Description: This black-and-white photograph shows a group of seven soldiers in battle gear walking behind a tank. Their semi-crouched postures indicates that they are ready for battle. Tall, narrow trees are visible in the background; many of them have what appears to be hanging vines. At least one tree with palm-like foliage is visible. The image is part of the Robert S. Beightler Audiovisual Collection, which documents General Beightler's activities and the service of the 37th Infantry Division in the Pacific Theater during World War II. This photograph likely was taken during the division's service in the Solomon Islands or the Philippines. Beightler took command of the 37th Infantry Division in fall 1940. He was the only National Guard officer to lead a division through training and combat duties, retaining command more continuously than any other World War II division commander. After the war, Beightler was one of two Major-Generals in the National Guard to continue serving with the regular army. The 37th Infantry was nicknamed the Buckeye Division because it originally comprised Ohio National Guard units. The division went into combat in April 1943 on Guadacanal, Solomon Islands, and spent over 600 days in action before the end of the war, more combat time than any other division. The 37th Infantry played a significant role in the invasion of the Philippines. View on Ohio Memory.
Image ID: AL05841
Subjects: Beightler, Robert S. (Robert Sprague), 1892-1978; United States, Army, Infantry Division, 37th; World War, 1939-1945--Campaigns--Pacific Area--Pictorial works; World War, 1939-1945--Battlefields--Pacific Area; Ohio History--Military Ohio