Intro
Discover the rich history of the US Armys 1st Infantry Division, one of the most iconic and revered units in American military history. Learn about its 10 key facts, from its formation to its battles in World War I and II, and its current role in global military operations, as a proud Big Red One soldier.
The 1st Infantry Division, also known as the "Big Red One," is one of the most iconic and storied units in the United States Army. With a rich history spanning over a century, the division has played a significant role in many major conflicts, including both World Wars, the Vietnam War, and more recent operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Here are 10 key facts about the Army's 1st Infantry Division:
The 1st Infantry Division was originally formed on May 24, 1917, at Fort Sheridan, Illinois, as part of the United States' mobilization for World War I. The division was composed of regular army units, including the 16th, 18th, 26th, and 28th Infantry Regiments, as well as supporting artillery, engineer, and signal units.
1. The Big Red One
The 1st Infantry Division is nicknamed the "Big Red One" due to its distinctive shoulder sleeve insignia, which features a red "1" on a green background. The nickname was originally coined during World War I, when the division's troops wore a red "1" on their sleeves to distinguish themselves from other units.
World War I
The 1st Infantry Division was one of the first American units to arrive in France during World War I, landing at the port city of St. Nazaire on June 26, 1917. The division saw significant action during the war, including the Battle of Ansauville, the Battle of Cantigny, and the Battle of Soissons.
2. World War II
During World War II, the 1st Infantry Division played a crucial role in the Allied victory, participating in several key battles and campaigns, including the invasion of North Africa, the invasion of Sicily, and the invasion of Normandy on D-Day. The division suffered heavy casualties during the war, but earned numerous awards and decorations for its bravery and sacrifice.
Invasion of Normandy
The 1st Infantry Division was one of the first American units to land on Omaha Beach during the invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944. The division's troops faced intense German resistance, but ultimately secured a foothold on the beach and played a key role in the Allied victory.
3. Vietnam War
During the Vietnam War, the 1st Infantry Division was deployed to South Vietnam in 1965, where it participated in numerous battles and campaigns against the North Vietnamese Army and the Viet Cong. The division's troops earned numerous awards and decorations for their bravery and sacrifice during the war.
Operation Junction City
In 1967, the 1st Infantry Division participated in Operation Junction City, a major operation aimed at defeating the Viet Cong in the "Iron Triangle" region of South Vietnam. The operation was one of the largest and most successful of the war, with the division's troops earning numerous awards and decorations for their bravery and sacrifice.
4. Modern Era
In recent years, the 1st Infantry Division has participated in numerous operations and deployments, including Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm in Iraq, Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, and Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq. The division's troops have earned numerous awards and decorations for their bravery and sacrifice during these operations.
Operation Iraqi Freedom
In 2003, the 1st Infantry Division was deployed to Iraq as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom, where it participated in numerous battles and campaigns against insurgent forces. The division's troops earned numerous awards and decorations for their bravery and sacrifice during the operation.
5. Current Status
Today, the 1st Infantry Division is stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas, where it serves as one of the Army's premier combat divisions. The division is composed of several brigades, including the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, and the 1st Combat Aviation Brigade.
Training and Readiness
The 1st Infantry Division is committed to maintaining the highest levels of training and readiness, with a focus on preparing its troops for future operations and deployments. The division's troops participate in numerous training exercises and operations throughout the year, including the annual "Warrior Focus" exercise, which simulates combat scenarios and tests the division's readiness.
6. Decorations and Awards
The 1st Infantry Division has earned numerous awards and decorations throughout its history, including the Presidential Unit Citation, the Valorous Unit Award, and the Meritorious Unit Commendation. The division's troops have also earned numerous individual awards and decorations, including the Medal of Honor, the Distinguished Service Cross, and the Silver Star.
Awards and Decorations
The 1st Infantry Division has earned a total of 20 Presidential Unit Citations, 14 Valorous Unit Awards, and 10 Meritorious Unit Commendations. The division's troops have also earned over 100 Medal of Honor awards, over 500 Distinguished Service Cross awards, and over 1,000 Silver Star awards.
7. Notable Alumni
The 1st Infantry Division has a long history of producing notable alumni, including several Medal of Honor recipients, generals, and politicians. Some notable alumni of the division include General Dwight D. Eisenhower, General Omar Bradley, and Senator Bob Dole.
General Dwight D. Eisenhower
General Dwight D. Eisenhower, the Supreme Allied Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force in Europe during World War II, served as the commander of the 1st Infantry Division from 1941 to 1942. Eisenhower later became the 34th President of the United States, serving from 1953 to 1961.
8. Unit Insignia
The 1st Infantry Division's unit insignia features a red "1" on a green background, surrounded by a gold border. The insignia is worn on the sleeve of the division's troops and is a symbol of the division's pride and heritage.
Shoulder Sleeve Insignia
The 1st Infantry Division's shoulder sleeve insignia is worn on the left sleeve of the division's troops and features the division's distinctive red "1" on a green background. The insignia is surrounded by a gold border and is a symbol of the division's pride and heritage.
9. Division Song
The 1st Infantry Division's song is "The Big Red One", which was written in 1943 by Captain Donald T. Kellett. The song is sung by the division's troops on special occasions and is a symbol of the division's pride and heritage.
"The Big Red One"
"The Big Red One" is the 1st Infantry Division's official song and is sung by the division's troops on special occasions. The song was written in 1943 by Captain Donald T. Kellett and is a symbol of the division's pride and heritage.
10. Legacy
The 1st Infantry Division has a long and storied history, with a legacy that spans over a century. The division's troops have earned numerous awards and decorations throughout its history, including the Presidential Unit Citation, the Valorous Unit Award, and the Meritorious Unit Commendation.
Legacy of Service
The 1st Infantry Division has a legacy of service that spans over a century, with a commitment to protecting and defending the United States and its interests. The division's troops have served with honor and distinction throughout its history, earning numerous awards and decorations for their bravery and sacrifice.
1st Infantry Division Image Gallery
What is the 1st Infantry Division's nickname?
+The 1st Infantry Division is nicknamed the "Big Red One" due to its distinctive shoulder sleeve insignia, which features a red "1" on a green background.
Where is the 1st Infantry Division stationed?
+The 1st Infantry Division is stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas.
What is the 1st Infantry Division's official song?
+The 1st Infantry Division's official song is "The Big Red One", which was written in 1943 by Captain Donald T. Kellett.