From the 1990 supplement: The 77th Infantry Division was formed in 1917 to fight in World War I. It was know as the "Metropolitan Division" because the division members were largely from the streets of New York. It fought in Europe, most notably in the Meusse-Argonne Offensive. The famous "Lost Battalion," a task force of units that was surrounded by Germans, was part of the 77th. Refusing to surrender, the battalion held out until rescued thanks to a carriers pigeon name "Cher Ami." This pigeon flew through the enemy lines and delivered a message to U.S. forces pinpointing the location of the surrounded unit. Disbanded after World War I, the 77th was reactivated to fight in World War II. The 77th fought in the South Pacific and was instrumental in liberating the Philippines and Okinawa. The famous war correspondent, Ernie Pyle, was killed by a Japanese sniper while with the 77th on the island of Ie Shima. The reserve center at Fort Totten is named in honor of him and houses the headquarters of the 77th Army Reserve Command. After World War II, the 77th became a Reserve division. In 1967, it became an Army Reserve Command, consisting of combat support and combat service support units. At the end of FY 90, the command had 12,475 assigned soldiers. The single most important event effecting the 77th during FY 90 was Operation Desert Shield. Therefore, we will divide the year in two parts: Pre-Desert Shield and Post-Desert Shield. Pre-Desert Shield was "business as usual" conducting readiness training, exercises, and inspections. This training was put to the test in the later part of the year when unites were called upon to participate in Operation Desert Shield. The 77th Army Reserve Command consists of medical, transportation, engineer, military police, military intelligence, artillery, maintenance, port security, chemical, supply and field service units. Many of these played an important part in the Persian Gulf crisis. As a latter and more complete history of the involvement of the 77th ARCOM in Operation Desert Shield will show, their participation was vital.

Annual History Collection - Unit United States Army Reserve - USAR Army Reserve Command - ARCOM

Preface -- Background -- Before the War -- Desert Shield.