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2nd Infantry Regiment (United States)
Encyclopedia
The 2nd Infantry Regiment is an infantry regiment in the United States Army. It has served the United States for more than two hundred years. It is the third oldest regiment in the US Army with a Lineage date of 1808 and a history extending back to 1791. Since its first formation by order of President George Washington in 1791, there has been an active unit of the 2nd US Infantry serving under every president from that time until the present. At present the regiment has 68 streamers on its colors.
. On 4 March 1791 John Doughty was appointed Lieutenant Colonel Commandant of the Regiment but he resigned from the Army on 12 March 1791 in protest to the reduction of enlisted pay. Before resigning he appointed John Toomy as the first Sergeant Major of the Regiment. SGM Toomy and Sergeant Pollesey, who was appointed regiment quartermaster, were charged with establishing the regiment’s headquarters at Fort Pitt
in Pennsylvania. On 22 October 1791 Lieutenant Colonel James Wilkinson
was then appointed Lieutenant Colonel Commandant of the Regiment but he did not take command until January 1792. The Regiment was to be made up as follows, a lieutenant colonel commandant, two majors, eight captains, eight lieutenants, eight ensigns, one surgeon, two surgeon's mates, and eight companies of about 100 men each. Recruiting began almost immediately in Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and New Hampshire. Pay and muster records indicate that the first enlisted man is Rueben King from Delaware. The companies are known by their commanding officers name and the first one formed is under the command of Captain Robert Kirkwood. Between March 1791 and May 1792 all recruits passed through New Brunswick Recruit Barracks in New Jersey for outfitting and then on to Fort Pitt.
From Fort Pitt the Regiment moved down the Ohio River
by barge to Fort Washington
(Cincinnati) in the Northwest Territory, where Governor Arthur St. Clair
had established his headquarters. On 4 October 1791, the Army under the command of St. Clair commenced a campaign against the Miami Indians. On 4 November 1791 about 60 miles from Fort Washington the Indians, numbering not more than one thousand, surprised the Army and put it to flight with great slaughter. The American Army numbered 1483, of these 38 officers and 593 men were killed or missing and 31 officers and 252 men were wounded, many of whom later died. Of the 2nd Infantry it is estimated that 101 enlisted were killed, 54 wounded and 50 missing, presumed dead. 7 officers, including Major Jonathan Heart who was in command of the Regiment, were killed and 1 wounded. On the day of the battle St. Clair’s Army consisted of the following; US Battalion of the 5th Artillery, 2nd Infantry Regiment, 1st and 2nd Regiment of Levies, a company of Pennsylvania Militia and a Kentucky Militia Regiment. The 1st Infantry Regiment was not present at the battle.
which was a combined force of infantry, cavalry, and artillery under the Command of Major General Anthony Wayne
. This Legion consisted of four Sub-Legions of which the Second Infantry became the "Second Sub-Legion". At this time only the 1st and 2d Infantry were actually organized, therefore it was necessary to go out and recruit infantry for the 3d and 4th Sub-Legions. The Legion fought the Miami Indians between 1792 and 1795 and finally defeated the Indians in a decisive manner at the Battle of Fallen Timbers
in the Northwest Territory
on 20 August 1794. The conflict with the Indians ended with the signing of the Treaty of Greenville
on 2 August 1795. On 1 November 1796 the Legion was discontinued and the Second Sub-Legion again became the Second Regiment of Infantry. The unit colors of the 2nd Sub-Legion were red and white. The Regiment's oldest Campaign Streamer is for the Miami Indian Campaign, 1791-1795.
units of the 2nd Infantry fought several engagements with the British. The Regiment was made famous by the gallant defense of Fort Bowyer
, in Alabama, on 15 September 1814 when 120 2nd Infantrymen held off four British vessels and a motley force of 130 Royal Marines
, 100 Spanish
infantrymen, and some 600 Indians. The 2nd Infantry losses in the battle were 4 killed and 4 wounded while the British suffered 32 killed and 40 wounded and the loss of one ship. Major William Lawrence, who was in command of the fort, was brevetted for gallantry in this action, together with Captains Chamberlain, Brownlow and Bradley. Lieutenants Villard, Sturgis, Conway, H. Saunders, T. R. Saunders, Brooks, Davis and C. Saunders, are all mentioned by General Jackson in dispatches.
Captain John M. Davis of the Regiment was made a brevet major for gallantry at the siege of New Orleans in December 1814 and several companies of the 2nd Infantry were in New Orleans at the time of the Battle of New Orleans
in January 1815.
On 11–12 February 1815 the British attacked Fort Bowyer again, Major William Lawrence of the 2nd Infantry was still in command there. Jackson had reinforced Lawrence, who now commanded some 370 troops from the Regiment, and had three long 32-pounders, eight 24s, six 12s, five 9s, a mortar and a howitzer. Jackson proclaimed "ten thousand men cannot take it".
After a five day seige the British forced Lawrence, who had been wounded, to surrender Fort Bowyer. Their victory was short lived because 2 days later they learned that the war had already ended with the signing of the Treaty of Ghent
which was signed on 24 December 1814. Still, the British had captured the Regiment's colors, which are on display at the Royal Hospital Chelsea
, England; several requests have been made for their return to the Regiment, which the British have declined. This battle is considered the last battle of the War of 1812
In the Spring of 1815 the regiment was consolidated with several other regiments to form a new 1st Infantry, thus the chronicles of the original Second Infantry came to an end.
The 2nd Infantry did not participate in any of the battles in Canada during the War of 1812. It was in the Deep South, headquartered in and around New Orleans. The War Department ruled that by the consolidations of 1815 the Regiment's distinguished services prior to 15 May 1815 are to be credited and that the Second Infantry inherited the records of the regiments consolidated into its organization. Thus the regimental colors therefore bear the names Canada, Chippawa and Lundy’s Lane.
On 17 May 1815 a new Second US Infantry was formed in accordance with this act by the consolidation of the 6th, 16th, 22nd, 23rd, and 32nd Regiments of Infantry, all of which were located in the New York area. The date of organization of the present regiment is that of the 6th Infantry, 12 April 1808. At this time the original 2nd Infantry became part of the new 1st US Infantry Regiment. Colonel Hugh Brady became the regiment’s commanding officer with Henry Leavenworth and Ninian Pinkney as the major and lieutenant-colonel respectively. The regimental number "2" was based on the fact that Brady was the second most senior among all the regimental commanders of the United States Army.
Subsequent to this, the War Department ruled that by the consolidations of 1815 the distinguished service and battle honors of the Regiment prior to 1815 are to be credited to the 2nd Infantry Regiment. Thus the colors bear the streamers for the Miami Campaign and Alabama 1814.
of 1832 erupted the 2nd Infantry was sent to Illinois but did not actually participate in any fighting. The 2nd Infantry returned to its posts on the Great Lakes. During the Second Seminole War
, from 1838 to 1842, the Regiment was in Florida, where it was on the move daily, fighting and building roads and installations. In April 1840 with Colonel Brady attending to other duty assignments Lieutenant Colonel Bennett C. Riley assumed command of the Regiment. Lieutenant Colonel Riley remains in command of the Regiment until January 1850. In 1843 the Regiment returned to its posts on Lakes Ontario and Champlain in upstate New York .
' Brigade. From September 1846 to December 1847 the Regiment campaigned from the Rio Grande River to Mexico City
, fighting in battles at Vera Cruz
, Cerro Gordo
, Contreras
, Churubusco
, Moline del Rey
and Chapultepec
. The Regiment suffered 28 killed and 132 wounded in the war.
