The 45th Infantry Division, made up of National Guard units from Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Oklahoma, was one of the first four divisions ordered into federal service by Congress’ joint resolution in 1940. Initially stationed at Fort Sill in Oklahoma, the 45th moved to Camp Barkeley in early 1941, where the “Thunderbirds” found Abilene’s citizens welcoming but encountered a camp that was little more than a tent city on undrained prairie. Nicknaming their quarters “Camp Smokey Okie,” they began rigorous training at once. In April 1942 the 45th was ordered to Fort Devens, Massachusetts, and after another year of training in three more states they departed for North Africa and Sicily. In World War II the division fought in Sicily, Italy, France, and Germany, and its service culminated in the liberation of the concentration camp at Dachau in April 1945. After 511 days in combat and 3,650 men lost, the 45th Infantry was one of the most distinguished military units of the war. Eight Congressional Medals of Honor were awarded to its members, who won the admiration of Allies and Axis powers alike. The division was released from active duty in November 1945. Hundreds of its soldiers later returned to Abilene to marry and make their homes there, and the 45th was called to active duty again during the Korean Conflict, suffering 834 casualties, with one “Thunderbird” posthumously awarded a Congressional Medal of Honor for Korean service.