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The Rainbow Division became one of the first sent to Europe in 1918 to support French troops in battles at Chateau-Thierry, St. Mihiel, the Verdun Front, and Argonne. On 14 July 1918 the Division, acting as part of the 4th French Army, assisted in containing the final German offensive at the Battle of Champagne. The U.S. Army’s first offensive occurred at St. Mihiel where upon hearing of the forthcoming attack the Germans ordered a partial withdrawal of troops, which was in progress when the U.S. Army attacked on 12 September 1918. Within four days, the U.S. and French troops brought the area under Allied control. Nearly two weeks later the Division participated in an attack at Meuse-Argonne, the purpose of which was to cut off the German Second Army. The German troops held onto the area until 4 November, when additional troops from the U.S. assisted in strengthening the Allied advance. On 11 November 1918, the Armistice was signed at Compiègne in France.

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In memory of the Rainbow Division Veterans in two world wars, the RDV Memorial Foundation, Inc. has been created to preserve the memories, history, memorials and patriotism of the men who served in the Rainbow Division in two world wars. It is the sincere hope of our veterans that in the future when they are no longer living, the Memorial Foundation will continue as a living memorial in the hands of their descendants and other family members. This is the reason why the Veterans Association and Auxiliary members are reaching out to families of Rainbow veterans. Wives, widows and descendants of Rainbow Veterans as well as extended family -- brothers, sisters and their descendants -- are eligible to be members of the RDV Memorial Foundation. Male and female descendants are eligible to be members of the RDV Association. Wives, widows, sisters and female descendants are welcomed to join the Foundation as full members. In addition, widows may receive gratis the Foundation newsletter, the Rainbow Reveille. Rainbow news and information is mailed regularly in the Rainbow Reveille and the National Auxiliary Bulletin.