, Cape Horn
and Santiago Chile to California. Between 1849 and 1853 the regiment was in California occupying stations from Goose Lake
on the north to Fort Yuma
on the south and the Pacific Ocean on the west and the Sierra Nevada Mountains on the east, scouting, providing protection for the 49'ers and fighting throughout the entire area. The Regiment returned to New York in 1853 only to be sent to the Western Plains where it was occupied in the constructing or reconstructing of forts, building roads and scouting the hills and plains along the Missouri River as far west as Fort Kearny
, Nebraska and Fort Laramie, Wyoming.
the 2nd Infantry was involved in some of the first fighting of the war that took place at Wilson's Creek
in Missouri and the first Battle of Bull Run
. The Regiment fought in numerous major engagements such as Manassas, Antietam, Chancellorsville
, Fredericksburg
and Gettysburg
. By June 1864 the commissioned and enlisted strength of the regiment had reached such a low figure, less than 100 men, that in accordance with the request of the regimental commander the remaining enlisted men were transferred to Company C, and that company was given a full complement of officers, non-commissioned officers. From then until December 1864 the entire regiment consisted of just Company C. On 18 April 1869 the 2nd Infantry was consolidated with the 16th Infantry and the consolidated unit was designated as the 2nd Infantry. Between the end of the war in 1865 and 1877 the Regiment was deployed throughout the south enforcing the “Reconstruction” laws.
Note: The 2nd Infantry bears 9 battle honors from the Southern Campaign through its 1869 consolidation with the 16th Infantry. This unit was present at battles in that sector, including Atlanta, Shiloh, Chickamauga, Chattanooga and Murfreesboro.
, Nebraska to help fight the Sioux
. Although it did not participate, the Regiment was on the Pine Ridge Reservation in December 1890 when the Wounded Knee Massacre
took place. The Regiment remained on the western plains until 1898.
. The Regiment, under the command of LTC William Wherry, (regimental commander COL John C. Bates
had been promoted to brigadier general of volunteers) fought in battles along the road to San Juan Heights and the battle of Santiago
, where it fought on the extreme left of San Juan Heights. In August 1898, the Regiment returned to the United States only to return to Cuba in January 1899. The Regiment stayed in Cuba until September 1899 when it returned to the United States to prepare for deployment to the Philippines. The Regiment suffered 22 dead and 50 wounded during their campaign in Cuba.
during which it fought in over 25 engagements on several of the islands. In May 1903 the Regiment returned to duty in the western United States, it was stationed at Fort Logan, Colorado and Fort D. A. Russell
, Wyoming. In February 1906 the Regiment was redeployed to the Philippines and remained there until returning to the United States in March 1908. The 3rd Battalion went to Fort Assinniboine
, Montana and the balance of the Regiment to Fort Thomas
, Kentucky for training and garrison duties until deploying to Hawaii in 1911. There is no record of any casualties suffered by the Regiment in either deployment other than an officer dying from a self inflected gun shot wound.
, Iowa. The war ended just as the Regiment was about to deploy to France. In 1919, the 2nd Infantry was relieved from the 19th Division and resumed as a separate regiment.
, Ohio. In October 1921 the Regiment is ordered to Fort Snelling
, Minnesota and Fort Sheridan
, Illinois but as they reach their destinations the 2nd and 3rd Battalions are eliminated and Headquarters and 1st Battalion are at Fort Sheridan as a training battalion. In August 1922 the Regiment is redesignated a combat regiment and the 2nd and 3rd Battalions are reorganized using personnel from the 54th Infantry. In March 1923 the Regiment is assigned to the 6th Division. Headquarters and 1st Battalion stay at Fort Sheridan, 2nd Battalion is at Fort Wayne (Detroit)
, Michigan and 3rd Battalion is at Fort Brady, Michigan. On 19 June 1936 a new distinctive unit insignia is authorized. Between August 1922 and October 1939 no major changes are made to the Regiment. The Regiment participated in the usual garrison training, maneuvers, field training and other duties.
, the Regiment was assigned to the 5th Infantry Division. In February 1942 the Regiment was sent to Iceland for training, to provide security for U. S. bases located there and to load and unload supply ships. The Regiment was then sent to England and then Ireland for training. In July 1944 the Regiment along with the 5th Infantry Division landed in Normandy, France. It became part of General George Patton's Third United States Army, leading the way in the breakout from the beaches of Normandy
in Operation Cobra
, capturing Rheims and then seized Metz
after a major battle at Fort Driant. On 13 July 1944 SSGT Robert Bass was killed by enemy artillery fire, he is the first KIA of the war from the 2nd Infantry and also the 5th Division. When the Battle of the Bulge
began the Regiment moved to the battle zone in the area of Niderannven Luxembourg. In January 1945 the 2nd Infantry Regiment forced a crossing of the Sauer River and attacked into the Siegfried Line
. The Regiment crossed the Rhine River near Oppenheim and secured the crossing for other Third Army units. The unit then spearheaded the attack into Czechoslovakia and was located near the town of Volary
when the word came to cease all forward movement at 0831 hours on the 7th of May 1945. In 276 days of combat the Regiment captured 275 cities and towns, crossed 20 rivers and captured 22,103 of the enemy, the Regiment suffered 906 killed, 2736 wounded and 295 missing or prisoner of war.
the Regiment was stationed at Indiantown Gap Military Reservation, Pennsylvania with the 5th Infantry Division training recruits for deployment to Korea. In June 1957 at the time of the Pentomic
reorganization the regiment was stationed at Fort Ord
, California with the 5th Infantry Division, serving as a training regiment. The 2nd Battalion was reorganized and redesignated as Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battle Group, 2nd Infantry and released from assignment with 5th Infantry Division and assigned to the 1st Infantry Division. At this time both the 1st and 3rd Battalions were inactivated. In January 1959 the 2nd Battle Group was reassigned to the 24th Infantry Division in Germany. In February 1962 the 2nd Battalion was reassigned from the 24th Infantry Division and returned to the 5th Infantry Division and was stationed at Fort Devens
, Massachusetts
. Also in February 1962 the 1st Battalion was activated and also assigned to the 5th Infantry Division at Fort Devens.
In July 1965 the 1st and 2nd Battalions were assigned to the 1st Infantry Division and in September 1965 they deployed to Vietnam. They arrived off the coast of South Vietnam in October 1965 and landed on the beach at Vung Tau
and from there proceeded to their assigned areas, Phouc Vinh for the 1st Battalion and Lai Khe
for the 2nd Battalion. The battalions initially fought as light infantry in the areas North and West of Saigon. In January 1967 the 2nd Battalion became mechanized, it was the first one in the 1st Division.
The first major battles were fought by the 2nd Battalion at Ap Bau Bang in November 1965 and Ap Nha Mat in December 1965. Heavy losses were suffered at Ap Nha Mat and 3 soldiers are still listed as missing. The 1st Battalion sustains its first casualties of the war on 21 December 1965 when the enemy ambushed the command group of Company B as the company was moving out of Bien Hoa
on routine patrol. On 25 August 1966 a patrol from Company C, 1st Battalion became involved in what became known as the Battle of Bong Trang, losses were heavy for both sides.
During four and a half years the battalions were involved in major operations such as: Junction City
, the largest operation conducted up to that time, Lam Son II, Paul Bunyan
, Bu Dop, AKA, Battle of Hill 172, An Loc
and An Loc II, plus numerous other operations and small unit actions. It is difficult to detail all of the 2 Battalions actions in Vietnam because contact with the enemy was almost daily. Most engagements were sudden, quick and furious with the battalions winning the day. In March/April 1970 when the 1st Infantry Division stood down the 1st and 2nd Battalion’s colors were cases and the soldiers were either reassigned to other units in Vietnam or returned to the United States to be discharged.
Three soldiers from Company B, 2nd Battalion are still listed as missing. The three were reported as missing on 5 December 1965 following the Battle of Ap Nha Mat and are carried as Body not recovered, Casualty Type: Hostile, died while missing.
“BLACK SCARVES”
On 30 April 1966 in a sweep through the village of Lo Go, the 1st Battalion was engaged in heavy fighting and it was during this time that a large quantity of black cloth was captured. This cloth was used by the Viet Cong to make their "Black Pajama" uniforms. At the direction of battalion commander, LTC Richard Prillaman, this cloth was made into scarves to be worn by the battalion’s soldiers. LTC Prillaman wanted to be able to distinguish his battalion from other division soldiers and to provide the soldiers with something more appropriate than the towels the men were wearing around their necks. It is from this that the battalion has as its nickname “Black Scarves”. The printing on the scarves was a different color for each company: HHC, yellow, Company A, red, Company B, white, Company C, blue and Company D, green.
