VII Corps (United States)
VII Corps was a corps of the United States Army that was active during World War I, World War II, and the Cold War.
World War I:
Activated in France in August 1918, VII Corps participated in the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, a major operation aimed at breaking through the German lines. Major General Robert L. Bullard commanded the corps during this period. The corps' involvement was relatively brief due to the war's end in November 1918.
World War II:
Reactivated in May 1942, VII Corps played a significant role in the European Theater of Operations during World War II. Under the command of Major General J. Lawton Collins, it landed on Utah Beach on D-Day, June 6, 1944. The corps then participated in the Battle of Normandy, playing a crucial role in securing the Cotentin Peninsula. VII Corps was instrumental in the capture of Cherbourg and the subsequent breakout from Normandy.
Following the Normandy campaign, VII Corps participated in the liberation of France, including the Battle of the Bulge, where it played a key role in the defense of Bastogne. It continued its advance into Germany, participating in the crossing of the Rhine River and contributing to the eventual defeat of Nazi Germany in May 1945.
Cold War:
During the Cold War, VII Corps was a major component of the U.S. Army's presence in West Germany. It was headquartered in Stuttgart and was responsible for defending a key sector of the inter-German border against potential Soviet or Warsaw Pact aggression. The corps comprised several divisions and brigades, and it regularly participated in training exercises to maintain its readiness.
VII Corps was inactivated in 1992 following the end of the Cold War and the subsequent reduction in U.S. military forces in Europe.
Commanders:
- Major General Robert L. Bullard (World War I)
- Major General J. Lawton Collins (World War II)
- (Numerous others during the Cold War)
Notable Operations:
- Meuse-Argonne Offensive (World War I)
- Normandy Campaign (World War II)
- Battle of the Bulge (World War II)
- Defense of Western Europe (Cold War)