473rd Infantry Regiment (United States)
The 473rd Infantry Regiment was an infantry regiment of the United States Army that served on the Italian Front during World War II. It was created on 14 January 1945 from existing anti-aircraft units that were no longer needed to defend against enemy aircraft. It was raised from the Headquarters Troop, 2nd Armored Group and the 434th, 435th, 532nd and 900th Anti-Aircraft Artillery-Automatic Weapons battalions.
| 473rd Infantry Regimental Combat Team 473rd Infantry Regiment | |
|---|---|
| Active | 1945 |
| Allegiance |  |
| Branch |  |
| Type | Infantry |
| Size | Regiment |
| Nickname(s) | "Flakfeet" |
| Engagements | World War II |
| Battle honours | Italian Campaign |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders | William P. Yarborough |
Most of the elements of the 473rd had been parts of Task Force 45. This was a division-sized unit built around the U.S. 45th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Brigade with attached British, Brazilian, and Italian elements. The 473rd Infantry, a white unit, was assigned for some time to the black 92nd Infantry Division starting from 24 February 1945 until 17 May 1945. It was used to replace the black 365th Infantry Regiment, which was reassigned to U.S. IV Corps.
In August 1945 it was deactivated in Italy.
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Components
Colonel Willis D. Cronk of Headquarters Troop, 2nd Armored Group was placed in command during the reorganization but was soon replaced by Col. William P. Yarborough.
Units:
Headquarters Company, 473rd
- 1st Battalion / 473 Inf Regt (CO: Lt.-Col. Peter L. Urban, Lt.Col. Phelan, Maj Verhuel)
- 2nd Battalion / 473 Inf Regt (CO: Lt.-Col Hampton H. Lisle, Maj Crandall)
- 3rd Battalion / 473 Inf Regt (CO: Maj. Paul Woodward)
References
- http://www.custermen.com/ItalyWW2/Units/Division92.htm
- FLAKFEET, History of the 473rd US Inf Regt, Vol. 1 and 2, by Marcello Biava