The Thunderbolt Across Europe Pamphlet

Folding colored pamphlet to the 83rd

This pamphlet was prepared and sent to families by commanding General Robert Macon. The pamphlet consisted of a large map of the 83rd's route in Europe on one side and a 24 panels illustrated unit history printed on the other side.
In Macon's words: "The enclosed map delineates in an unpretentious way the ground gained and the victories won by the Division. This document tells a little of the life we have known during the past year. It is dedicated to all officers and men of the 83d Infantry Division. We Thunderbolts are proud of the record we have made. We have contributed to the defeat of the enemy. We have grown a little older doing this and we have learned to understand a bit more about men. When finally we go home we shall have grown a little wiser. This document is also dedicated to our dead and wounded, left behind along the highways and trails of six nations. Those once strong-fibered, America-loving men gave their lives or limbs that victory might be ours. We owe our stature, our existence to the blood they spilt, to the cries born of their pain. They are gone from us now but we shall never forget them".

Accompanying the pamphlet is an original letter, personally signed by commanding General Robert C. Macon, to the families and relatives of the fallen combatants of the Thunderbolt Division providing them a map. You can read the letter below. This means that my map was once send to the family of a fallen 83rd Soldier. Together, two excellent items relating the combat history of the 83rd. The map is approximately 28.25" x 34.25", the pamphlet folded approximately to pocket size.

By the 83rd Division Information & Education Section, no date, but circa 1946.