Before the United States entered World War II, and before New York's 27th Infantry Division (ID) had its first engagement with the Japanese Army in late 1943, the soldiers of the 27th ID spent three years conducting essential combat training and military maneuvers plus safeguarding the California and Hawaiian coastlines.
The Army faced many challenges in training millions of new soldiers beginning in 1941, especially a lack of weapons and supplies.
After Japan's sudden attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, the 27th ID was ordered to the west coast to continue training and protect vital insallations.
On February 27, 1942, the first elements of the 27th ID, now 22,000 strong, sailed from San Francisco on an 11 day trip to Hawaii.Safeguarding the Territories:
After the 27th ID reached 21,719 soldiers, fifteen men short of its full strength, in early 1942, the unit began intense combat training, including strenuous hikes, firearm drills, and numerous amphibious landing and jungle training exercises.
