Wagner, Robert-Léon 1905-1982

Robert L. Wagner, a native Texan, was born in 1925. He attended graduate school at the University of Texas at Austin, and studied with the historian Walter Prescott Webb. In 1954, he received his M.A. He lived in Austin, Texas and Nacogdoches, Texas, where he taught in the history department of Stephen F. Austin State University.

Wagner served as an aerial gunner with the American 8th Air Force in England during World War II. After the war, he served in the 36th Division National Guard from 1947 to 1949.

In 1963, Wagner began working on the book, The Texas Army: A History of the 36th Division in the Italian Campaign, which was published in 1972. As part of his research efforts, Wagner solicited wartime correspondence, photographs, maps, newspaper clippings, diaries and journals from former 36th Division soldiers throughout Texas and the United States. He solicited these materials through letters, announcements in the 36th Division Association Bulletin and other magazines and newspapers, and a speech at a 36th Division reunion. Dr. Dorman Winfrey, Director and State Librarian of the Texas State Library (now known as the Texas State Library and Archives Commission), assisted Wagner and arranged for the material to be donated to the Texas State Library.

The 36th Division, also known as the Texas Division and the T-Patchers, was organized at Camp Bowie (then in Fort Worth, Texas) on July 18, 1917 from National Guard units. The division served in France during World War I, remained for occupation duty, and then returned to Camp Bowie and was released from active duty on June 20, 1919.

On November 25, 1940, the 36th Division was once again called to active duty at Camp Bowie in Brownwood, Texas. In 1941, the Division went to Louisiana for maneuvers, where they had mock battles with General Walter Kreuger's Third Army. In February 1942, they moved to Camp Blanding, Florida and prepared to go overseas. Orders changed, however, and instead of shipping out in the summer, the Division continued training in the Carolinas. The Division then spent the winter in Camp Edwards, Massachusetts, and, in April 1943, left for North Africa, where they were held in combat reserve.

The 36th Division finally saw action on September 9, 1943, when they landed at Paestum, Italy in the Gulf of Salerno. They were the first American combat unit to land in Europe. They spent the next 11 months fighting in the Italian campaign. After securing Salerno, the 36th Division moved forward to attack Altavilla and Hill 424. Heavy fighting ensued through September 14, and then, with reinforcements, Allied forces won, securing the Salerno plain.

From the Salerno plain, the 36th Division began a slow move toward Rome. Italian mountains and winter weather combined with German forces to make the advance to Rome slow and dangerous. In the months between November 1943 and the fall of Rome on June 5, 1944, the 36th Division saw some of the heaviest fighting in the Italian campaign. Significant engagements included San Pietro, Anzio and Velletri.

Not all 36th Division engagements were successful. One of the bloodiest and most heavily debated engagements was the attempt to cross the Rapido River January 20 and 21, 1944. Although most officers thought an attempt to cross the Rapido was doomed to fail, General Mark W. Clark ordered the crossing. The operation did fail, and the result was 2,128 casualties and the loss of the better part of the 141st and 143rd regiments. In 1946, the 36th Division Association requested an investigation into the Rapido River crossing and the role of General Clark. The United States House of Representatives' Committee on Military Affairs held a hearing and exonerated Clark, although they did acknowledge the heavy price in lives that the 36th Division paid.

On August 15, 1944, the 36th Division left Italy and landed on the beaches of Southern France. They fought their way northward in France, entered Germany and Austria, and served until the war ended in May of 1945. After six months as occupation troops, the 36th Division returned home.

After World War II, the 36th Division became part of the Texas National Guard. In 1968, the Division was deactivated. Today, its lineage and honors rest with the 36th Brigade of the 49th Armored Division of the United States Army.

From the guide to the Collection of 36th Division Materials, [1922?], 1936-1938, 1940-1971, [1975?], bulk 1942-1945, (Repository Unknown)

Born in Seattle, Washington (1935-2007), Robert Lancaster Wagner grew up in Houston, Texas, and entered the University of Texas at Austin in 1941. During World War II, Wagner joined the U. S. Army Air Corps and served in the England-based 8th Air Force. As a right waist gunner on a B-24 for the 445th Bombardment Group, he completed 29 missions over Italy, France, and Germany. Upon his return to the states, Wagner resumed his studies, receiving a B. A. and M. A. in history from UT. In 1954, he began teaching history at Stephen F. Austin State University. In addition to numerous history articles and book reviews, Wagner authored The Texas Army: A history of the 36th Division in the Italian Campaign .

Source:

“Robert Lancaster Wagner.” Austin American-Statesman . April 15, 2007.

From the guide to the Wagner, Robert L. Collection 95-225; 95-267., 1944-1945, (Dolph Briscoe Center for American History, The University of Texas at Austin)

Born in Seattle, Washington (1935-2007), Robert Lancaster Wagner grew up in Houston, Texas, and entered the University of Texas at Austin in 1941.

During World War II, Wagner joined the U. S. Army Air Corps and served in the England-based 8th Air Force. As a right waist gunner on a B-24 for the 445th Bombardment Group, he completed 29 missions over Italy, France, and Germany. Upon his return to the states, Wagner resumed his studies, receiving a B. A. and M. A. in history from UT. In 1954, he began teaching history at Stephen F. Austin State University. In addition to numerous history articles and book reviews, Wagner authored The Texas Army: A history of the 36th Division in the Italian Campaign.

Source:

"Robert Lancaster Wagner." Austin American-Statesman. April 15, 2007.

From the description of Wagner, Robert L., Collection, 1944-1945 (University of Texas Libraries). WorldCat record id: 772460730