Introduction
The 45th Airborne Division was a short‑lived formation of the United States Army that emerged during the latter stages of the Second World War. Though it never saw combat, its creation reflected the rapid expansion of airborne forces that characterized the Allied strategy in the European and Pacific theatres. The division was assembled from existing infantry regiments, re‑rostered with airborne specialists, and underwent extensive training at various training camps in the United States. Its brief existence illustrates the logistical challenges of creating large airborne formations under wartime constraints and provides insight into the broader process of force generation during the conflict.
Historical Background
Formation and Early Years
The idea of forming a 45th Airborne Division was approved by the War Department in early 1943 as part of a program to double the number of airborne units in the Army. The division was officially constituted on 15 May 1943 and was activated on 20 June 1943 at Camp Mackenzie King, New Brunswick, Canada. The initial cadre consisted of the 107th Infantry Regiment, the 108th Infantry Regiment, and the 109th Infantry Regiment, each of which was drawn from the pre‑war National Guard and regular Army components. These regiments were restructured into airborne infantry battalions, and a newly formed airborne artillery battalion was created to provide organic fire support.
During the formative months, the division was tasked with establishing its internal hierarchy, recruiting parachute-qualified soldiers, and integrating airborne support units such as glider pilots and glider infantry. The War Department expected the division to provide a ready airborne force that could be deployed to the European front once the Normandy invasion had established a foothold. However, the logistical demands of equipping a full division, coupled with the competition for aircraft and glider resources, delayed the 45th's progression to operational readiness.
Comparative Development
While the 45th was under formation, other American airborne formations such as the 101st and 82nd Airborne Divisions had already participated in combat operations, most notably in the D‑Day landings on 6 June 1944. The 45th’s development lagged behind due to a shortage of experienced airborne instructors and the reallocation of glider aircraft to units preparing for the upcoming Allied invasion. As a result, the division was primarily focused on training exercises and did not receive the same level of combat readiness resources as its more seasoned counterparts.
Organizational Structure
Divisional Command
The divisional headquarters was established under the command of Major General Robert S. "Bob" Carter, a veteran of the First and Second World Wars who had previously served as an airborne instructor. His leadership team included Brigadier General Harold J. Thompson as Chief of Staff, Colonel James L. Pierce as Deputy Commander, and Major General Carter’s Chief of Staff, Colonel Thomas E. O’Reilly. The headquarters staff comprised the following functional sections: Operations (G-3), Intelligence (G-2), Logistics (G-4), Personnel (G-1), and Public Affairs (G-5).
Each of these sections coordinated with subordinate units to maintain operational effectiveness. For instance, the G-3 section oversaw training plans, mission rehearsals, and coordination with air support units. The G-4 section managed supply lines, transportation, and equipment maintenance, ensuring that all airborne equipment was operationally available during training and any potential deployment.
Subordinate Units
In addition to the three infantry regiments, the 45th Airborne Division fielded the following key subordinate units:
- 45th Airborne Division Artillery (45th ADA) – a composite battalion comprising an air assault gun battery, a mortar battery, and a field artillery battery.
- 45th Airborne Division Engineer Battalion – responsible for route clearance, obstacle removal, and construction of airfields for glider operations.
- 45th Airborne Division Signal Company – provided communications for the division and its subordinate units.
- 45th Airborne Division Medical Company – offered field medical support, evacuation, and casualty care.
- 45th Airborne Division Quartermaster Company – handled supply and requisition of food, fuel, and equipment.
- 45th Airborne Division Transportation Company – operated trucks and trailers for ground movement and cargo transfer.
Each of these units was staffed with a mix of career officers and enlisted soldiers, many of whom had recently completed basic or advanced infantry training. Their integration into the division’s structure facilitated a comprehensive training approach that emphasized combined arms tactics and airborne insertion techniques.
Training and Preparation
Airborne Training Program
The primary training focus for the 45th Airborne Division was to convert its infantry regiments from conventional ground infantry into a fully operational airborne formation. The training program was organized into several phases: basic airborne training, advanced airborne operations, and large‑scale exercise simulations.
Basic airborne training involved parachute jumps from 3,000‑foot aircraft and glider landings at designated drop zones. Soldiers completed a minimum of twelve jumps each to qualify for airborne status. Advanced airborne operations introduced them to air assault tactics, such as rapid insertion, establishing a foothold, and securing objectives under limited fire support. The division also practiced nighttime insertions, low‑altitude jumps, and glider troop landings on uneven terrain.
Large‑scale exercise simulations were conducted at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and at Camp Mackenzie King. These simulations involved coordinating the division’s ground units with the Air Corps, testing command and control procedures, and evaluating logistic support during prolonged operations. The division also participated in joint training with other airborne units to ensure interoperability and standardization of tactics.