“IRON FIST”
Headquarters, 1st Infantry Division, issued a statement in January 1968 describing the 2nd Battalion's accomplishments. “The 2nd Battalion, 2nd Infantry (Mechanized) The Iron Fist of the Big Red One is one of the most versatile units in the First Division. The use of Armored Personnel Carriers
for fast ground deployment adds greatly to the battalions reactionary capabilities." The 2nd Battalion called themselves “Iron Fists” from that time until they returned to the United States in 1970.
In early April 1970 an honor guard returned the 1st and 2nd Battalion’s colors to Fort Riley
, Kansas and on 15 April the 2nd Battalion was inactivated. The 1st Battalion remained active and in October 1970 the Battalion, along with the entire division, participated in Operation Reforger II in Germany. Following this it returned to Fort Riley and remained with the 1st Infantry Division until it was inactivated on 1 October 1983.
On 21 March 1973 the 2nd Battalion was relieved from assignment to the 1st Infantry Division and reassigned to the 9th Infantry Division. It was activated at Fort Lewis
, Washington with the reflagging of the 1st Battalion, 60th Infantry. The 2nd Battalion was activated on 6 November 1987 as a "Motorized" Combined Arms Battalion-Heavy (CAB-H). In May 1991 the 2nd Battalion was inactivated and relieved from assignment to the 9th Infantry Division.
On 16 February 1996 the 2nd Battalion was reassigned to the 1st Infantry Division and on 27 March was activated at Rose Barracks, Vilseck, Germany as Task Force 2/2 Infantry with the reflagging of the 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry. The 2nd Battalion deployed to Bosnia in support of operation Joint Guard in 1996. In 1997 the battalion was awarded the Army Superior Unit Award for actions such as Brcko riots and Hill 562. The 2nd Battalion redeployed to Vilseck in October 1997. On the 24th of November 1999, the battalion deployed to Camp Monteith
, Kosovo
. The battalion was redeployed to Vilseck in June 2000. The unit was again deployed to Camp Monteith, Kosovo in November 2002 until July 2003 as the last regular Army unit conducting operations. The national guard took formal command of operations from the 2nd Battalion.
In April 2003 with Operation Iraqi Freedom under way, Company B, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Infantry deployed to Bashur Airfield in Northern Iraq as part of 173rd Airborne Brigade Task Force 1-63 ARMOR, to aid in opening a northern front in Iraq. This was called Operation Airborne Dragon, Northern Iraq, with the entire Task Force being air lifted from Germany. Company B as well as the entire Task Force returned to Germany in February 2004.
In the spring of 2004 the 2nd Battalion, less Company B, deployed to Iraq with the 1st Infantry Division. On 20 July 2004 SSGT Raymond Bittinger, 3rd Platoon, Company C, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Infantry was awarded a Silver Star
for leadership and heroism under fire on 9 April 2004 in Baqubah, Iraq. SSGT Bittinger was the first soldier of the 1st Infantry Division to receive a Silver Star during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
In November 2004 Task Force 2-2, which comprised HHC, Company A, and Scouts of the 2/2, Company A, 2/63 Armor, 2d Platoon, Company B, 1st Engineer Battalion, 63d Armor, 2d Platoon, Company A, 82d Engineer Battalion and Troop F, 4 Cavalry fought alongside US Marines in the Battle of Fallujah. One of the Battalion's members, SSG David Bellavia
, was recommended for the Medal of Honor
and the Distinguished Service Cross
for actions during the battle. Both awards are still under review. 2-2 Infantry also fought at Al Muqdadiyah, An Najaf, Al Fallujah, Mosul
, and Baqubah
. The 2nd Battalion, 2nd Infantry and attached units received a Presidential Unit Citation for their actions in the Battle of Fallujah.
The 2nd Battalion returned to Germany in February 2005. In May 2006 the battalion was disbanded and the colors were cased. On 19 April 2007 the 2nd Battalion, 2nd Infantry was activated as a light infantry battalion with the 1st Infantry Division, 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team at Fort Hood, Texas.
On 17 March 2008, for the first time in over 24 years, the 1st Battalion was activated in Schweinfurt, Germany with the reflagging of the 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry. 1-18 was a part of 2nd "Dagger" Brigade, 1st Infantry Division which was also reflagged as the 172nd Infantry Brigade (Separate). The 1st Battalion is assigned to 172nd Infantry Brigade and is at present a mechanized infantry battalion. The battalion has adopted the motto "BACK IN BLACK" in recognition of the battalion's service in Vietnam and the wearing of a Black Scarf. The soldiers of the 1st Battalion continue the tradition of wearing a black scarf.
In June 2008 the 2nd Battalion, along with the 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, deployed to Afghanistan. The Battalion conducted operations in the Maywand District
of Kandahar Province. On 4 September 2008 Company C, 2nd Battalion suffered its first casualties when a Humvee was hit by an IED
. On 28 May 2009 PFC Robert Debolt, a rifleman with the 2nd Battalion, was awarded a Silver Star
for gallantry. The 2nd Battalion returned to Fort Hood in June 2009. On 10 September 2009 the 2nd Battalion had a change of command and on 16 October 2009, after moving to Fort Knox, Kentucky, the 2nd Battalion, along with the entire 3rd Brigade Combat Team, had an Activation Ceremony. Fort Knox is now the battalion's new home. On 8 December 2009 SGT Zachary Swelfer received a Silver Star
for his actions while in Afghanistan with the 2nd Battalion.
In December 2008 the 1st Battalion (TF 1-2) deployed to Iraq and it suffered its first casualty in April 2009 when a soldier is killed by an IED. In late October 2009 the first elements of the 1st Battalion, 2nd Infantry and the 172nd Infantry Brigade began returning to Germany from Iraq. By mid November the entire Battalion was back in Germany. TF 1-2 suffered 4 killed and 3 wounded during its deployment. The 1st Battalion had a change of command on 19 May 2010 and along with the entire 172d Infantry Brigade has moved to Grafenwoehr, Germany.
In January 2011 the 2nd Battalion, along with the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, deployed to Afghanistan. The battalion is operating in Ghazni Province. On 27 February 2011 the Battalion sustained its first casualties when one soldier was killed and four wounded by an IED.
In late July 2011 the 1st Battalion, 2nd Infantry (TF 1-2) along with the entire 172nd Infantry Brigade deployed to Afghanistan. The transfer of authority from 1-61 Cav (101st) to Task Force 1-2 Infantry occurred on 13 August 2011 at 1000hrs. TF 1-2 is detached from the 172nd and is working for the 3rd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division and is in control of Western Nangarhar. On 14 August 2011 the 1st Battalion sustained its first casualties when 2 soldiers from Company A were killed by an IED while recovering a damaged vehicle. Company A, 1-2 has been attached to TF 3-66 Armor since 2008.
Two officers who would later become executive officers of the 2nd Infantry received Medals of Honor in the Civil War:
Shield
Or on a saltire Azure between in fess a cross pattée and a five-bastioned fort Gules and in base a giant cactus Vert, two arrows in a quiver Proper crossed with a bolo Argent hilted Sable.
Crest
On a wreath of the colors a lion passant guardant Or.
Motto
NOLI ME TANGERE (Do Not Touch Me)
Service in the Civil War is shown by the blue cross from the Confederate flag and the red cross pattée, the badge of the 18th Division, V Corps, in which the regiment served during the greater part of that war. Service in the Mexican War is shown by the cactus; in the War with Spain by the five-bastioned fort, the badge of the V Corps in Cuba. The Indian campaigns of the regiment are shown by the arrows and quiver, and the bolo is for service in the Philippine Insurrection.
Crest
The lion represents the Canadian campaigns of the War of 1812.
Background
The coat of arms was approved on 6 June 1921.
ANNEX
(2d Infantry assigned 27 July 1918 to the 19th Division; relieved 14 February 1919 from assignment to the 19th Division; assigned 24 March 1923 to the 6th Division; relieved 16 October 1939 from assignment to the 6th Division and assigned to the 5th Division (later redesignated as the 5th Infantry Division))
ANNEX
ANNEX
Origins
Although the lineage date of the present regiment is 12 April 1808, the regiment's history actual begins in 1791. It was on 3 March 1791 that Congress added to the Army the Second Regiment of Infantry to aid in combating Indian outrages in the Northwest TerritoryNorthwest Territory
The Territory Northwest of the River Ohio, more commonly known as the Northwest Territory, was an organized incorporated territory of the United States that existed from July 13, 1787, until March 1, 1803, when the southeastern portion of the territory was admitted to the Union as the state of Ohio...
