FIRST AMERICAN TROOPS ARRIVE IN NORTHERN IRELAND

First American troops arrive in Northern Ireland

Barely seven weeks after the attack on Pearl Harbor, the first major contingent of American ground troops landed in Northern Ireland. Soldiers from the 34th Infantry Division disembarked in cold, damp weather to the sound of bands and the sight of cheering crowds who knew the war in Europe had entered a new phase. Until then, the British had fought on in the west with limited direct American military presence. Now, the arrival of these units signaled that the United States would commit men as well as munitions to the struggle against Nazi Germany. The troops began a long period of training, familiarizing themselves with British weapons, tactics, and the realities of wartime Europe. Their presence also helped reassure British civilians that they were no longer alone. This low-key arrival marked the beginning of the American ground buildup that would eventually lead to landings in North Africa, Italy, and Normandy.