From Texas to Rome: Fighting World War II and the Italian Campaign with the 36th Infantry Division

In September 1941, Major General Fred Walker took command of the Texas National Guards 36th Infantry Division and led it through training, overseas deployment, and the Italian campaign of World War II. His diary, originally published in 1969, is now available again in a special 75th Anniversary of World War II reprint. The journal provides a candid account of some of the war's most important battles, as well as an appraisal of key figures in the Allied high command. Walker's division participated in the battle to secure the Salerno beachhead and fought bloody battles up the Italian boot against German troops dug into mountain strongholds. The book includes a guest Preface by award-winning author Jeffrey Wm. Hunt, Director of the Texas Military Forces Museum.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 456 pages
\n Publication date: 28 March 2021
\n Publisher: Savas Beatie
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In September 1941, Major General Fred Walker assumed command of the Texas National Guards 36th Infantry Division, a role he would hold for the next 34 months. During this time, he led his troops through rigorous training, overseas deployment, and the harrowing Italian campaign of World War II. Throughout his journey, Walker maintained a daily journal, documenting his experiences on and off the battlefield.

The diary, originally published in a limited run in 1969, has been out of print for decades. However, thanks to the tireless efforts of the Texas Military Forces Museum (the official museum of the Texas National Guard), Walkers remarkable and highly sought-after memoir has been made available once more.

From Texas to Rome: Fighting World War II and the Italian Campaign with the 36th Infantry Division is a captivating account of General Walkers wartime experiences. The journal provides a refreshingly candid version of some of the most significant battles of World War II, as well as a frank appraisal of key figures in the Allied high command and their military operations.

The 36th Infantry Division played a pivotal role in the battle to secure the Salerno beachhead, enduring harsh weather conditions and waging a bloody struggle up the Italian boot against determined German troops entrenched in mountain strongholds. Walker vividly recounts the challenges he faced, including the battles of San Pietro and Monte Cassino, the controversial attempt to cross the Rapido River, and the breakout from Anzio.

Through his journal, readers are transported to General Walkers side as he argues against the disastrous Rapido operation, expresses concerns for his men fighting in Italys bitter conditions, and battles to overcome his superiors doubts to plan and execute the daring attack on Monte Artemisio, which broke the Anzio stalemate and led to the Allied victory.

This unique and thoroughly gripping account offers a rare glimpse into the experiences of a lesser-known general who played a significant role in World War II. It sheds light on the challenges and hardships faced by soldiers on the front lines, as well as the decisions and strategies that shaped the course of the war.

In conclusion, From Texas to Rome: Fighting World War II and the Italian Campaign with the 36th Infantry Division is a must-read for anyone interested in military history, particularly the Second World War. General Walkers wartime journal provides a candid and insightful perspective on some of the most important battles and events of the war, and his memoir is a valuable contribution to our understanding of this critical period in history.

\n Weight: 614g\n
Dimension: 153 x 227 x 28 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781611214826\n \n