. On 4 March 1791 John Doughty was appointed Lieutenant Colonel Commandant of the Regiment but he resigned from the Army on 12 March 1791 in protest to the reduction of enlisted pay. Before resigning he appointed John Toomy as the first Sergeant Major of the Regiment. SGM Toomy and Sergeant Pollesey, who was appointed regiment quartermaster, were charged with establishing the regiment’s headquarters at Fort Pitt
Fort Pitt (Pennsylvania)
Fort Pitt was a fort built at the location of Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania.-French and Indian War:The fort was built from 1759 to 1761 during the French and Indian War , next to the site of former Fort Duquesne, at the confluence the Allegheny River and the Monongahela River...
in Pennsylvania. On 22 October 1791 Lieutenant Colonel James Wilkinson
James Wilkinson
James Wilkinson was an American soldier and statesman, who was associated with several scandals and controversies. He served in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War, but was twice compelled to resign...
was then appointed Lieutenant Colonel Commandant of the Regiment but he did not take command until January 1792. The Regiment was to be made up as follows, a lieutenant colonel commandant, two majors, eight captains, eight lieutenants, eight ensigns, one surgeon, two surgeon's mates, and eight companies of about 100 men each. Recruiting began almost immediately in Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and New Hampshire. Pay and muster records indicate that the first enlisted man is Rueben King from Delaware. The companies are known by their commanding officers name and the first one formed is under the command of Captain Robert Kirkwood. Between March 1791 and May 1792 all recruits passed through New Brunswick Recruit Barracks in New Jersey for outfitting and then on to Fort Pitt.
From Fort Pitt the Regiment moved down the Ohio River
Ohio River
The Ohio River is the largest tributary, by volume, of the Mississippi River. At the confluence, the Ohio is even bigger than the Mississippi and, thus, is hydrologically the main stream of the whole river system, including the Allegheny River further upstream...
by barge to Fort Washington
Fort Washington, Cincinnati, Ohio
Fort Washington was a fort in the early history of Cincinnati, Ohio. The location is marked by a plaque at the Guilford School building, at 421 E 4th St, Cincinnati, which now occupies the site...
(Cincinnati) in the Northwest Territory, where Governor Arthur St. Clair
Arthur St. Clair
Arthur St. Clair was an American soldier and politician. Born in Scotland, he served in the British Army during the French and Indian War before settling in Pennsylvania, where he held local office...
had established his headquarters. On 4 October 1791, the Army under the command of St. Clair commenced a campaign against the Miami Indians. On 4 November 1791 about 60 miles from Fort Washington the Indians, numbering not more than one thousand, surprised the Army and put it to flight with great slaughter. The American Army numbered 1483, of these 38 officers and 593 men were killed or missing and 31 officers and 252 men were wounded, many of whom later died. Of the 2nd Infantry it is estimated that 101 enlisted were killed, 54 wounded and 50 missing, presumed dead. 7 officers, including Major Jonathan Heart who was in command of the Regiment, were killed and 1 wounded. On the day of the battle St. Clair’s Army consisted of the following; US Battalion of the 5th Artillery, 2nd Infantry Regiment, 1st and 2nd Regiment of Levies, a company of Pennsylvania Militia and a Kentucky Militia Regiment. The 1st Infantry Regiment was not present at the battle.
Legion of the United States
In 1792 Congress created the Legion of the United StatesLegion of the United States
The Legion of the United States was a reorganization and extension of the United States Army from 1792 to 1796 under the command of Major General Anthony Wayne.-Origins:The impetus for the Legion came from General Arthur St...
which was a combined force of infantry, cavalry, and artillery under the Command of Major General Anthony Wayne
Anthony Wayne
Anthony Wayne was a United States Army general and statesman. Wayne adopted a military career at the outset of the American Revolutionary War, where his military exploits and fiery personality quickly earned him a promotion to the rank of brigadier general and the sobriquet of Mad Anthony.-Early...
. This Legion consisted of four Sub-Legions of which the Second Infantry became the "Second Sub-Legion". At this time only the 1st and 2d Infantry were actually organized, therefore it was necessary to go out and recruit infantry for the 3d and 4th Sub-Legions. The Legion fought the Miami Indians between 1792 and 1795 and finally defeated the Indians in a decisive manner at the Battle of Fallen Timbers
Battle of Fallen Timbers
The Battle of Fallen Timbers was the final battle of the Northwest Indian War, a struggle between American Indian tribes affiliated with the Western Confederacy and the United States for control of the Northwest Territory...
in the Northwest Territory
Northwest Territory
The Territory Northwest of the River Ohio, more commonly known as the Northwest Territory, was an organized incorporated territory of the United States that existed from July 13, 1787, until March 1, 1803, when the southeastern portion of the territory was admitted to the Union as the state of Ohio...
on 20 August 1794. The conflict with the Indians ended with the signing of the Treaty of Greenville
Treaty of Greenville
The Treaty of Greenville was signed at Fort Greenville , on August 3, 1795, between a coalition of Native Americans & Frontiers men, known as the Western Confederacy, and the United States following the Native American loss at the Battle of Fallen Timbers. It put an end to the Northwest Indian War...
on 2 August 1795. On 1 November 1796 the Legion was discontinued and the Second Sub-Legion again became the Second Regiment of Infantry. The unit colors of the 2nd Sub-Legion were red and white. The Regiment's oldest Campaign Streamer is for the Miami Indian Campaign, 1791-1795.
Regiment Motto
The Regiment's motto "NOLI ME TANGERE" (Do Not Touch Me), was first applied when Major General Anthony Wayne requested Secretary of War Henry Knox to send the newly formed Legion of the United States a legion standard and a standard for each of the four sub-legions. Each standard was to have this motto on a ribbon on the flag. This request was made in 1792 prior to the formation of the legions.War of 1812
In the War of 1812War of 1812
The War of 1812 was a military conflict fought between the forces of the United States of America and those of the British Empire. The Americans declared war in 1812 for several reasons, including trade restrictions because of Britain's ongoing war with France, impressment of American merchant...
units of the 2nd Infantry fought several engagements with the British. The Regiment was made famous by the gallant defense of Fort Bowyer
Fort Bowyer
Fort Bowyer was a short-lived earthen and stockade fortification erected by the United States Army on Mobile Point, near the mouth of Mobile Bay in Baldwin County, Alabama. Built during the War of 1812, the fort was the site of two attacks by the British. The first, unsuccessful, attack led to the...
, in Alabama, on 15 September 1814 when 120 2nd Infantrymen held off four British vessels and a motley force of 130 Royal Marines
Royal Marines
The Corps of Her Majesty's Royal Marines, commonly just referred to as the Royal Marines , are the marine corps and amphibious infantry of the United Kingdom and, along with the Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary, form the Naval Service...
, 100 Spanish
Spain
Spain , officially the Kingdom of Spain languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Spain's official name is as follows:;;;;;;), is a country and member state of the European Union located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula...
infantrymen, and some 600 Indians. The 2nd Infantry losses in the battle were 4 killed and 4 wounded while the British suffered 32 killed and 40 wounded and the loss of one ship. Major William Lawrence, who was in command of the fort, was brevetted for gallantry in this action, together with Captains Chamberlain, Brownlow and Bradley. Lieutenants Villard, Sturgis, Conway, H. Saunders, T. R. Saunders, Brooks, Davis and C. Saunders, are all mentioned by General Jackson in dispatches.
Captain John M. Davis of the Regiment was made a brevet major for gallantry at the siege of New Orleans in December 1814 and several companies of the 2nd Infantry were in New Orleans at the time of the Battle of New Orleans
Battle of New Orleans
The Battle of New Orleans took place on January 8, 1815 and was the final major battle of the War of 1812. American forces, commanded by Major General Andrew Jackson, defeated an invading British Army intent on seizing New Orleans and the vast territory the United States had acquired with the...
in January 1815.
