shows additional operations undertaken in North Africa.

Limited text provides an annotated list of the VI Corps various achievements – four countries which saw thirteen separate campaigns under the command of seven different leaders between 1941 and 1945. A colorful border lists the unit insignia for the primary divisions that comprised the corps, and is anchored in the corners by the emblems of the Fifth and Seventh United States Armies.