The 28th Infantry Division earned its grim nickname, "Bloody Bucket," from German forces during World War II due to the intense nature of their assaults and their distinctive red keystone shoulder patch.
Origin of the Nickname
The moniker "Bloody Bucket" was bestowed upon the 28th Infantry Division by German soldiers who witnessed the sheer ferocity and intensity of their attacks during combat. This vivid nickname was a direct reflection of:
- Fierceness of Attack: The division engaged in exceptionally brutal and relentless fighting, leading to significant casualties on both sides and creating a lasting impression of the intense combat.
- Red Keystone Shoulder Patch: The division's distinctive shoulder patch is a red keystone. The combination of the division's intense, bloody engagements and the appearance of this red insignia led the Germans to associate it with a "bloody bucket."
This period of intense combat was tragically underscored when, on August 13, 1944, division commander Brigadier General James E. Wharton was mortally wounded while visiting the front lines, highlighting the extreme dangers faced by the division members.
A Symbol of Tenacity
Despite its grim origins, the "Bloody Bucket" nickname became a symbol of the 28th Infantry Division's unwavering tenacity and the heavy sacrifices its soldiers made during World War II. It encapsulates the division's reputation for enduring brutal fighting and holding their ground with determination.
For more information on the 28th Infantry Division's history, you can visit its Wikipedia page.