On 11–12 February 1815 the British attacked Fort Bowyer again, Major William Lawrence of the 2nd Infantry was still in command there. Jackson had reinforced Lawrence, who now commanded some 370 troops from the Regiment, and had three long 32-pounders, eight 24s, six 12s, five 9s, a mortar and a howitzer. Jackson proclaimed "ten thousand men cannot take it".
After a five day seige the British forced Lawrence, who had been wounded, to surrender Fort Bowyer. Their victory was short lived because 2 days later they learned that the war had already ended with the signing of the Treaty of Ghent
Treaty of Ghent
The Treaty of Ghent , signed on 24 December 1814, in Ghent , was the peace treaty that ended the War of 1812 between the United States of America and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland...
which was signed on 24 December 1814. Still, the British had captured the Regiment's colors, which are on display at the Royal Hospital Chelsea
Royal Hospital Chelsea
The Royal Hospital Chelsea is a retirement home and nursing home for British soldiers who are unfit for further duty due to injury or old age, located in the Chelsea region of central London, now the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. It is a true hospital in the original sense of the word,...
, England; several requests have been made for their return to the Regiment, which the British have declined. This battle is considered the last battle of the War of 1812
In the Spring of 1815 the regiment was consolidated with several other regiments to form a new 1st Infantry, thus the chronicles of the original Second Infantry came to an end.
The 2nd Infantry did not participate in any of the battles in Canada during the War of 1812. It was in the Deep South, headquartered in and around New Orleans. The War Department ruled that by the consolidations of 1815 the Regiment's distinguished services prior to 15 May 1815 are to be credited and that the Second Infantry inherited the records of the regiments consolidated into its organization. Thus the regimental colors therefore bear the names Canada, Chippawa and Lundy’s Lane.
Origin of Modern 2nd Infantry Regiment
No sooner was the war of 1812 over that Congress scrambled to get rid of more then 30,000 soldiers. Under an act of Congress dated 3 March 1815 the Regular Army was drastically reduced, eight infantry regiments, one rifle regiment and artillery were formed from the remains of the 46 and 4 existing regiments, the cavalry was eliminated. This was done with no respect for honor or tradition, the old regiments that happened to be closest together were pooled to form the new regiments and the numbers of the regiments were based on the seniority of the colonels.On 17 May 1815 a new Second US Infantry was formed in accordance with this act by the consolidation of the 6th, 16th, 22nd, 23rd, and 32nd Regiments of Infantry, all of which were located in the New York area. The date of organization of the present regiment is that of the 6th Infantry, 12 April 1808. At this time the original 2nd Infantry became part of the new 1st US Infantry Regiment. Colonel Hugh Brady became the regiment’s commanding officer with Henry Leavenworth and Ninian Pinkney as the major and lieutenant-colonel respectively. The regimental number "2" was based on the fact that Brady was the second most senior among all the regimental commanders of the United States Army.
Subsequent to this, the War Department ruled that by the consolidations of 1815 the distinguished service and battle honors of the Regiment prior to 1815 are to be credited to the 2nd Infantry Regiment. Thus the colors bear the streamers for the Miami Campaign and Alabama 1814.
First Indian War Period
In the ensuing years the Regiment was primarily concerned with manning and constructing forts around the Great Lakes. When the Black Hawk WarBlack Hawk War
The Black Hawk War was a brief conflict fought in 1832 between the United States and Native Americans headed by Black Hawk, a Sauk leader. The war erupted soon after Black Hawk and a group of Sauks, Meskwakis, and Kickapoos known as the "British Band" crossed the Mississippi River into the U.S....
of 1832 erupted the 2nd Infantry was sent to Illinois but did not actually participate in any fighting. The 2nd Infantry returned to its posts on the Great Lakes. During the Second Seminole War
Second Seminole War
The Second Seminole War, also known as the Florida War, was a conflict from 1835 to 1842 in Florida between various groups of Native Americans collectively known as Seminoles and the United States, part of a series of conflicts called the Seminole Wars...
, from 1838 to 1842, the Regiment was in Florida, where it was on the move daily, fighting and building roads and installations. In April 1840 with Colonel Brady attending to other duty assignments Lieutenant Colonel Bennett C. Riley assumed command of the Regiment. Lieutenant Colonel Riley remains in command of the Regiment until January 1850. In 1843 the Regiment returned to its posts on Lakes Ontario and Champlain in upstate New York .
Ramrod
In 1843, LTC Bennett C. Riley, who commanded the 2nd Infantry through the Seminole and Mexican-American Wars, presented the Regiment with a drum major's baton. It was made from a ramrod, with a silver knob inscribed with the date of presentation, the name of the officer giving it, and the regimental motto, Noli Me Tangere. During the assault on the fortress at Chapultepec, Mexico in 1847 the baton was broken and a part of the flagstaff from that fortress was used to repair the baton with the silver mountings were transferred to it. The baton is the symbol of the regiment’s nickname: "RAMRODS". It is presently in the 1st Infantry Division museum at Fort Riley, Kansas.War with Mexico
When war broke out with Mexico in 1846, the 2nd Infantry Regiment was sent to Camargo, Mexico and joined General David E. TwiggsDavid E. Twiggs
David Emanuel Twiggs was a United States soldier during the War of 1812 and Mexican-American War and a general of the Confederate States Army during the American Civil War...
' Brigade. From September 1846 to December 1847 the Regiment campaigned from the Rio Grande River to Mexico City
Mexico City
Mexico City is the Federal District , capital of Mexico and seat of the federal powers of the Mexican Union. It is a federal entity within Mexico which is not part of any one of the 31 Mexican states but belongs to the federation as a whole...
, fighting in battles at Vera Cruz
Siege of Veracruz
The Battle of Veracruz was a 20-day siege of the key Mexican beachhead seaport of Veracruz, during the Mexican-American War. Lasting from 9-29 March 1847, it began with the first large-scale amphibious assault conducted by United States military forces, and ended with the surrender and occupation...
, Cerro Gordo
Battle of Cerro Gordo
The Battle of Cerro Gordo, or Battle of Sierra Gordo, in the Mexican-American War saw Winfield Scott's United States troops flank and drive Santa Anna's larger Mexican army from a strong defensive position.-Battle:...
, Contreras
Battle of Contreras
The Battle of Contreras, also known as the Battle of Padierna, took place during August 19–20, 1847, in the final encounters of the Mexican-American War. In the Battle of Churubusco, fighting continued the following day.-Background:...
, Churubusco
Battle of Churubusco
The Battle of Churubusco took place on August 20, 1847, in the immediate aftermath of the Battle of Contreras during the Mexican-American War. After defeating the Mexican army at Churubusco, the U.S. Army was only 5 miles away from Mexico City, the capital of the nation...
, Moline del Rey
Battle of Molino del Rey
The Battle of Molino del Rey was one of the bloodiest engagements of the Mexican-American War. It was fought in September 1847 between Mexican forces under General Antonio Léon against an American force under General Winfield Scott at a hill called El Molino del Rey near Mexico City.-Background:On...
and Chapultepec
Battle of Chapultepec
The Battle of Chapultepec, in September 1847, was a United States victory over Mexican forces holding Chapultepec Castle west of Mexico City during the Mexican-American War.-Background:On September 13, 1847, in the costly Battle of Molino del Rey, U.S...
. The Regiment suffered 28 killed and 132 wounded in the war.
Second Indian War Period
In September 1848 because of conflicts with the Indians in Oregon and California the regiment was sent west. The Regiment sailed via Rio de JaneiroRio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro , commonly referred to simply as Rio, is the capital city of the State of Rio de Janeiro, the second largest city of Brazil, and the third largest metropolitan area and agglomeration in South America, boasting approximately 6.3 million people within the city proper, making it the 6th...