Logistics and Support Training
Airborne operations place significant demands on logistics. The 45th division developed a specialized logistics framework that accounted for the unique supply needs of air‑insertion forces. Training included the rapid loading and unloading of equipment onto gliders, the distribution of supplies to troops immediately upon landing, and the maintenance of aircraft and gliders in austere environments.
Transportation units practiced the deployment of cargo to forward positions via helicopter and air‑lift. The signal units conducted training in establishing secure communications in the aftermath of a parachute drop, including the rapid deployment of radio and field telephone equipment. Medical units practiced triage, field dressing, and casualty evacuation under conditions that simulated a battlefield environment.
Operational History
Domestic Deployment
Although the division never deployed overseas, it played a significant role in domestic operations during its brief existence. In October 1944, the division was involved in a major training exercise known as “Operation Overlord Reinforcement,” which simulated a large‑scale airborne assault on a coastal target within the United States. This exercise helped the War Department evaluate the division’s readiness and assess the feasibility of deploying it to the European front.
During this exercise, the division's personnel and equipment were distributed across three drop zones, each representing a potential insertion point. The exercise included the use of both parachute and glider insertions and required coordination between the division’s ground units, air support, and logistical elements. The training exercise was deemed a success by the War Department, indicating that the division met the minimum standards for airborne operations.
International Operations
While the 45th Airborne Division never saw combat, it was considered for deployment to the European theatre in 1945. The Army Air Forces, however, redirected available transport aircraft to reinforce other units already engaged in the Normandy and Italian campaigns. As a result, the 45th remained stateside until the end of hostilities in Europe.
In the Pacific theatre, the 45th was briefly discussed as a potential reinforcement for the planned invasion of Japan. The division’s glider assets were deemed unsuitable for the island hopping strategy, and the War Department instead allocated airborne resources to units already scheduled for the campaign, such as the 4th and 25th Airborne Divisions. Consequently, the 45th’s operational history is limited to training exercises and administrative duties.
Equipment and Logistics
Aircraft and Vehicles
Airborne divisions rely on a combination of aircraft and glider systems to deliver troops and equipment to the battlefield. The 45th Airborne Division’s inventory included the following key components:
- Airplane: C-47 Skytrain (Military Transport) – used for parachute drops and glider towing.
- Glider: Waco CG‑4A – a 13‑seat glider capable of carrying a single infantry squad or a light load.
- Armored Personnel Carrier: M3A1 Half‑track – used for transportation of small units during ground operations.
- Field Artillery: 105mm Howitzer M1 – delivered by glider or air transport for direct fire support.
- Mortars: 60mm M2 Mortar – used for indirect fire in support of infantry.
Each of these systems required dedicated maintenance crews and supply chains. The division established a logistics hub at Camp Mackenzie King that stored spare parts, ammunition, and fuel. This hub coordinated with the Army Quartermaster Corps to ensure continuous resupply during training exercises and potential deployments.
Supply Chain Management
The supply chain for an airborne division is intricate due to the need for rapid deployment of equipment and the limited payload capacity of gliders. The 45th's supply chain strategy involved pre‑positioning essential items such as rations, medical supplies, and field equipment at forward drop zones before a training exercise. These items were packed into containers that could be loaded onto gliders or dropped from aircraft.
The Quartermaster Company employed a system of rotating supply depots that matched the operational tempo of the division. Depots were located in close proximity to training ranges, ensuring that resupply could occur within a few hours after a large drop exercise. This logistical approach minimized downtime and allowed for continuous training cycles.
Legacy and Aftermath
Disbandment and Demobilization
Following the end of hostilities in Europe and the subsequent decision to focus resources on the Pacific theatre, the War Department deemed the 45th Airborne Division surplus to requirements. The division was officially inactivated on 12 September 1945. Personnel were either transferred to other units, returned to civilian life, or reassigned to support roles in other divisions still under training.
Demobilization of the division involved the disassembly of all units, the return of equipment to supply depots, and the decommissioning of glider assets. Many of the gliders were repurposed for use in post‑war reconstruction projects in the United States and Canada, illustrating the dual use of military assets for civilian applications.
Influence on Subsequent Airborne Doctrine
Although the 45th Airborne Division never engaged in combat, the training and logistical lessons learned during its brief existence influenced the development of future airborne doctrine. The division’s emphasis on integrated logistics, rapid resupply, and combined arms operations informed the design of training programs for subsequent airborne units such as the 7th and 24th Airborne Divisions.
The division’s experience with glider operations contributed to a better understanding of the limitations and strengths of glider‑based assaults, prompting the Army to refine the selection criteria for airborne insertion tactics. The lessons learned from the 45th’s training exercises were incorporated into the U.S. Army’s Airborne Training Center curriculum in the post‑war era.
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