After training throughout the United States the 85th Division left for North Africa in late 1943 and trained there until March 1944. The 85th, along with the 88th Infantry Division, was one of the first all-draftee divisions to leave the United States for overseas service. The division was sent to the Italian Theater in late March 1944, and coming under command of the II Corps, commanded by Major General Geoffrey Keyes, part of Lieutenant General Mark W. Clark's U.S. Fifth Army. The 85th Division fought with distinction in the Battle of Monte Cassino, and later on the Gothic Line, and finally in Operation Grapeshot, which brought an end to the war in Italy. During the campaign Major General Coulter earned a reputation as an expert in military mountaineering and alpine warfare.