, Cape Horn
Cape Horn
Cape Horn is the southernmost headland of the Tierra del Fuego archipelago of southern Chile, and is located on the small Hornos Island...
and Santiago Chile to California. Between 1849 and 1853 the regiment was in California occupying stations from Goose Lake
Goose Lake (Oregon-California)
Goose Lake is a large alkaline glacial lake located in the Goose Lake Valley on the Oregon-California border. The north end of the lake is in Lake County, Oregon and the south end is in Modoc County, California. The mountains at the north end of the lake are part of the Fremont National Forest...
on the north to Fort Yuma
Fort Yuma
Fort Yuma is a fort in California that is located in Imperial County, across the Colorado River from Yuma, Arizona. It was on the Butterfield Overland Mail route from 1858 until 1861 and was abandoned May 16, 1883, and transferred to the Department of the Interior. The Fort Yuma Indian School and a...
on the south and the Pacific Ocean on the west and the Sierra Nevada Mountains on the east, scouting, providing protection for the 49'ers and fighting throughout the entire area. The Regiment returned to New York in 1853 only to be sent to the Western Plains where it was occupied in the constructing or reconstructing of forts, building roads and scouting the hills and plains along the Missouri River as far west as Fort Kearny
Fort Kearny
Fort Kearny was a historic outpost of the United States Army founded in 1848 in the western U.S. during the middle and late 19th century. The outpost was located along the Oregon Trail near present-day Kearney, Nebraska, which took its name from the fort .-Origins and various missions of the...
, Nebraska and Fort Laramie, Wyoming.
American Civil War
During the Civil WarAmerican Civil War
The American Civil War was a civil war fought in the United States of America. In response to the election of Abraham Lincoln as President of the United States, 11 southern slave states declared their secession from the United States and formed the Confederate States of America ; the other 25...
the 2nd Infantry was involved in some of the first fighting of the war that took place at Wilson's Creek
Battle of Wilson's Creek
The Battle of Wilson's Creek, also known as the Battle of Oak Hills, was fought on August 10, 1861, near Springfield, Missouri, between Union forces and the Missouri State Guard, early in the American Civil War. It was the first major battle of the war west of the Mississippi River and is sometimes...
in Missouri and the first Battle of Bull Run
First Battle of Bull Run
First Battle of Bull Run, also known as First Manassas , was fought on July 21, 1861, in Prince William County, Virginia, near the City of Manassas...
. The Regiment fought in numerous major engagements such as Manassas, Antietam, Chancellorsville
Battle of Chancellorsville
The Battle of Chancellorsville was a major battle of the American Civil War, and the principal engagement of the Chancellorsville Campaign. It was fought from April 30 to May 6, 1863, in Spotsylvania County, Virginia, near the village of Chancellorsville. Two related battles were fought nearby on...
, Fredericksburg
Battle of Fredericksburg
The Battle of Fredericksburg was fought December 11–15, 1862, in and around Fredericksburg, Virginia, between General Robert E. Lee's Confederate Army of Northern Virginia and the Union Army of the Potomac, commanded by Maj. Gen. Ambrose E. Burnside...
and Gettysburg
Battle of Gettysburg
The Battle of Gettysburg , was fought July 1–3, 1863, in and around the town of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. The battle with the largest number of casualties in the American Civil War, it is often described as the war's turning point. Union Maj. Gen. George Gordon Meade's Army of the Potomac...
. By June 1864 the commissioned and enlisted strength of the regiment had reached such a low figure, less than 100 men, that in accordance with the request of the regimental commander the remaining enlisted men were transferred to Company C, and that company was given a full complement of officers, non-commissioned officers. From then until December 1864 the entire regiment consisted of just Company C. On 18 April 1869 the 2nd Infantry was consolidated with the 16th Infantry and the consolidated unit was designated as the 2nd Infantry. Between the end of the war in 1865 and 1877 the Regiment was deployed throughout the south enforcing the “Reconstruction” laws.
Note: The 2nd Infantry bears 9 battle honors from the Southern Campaign through its 1869 consolidation with the 16th Infantry. This unit was present at battles in that sector, including Atlanta, Shiloh, Chickamauga, Chattanooga and Murfreesboro.
Third Indian War Period
From 1877 to 1886 the Regiment was in Washington, Oregon and Idaho Territory campaigning against the Nez Perce, and then the Bannocks and also a tribe called the Sheepeater Indians. During this entire period, the Regiment suffered 1 soldier killed, 2 wounded, 10 deaths by other causes and 1 death by drowning. In 1886 it moved to Fort OmahaFort Omaha
Fort Omaha, originally known as Sherman Barracks and then Omaha Barracks, is an Indian War-era United States Army supply installation. Located at 5730 North 30th Street, with the entrance at North 30th and Fort Streets in modern-day North Omaha, Nebraska, the facility is primarily occupied by ...
, Nebraska to help fight the Sioux
Sioux
The Sioux are Native American and First Nations people in North America. The term can refer to any ethnic group within the Great Sioux Nation or any of the nation's many language dialects...
. Although it did not participate, the Regiment was on the Pine Ridge Reservation in December 1890 when the Wounded Knee Massacre
Wounded Knee Massacre
The Wounded Knee Massacre happened on December 29, 1890, near Wounded Knee Creek on the Lakota Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota, USA. On the day before, a detachment of the U.S. 7th Cavalry Regiment commanded by Major Samuel M...
took place. The Regiment remained on the western plains until 1898.
Spanish–American War
In 1898 the Regiment was deployed to Cuba at the start of the Spanish–American War, with Headquarters, Band and Companies C and G sailing on the same ship with the Rough RidersRough Riders
The Rough Riders is the name bestowed on the 1st United States Volunteer Cavalry, one of three such regiments raised in 1898 for the Spanish-American War and the only one of the three to see action. The United States Army was weakened and left with little manpower after the American Civil War...
. The Regiment, under the command of LTC William Wherry, (regimental commander COL John C. Bates
John C. Bates
John Coalter Bates was Chief of Staff of the United States Army from January to April 1906. He was the last American Civil War veteran still on active duty in the United States military at the time of his retirement....
had been promoted to brigadier general of volunteers) fought in battles along the road to San Juan Heights and the battle of Santiago
Battle of Santiago de Cuba
The Battle of Santiago de Cuba, fought between Spain and the United States on 3 July 1898, was the largest naval engagement of the Spanish-American War and resulted in the destruction of the Spanish Navy's Caribbean Squadron.-Spanish Fleet:...
, where it fought on the extreme left of San Juan Heights. In August 1898, the Regiment returned to the United States only to return to Cuba in January 1899. The Regiment stayed in Cuba until September 1899 when it returned to the United States to prepare for deployment to the Philippines. The Regiment suffered 22 dead and 50 wounded during their campaign in Cuba.
Philippine Insurrection
In August/September 1900 the 2nd Infantry was deployed to deal with the Philippine InsurrectionPhilippine-American War
The Philippine–American War, also known as the Philippine War of Independence or the Philippine Insurrection , was an armed conflict between a group of Filipino revolutionaries and the United States which arose from the struggle of the First Philippine Republic to gain independence following...
during which it fought in over 25 engagements on several of the islands. In May 1903 the Regiment returned to duty in the western United States, it was stationed at Fort Logan, Colorado and Fort D. A. Russell
Fort D.A. Russell (Wyoming)
Fort D. A. Russell, also known as Fort Francis E. Warren, Francis E. Warren Air Force Base and Fort David A. Russell, was a post and base of operations for the United States Army, and later the Air Force, located in Cheyenne, Wyoming. The fort had been established in 1867 to protect workers for the...
, Wyoming. In February 1906 the Regiment was redeployed to the Philippines and remained there until returning to the United States in March 1908. The 3rd Battalion went to Fort Assinniboine
Fort Assinniboine
Fort Assinniboine, a fort in Montana and within the military Department of Dakota, was built in 1879, in the aftermath of the Great Sioux War of 1876-77 and the disastrous defeat of U.S. Army forces led by General Custer at the Battle of Little Big Horn on June 25, 1876. The fort is located in...
, Montana and the balance of the Regiment to Fort Thomas
Fort Thomas, Kentucky
Fort Thomas is a city in Campbell County, Kentucky, on the southern bank of the Ohio River and the site of an 1890 US Army post. The population was 16,325 at the 2010 census, making it the largest city in Campbell County and it is officially part of the Cincinnati – Northern Kentucky metropolitan...
, Kentucky for training and garrison duties until deploying to Hawaii in 1911. There is no record of any casualties suffered by the Regiment in either deployment other than an officer dying from a self inflected gun shot wound.
