Company F, 2nd Battalion, 142nd Infantry, 36th Division, Texas National Guard
Canyon, Randall County, Texas
Marker Inscription
The 36th Division of the U.S. Army served with distinction in World War II. When mobilized, Company F of the Division's 142nd Infantry consisted primarily of Randall County soldiers, including ten sets of brothers, as well as a father and son. The unit deployed for Italy in 1943 and was among those landing at Salerno. The men actively served in the European theater of operation, spending 400 days in combat, participating in two assault landings and receiving seven campaign streamers. During the war, eight local men lost their lives and two received the Distinguished Service Cross. From 1951 to 1968, when it disbanded, the company trained at a National Guard Armory at this site. (2005)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
When the 36th Division mobilized for World War II, Company F of its 142nd Infantry was filled largely with Randall County men — including ten sets of brothers and a father with his son. The unit shipped to Italy in 1943, waded ashore at Salerno, and spent some 400 days in combat across the European theater, earning seven campaign streamers. Eight local men were killed and two received the Distinguished Service Cross; from 1951 until it disbanded in 1968 the company drilled at a National Guard armory here.
Why it matters
It grounds the vast sweep of World War II in a single Panhandle county, where whole families answered the call and paid the cost.
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Related events
- · Salerno landing
- · Italian Campaign
Themes & tags
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