World War I
When war broke out, the Regiment was on security duty in the Hawaiian Islands guarding interned German ships and sailors, as well as various US installations. On 18 November 1917, the Regiment (-) turned out for the funeral of Hawaii's ex-queen Lilioukalani. In July 1918, it returned to the United States and was assigned to the 19th Division at Camp DodgeCamp Dodge
Camp Dodge is a military installation in the city of Johnston, Iowa. Centrally located near the capitol of Iowa, it currently serves as the headquarters of the Iowa National Guard. Original construction of the post began in 1907, to provide a place for the National Guard units to train...
, Iowa. The war ended just as the Regiment was about to deploy to France. In 1919, the 2nd Infantry was relieved from the 19th Division and resumed as a separate regiment.
Post World War I
In September 1919 following the Regiments release from the 19th Division it is stationed at Camp ShermanCamp Sherman, Ohio
Camp Sherman is an Ohio Army National Guard training site near Chillicothe, Ohio. It was established in 1917 after the U.S. entered World War I and today serves as a training site for National Guard soldiers. In 2009 the remaining National Guard facility was renamed Camp Sherman Joint Training...
, Ohio. In October 1921 the Regiment is ordered to Fort Snelling
Fort Snelling, Minnesota
Fort Snelling, originally known as Fort Saint Anthony, was a military fortification located at the confluence of the Minnesota River and Mississippi River in Hennepin County, Minnesota...
, Minnesota and Fort Sheridan
Fort Sheridan, Illinois
Fort Sheridan is a residential neighborhood spread among Lake Forest, Highwood, and Highland Park in Lake County, Illinois, United States. It was originally established as a United States Army Post named after Civil War Cavalry General Philip Sheridan, to honor his services to Chicago...
, Illinois but as they reach their destinations the 2nd and 3rd Battalions are eliminated and Headquarters and 1st Battalion are at Fort Sheridan as a training battalion. In August 1922 the Regiment is redesignated a combat regiment and the 2nd and 3rd Battalions are reorganized using personnel from the 54th Infantry. In March 1923 the Regiment is assigned to the 6th Division. Headquarters and 1st Battalion stay at Fort Sheridan, 2nd Battalion is at Fort Wayne (Detroit)
Fort Wayne (Detroit)
Fort Wayne is located in the city of Detroit, Michigan, at the foot of Livernois Avenue in the Delray neighborhood. The fort is situated on the Detroit River at a point where it is about a mile to the Canadian shore. The original 1848 limestone barracks still stands, as does the 1845 star...
, Michigan and 3rd Battalion is at Fort Brady, Michigan. On 19 June 1936 a new distinctive unit insignia is authorized. Between August 1922 and October 1939 no major changes are made to the Regiment. The Regiment participated in the usual garrison training, maneuvers, field training and other duties.
World War II
In 1939 prior to World War IIWorld War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
, the Regiment was assigned to the 5th Infantry Division. In February 1942 the Regiment was sent to Iceland for training, to provide security for U. S. bases located there and to load and unload supply ships. The Regiment was then sent to England and then Ireland for training. In July 1944 the Regiment along with the 5th Infantry Division landed in Normandy, France. It became part of General George Patton's Third United States Army, leading the way in the breakout from the beaches of Normandy
Normandy
Normandy is a geographical region corresponding to the former Duchy of Normandy. It is in France.The continental territory covers 30,627 km² and forms the preponderant part of Normandy and roughly 5% of the territory of France. It is divided for administrative purposes into two régions:...
in Operation Cobra
Operation Cobra
Operation Cobra was the codename for an offensive launched by the First United States Army seven weeks after the D-Day landings, during the Normandy Campaign of World War II...
, capturing Rheims and then seized Metz
Metz
Metz is a city in the northeast of France located at the confluence of the Moselle and the Seille rivers.Metz is the capital of the Lorraine region and prefecture of the Moselle department. Located near the tripoint along the junction of France, Germany, and Luxembourg, Metz forms a central place...
after a major battle at Fort Driant. On 13 July 1944 SSGT Robert Bass was killed by enemy artillery fire, he is the first KIA of the war from the 2nd Infantry and also the 5th Division. When the Battle of the Bulge
Battle of the Bulge
The Battle of the Bulge was a major German offensive , launched toward the end of World War II through the densely forested Ardennes mountain region of Wallonia in Belgium, hence its French name , and France and...
began the Regiment moved to the battle zone in the area of Niderannven Luxembourg. In January 1945 the 2nd Infantry Regiment forced a crossing of the Sauer River and attacked into the Siegfried Line
Siegfried Line
The original Siegfried line was a line of defensive forts and tank defences built by Germany as a section of the Hindenburg Line 1916–1917 in northern France during World War I...
. The Regiment crossed the Rhine River near Oppenheim and secured the crossing for other Third Army units. The unit then spearheaded the attack into Czechoslovakia and was located near the town of Volary
Volary
Volary is a town in South Bohemian Region, Czech Republic. It is located at around , in the Šumava Mountains, close to the border with Germany. In 1946 the German population of the town was expelled and deported by Czech forces on the grounds of the Beneš decrees....
when the word came to cease all forward movement at 0831 hours on the 7th of May 1945. In 276 days of combat the Regiment captured 275 cities and towns, crossed 20 rivers and captured 22,103 of the enemy, the Regiment suffered 906 killed, 2736 wounded and 295 missing or prisoner of war.
Post World War II
Following World War II the Regiment returned to the United States and was inactivated and activated several times and even returned to Germany for a period. During the Korean WarKorean War
The Korean War was a conventional war between South Korea, supported by the United Nations, and North Korea, supported by the People's Republic of China , with military material aid from the Soviet Union...
the Regiment was stationed at Indiantown Gap Military Reservation, Pennsylvania with the 5th Infantry Division training recruits for deployment to Korea. In June 1957 at the time of the Pentomic
Pentomic
Pentomic refers to a structure for infantry divisions adopted by the U.S. Army in 1957 in response to the perceived threat posed by tactical nuclear weapons use on the battlefield....
reorganization the regiment was stationed at Fort Ord
Fort Ord
Fort Ord was a U.S. Army post on Monterey Bay in California. It was established in 1917 as a maneuver area and field artillery target range and was closed in September 1994. Fort Ord was one of the most attractive locations of any U.S. Army post, because of its proximity to the beach and California...
, California with the 5th Infantry Division, serving as a training regiment. The 2nd Battalion was reorganized and redesignated as Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battle Group, 2nd Infantry and released from assignment with 5th Infantry Division and assigned to the 1st Infantry Division. At this time both the 1st and 3rd Battalions were inactivated. In January 1959 the 2nd Battle Group was reassigned to the 24th Infantry Division in Germany. In February 1962 the 2nd Battalion was reassigned from the 24th Infantry Division and returned to the 5th Infantry Division and was stationed at Fort Devens
Fort Devens
Fort Devens is an active United States military installation in the towns of Ayer and Shirley, in Middlesex County and Harvard in Worcester County in the U.S. state of Massachusetts. It was named after jurist and Civil War general Charles Devens. The nearby Devens Reserve Forces Training Area is...
, Massachusetts
Massachusetts
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States of America. It is bordered by Rhode Island and Connecticut to the south, New York to the west, and Vermont and New Hampshire to the north; at its east lies the Atlantic Ocean. As of the 2010...
. Also in February 1962 the 1st Battalion was activated and also assigned to the 5th Infantry Division at Fort Devens.
Vietnam
Vung Tàu
Vũng Tàu is a city in southern Vietnam. Its population in 2005 was 240,000. The city area is including 13 urban wards and one village. It is the capital of Ba Ria-Vung Tau province, and is the crude oil extraction center of Vietnam. It is also known as one of the most beautiful cities of tourism...
and from there proceeded to their assigned areas, Phouc Vinh for the 1st Battalion and Lai Khe
Lai Khe
Lai Khê is a small settlement in Vietnam, to the northwest of Ho Chi Minh City and about 20 km north of Thủ Dầu Một. During the Vietnam War it was a garrison town as the 5th Division of the Army of the Republic of Vietnam was based there for most of the 1960s and 1970s.Tucker, pp. 526–533...
for the 2nd Battalion. The battalions initially fought as light infantry in the areas North and West of Saigon. In January 1967 the 2nd Battalion became mechanized, it was the first one in the 1st Division.
The first major battles were fought by the 2nd Battalion at Ap Bau Bang in November 1965 and Ap Nha Mat in December 1965. Heavy losses were suffered at Ap Nha Mat and 3 soldiers are still listed as missing. The 1st Battalion sustains its first casualties of the war on 21 December 1965 when the enemy ambushed the command group of Company B as the company was moving out of Bien Hoa
Bien Hoa
Biên Hòa is a city in Dong Nai province, Vietnam, about east of Ho Chi Minh City , to which Bien Hoa is linked by Vietnam Highway 1.- Demographics :In 1989 the estimated population was over 300,000. In 2005, the population wss 541,495...
on routine patrol. On 25 August 1966 a patrol from Company C, 1st Battalion became involved in what became known as the Battle of Bong Trang, losses were heavy for both sides.
During four and a half years the battalions were involved in major operations such as: Junction City
Junction City
Junction City is the name of several places in the United States of America:*Junction City, Arkansas*Junction City, California*Junction City, Georgia*Junction City, Illinois*Junction City, Kansas*Junction City, Kentucky*Junction City, Louisiana...
, the largest operation conducted up to that time, Lam Son II, Paul Bunyan
Paul Bunyan
Paul Bunyan is a lumberjack figure in North American folklore and tradition. One of the most famous and popular North American folklore heroes, he is usually described as a giant as well as a lumberjack of unusual skill, and is often accompanied in stories by his animal companion, Babe the Blue...
, Bu Dop, AKA, Battle of Hill 172, An Loc
An Loc
An Loc is a small town in Bình Phước Province in southern Vietnam, located approximately 90 km north of Saigon with a population of 15,000...
and An Loc II, plus numerous other operations and small unit actions. It is difficult to detail all of the 2 Battalions actions in Vietnam because contact with the enemy was almost daily. Most engagements were sudden, quick and furious with the battalions winning the day. In March/April 1970 when the 1st Infantry Division stood down the 1st and 2nd Battalion’s colors were cases and the soldiers were either reassigned to other units in Vietnam or returned to the United States to be discharged.
Three soldiers from Company B, 2nd Battalion are still listed as missing. The three were reported as missing on 5 December 1965 following the Battle of Ap Nha Mat and are carried as Body not recovered, Casualty Type: Hostile, died while missing.
“BLACK SCARVES”
On 30 April 1966 in a sweep through the village of Lo Go, the 1st Battalion was engaged in heavy fighting and it was during this time that a large quantity of black cloth was captured. This cloth was used by the Viet Cong to make their "Black Pajama" uniforms. At the direction of battalion commander, LTC Richard Prillaman, this cloth was made into scarves to be worn by the battalion’s soldiers. LTC Prillaman wanted to be able to distinguish his battalion from other division soldiers and to provide the soldiers with something more appropriate than the towels the men were wearing around their necks. It is from this that the battalion has as its nickname “Black Scarves”. The printing on the scarves was a different color for each company: HHC, yellow, Company A, red, Company B, white, Company C, blue and Company D, green.
“IRON FIST”
Headquarters, 1st Infantry Division, issued a statement in January 1968 describing the 2nd Battalion's accomplishments. “The 2nd Battalion, 2nd Infantry (Mechanized) The Iron Fist of the Big Red One is one of the most versatile units in the First Division. The use of Armored Personnel Carriers
Armoured personnel carrier
An armoured personnel carrier is an armoured fighting vehicle designed to transport infantry to the battlefield.APCs are usually armed with only a machine gun although variants carry recoilless rifles, anti-tank guided missiles , or mortars...
for fast ground deployment adds greatly to the battalions reactionary capabilities." The 2nd Battalion called themselves “Iron Fists” from that time until they returned to the United States in 1970.
Post Vietnam
Fort Riley
Fort Riley is a United States Army installation located in Northeast Kansas, on the Kansas River, between Junction City and Manhattan. The Fort Riley Military Reservation covers 100,656 acres in Geary and Riley counties and includes two census-designated places: Fort Riley North and Fort...
, Kansas and on 15 April the 2nd Battalion was inactivated. The 1st Battalion remained active and in October 1970 the Battalion, along with the entire division, participated in Operation Reforger II in Germany. Following this it returned to Fort Riley and remained with the 1st Infantry Division until it was inactivated on 1 October 1983.
On 21 March 1973 the 2nd Battalion was relieved from assignment to the 1st Infantry Division and reassigned to the 9th Infantry Division. It was activated at Fort Lewis
Fort Lewis
Joint Base Lewis-McChord is a United States military facility located south-southwest of Tacoma, Washington. The facility is under the jurisdiction of the United States Army Joint Base Garrison, Joint Base Lewis-McChord....
, Washington with the reflagging of the 1st Battalion, 60th Infantry. The 2nd Battalion was activated on 6 November 1987 as a "Motorized" Combined Arms Battalion-Heavy (CAB-H). In May 1991 the 2nd Battalion was inactivated and relieved from assignment to the 9th Infantry Division.
On 16 February 1996 the 2nd Battalion was reassigned to the 1st Infantry Division and on 27 March was activated at Rose Barracks, Vilseck, Germany as Task Force 2/2 Infantry with the reflagging of the 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry. The 2nd Battalion deployed to Bosnia in support of operation Joint Guard in 1996. In 1997 the battalion was awarded the Army Superior Unit Award for actions such as Brcko riots and Hill 562. The 2nd Battalion redeployed to Vilseck in October 1997. On the 24th of November 1999, the battalion deployed to Camp Monteith
Camp Monteith
Camp Monteith was a military base near Gnjilane, Kosovo and located about east of Camp Bondsteel. A former Serb artillery outpost and 79 parcels of private land, the area was taken over by U.S. Marines and used as a base of operation during the Kosovo War of 1999. The camp was named after Jimmie...
, Kosovo
Kosovo
Kosovo is a region in southeastern Europe. Part of the Ottoman Empire for more than five centuries, later the Autonomous Province of Kosovo and Metohija within Serbia...
. The battalion was redeployed to Vilseck in June 2000. The unit was again deployed to Camp Monteith, Kosovo in November 2002 until July 2003 as the last regular Army unit conducting operations. The national guard took formal command of operations from the 2nd Battalion.
War on Terrorism
In the spring of 2004 the 2nd Battalion, less Company B, deployed to Iraq with the 1st Infantry Division. On 20 July 2004 SSGT Raymond Bittinger, 3rd Platoon, Company C, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Infantry was awarded a Silver Star
Silver Star
The Silver Star is the third-highest combat military decoration that can be awarded to a member of any branch of the United States armed forces for valor in the face of the enemy....
for leadership and heroism under fire on 9 April 2004 in Baqubah, Iraq. SSGT Bittinger was the first soldier of the 1st Infantry Division to receive a Silver Star during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
In November 2004 Task Force 2-2, which comprised HHC, Company A, and Scouts of the 2/2, Company A, 2/63 Armor, 2d Platoon, Company B, 1st Engineer Battalion, 63d Armor, 2d Platoon, Company A, 82d Engineer Battalion and Troop F, 4 Cavalry fought alongside US Marines in the Battle of Fallujah. One of the Battalion's members, SSG David Bellavia
David Bellavia
David Bellavia is an American Iraq War veteran who was awarded the Silver Star for his actions during the Second Battle of Fallujah. Bellavia has also received the Bronze Star, three Army Commendation Medals, two Army Achievement Medals and the New York State Conspicuous Service Cross...
, was recommended for the Medal of Honor
Medal of Honor
The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government. It is bestowed by the President, in the name of Congress, upon members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguish themselves through "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his or her...
and the Distinguished Service Cross
Distinguished Service Cross (United States)
The Distinguished Service Cross is the second highest military decoration that can be awarded to a member of the United States Army, for extreme gallantry and risk of life in actual combat with an armed enemy force. Actions that merit the Distinguished Service Cross must be of such a high degree...
for actions during the battle. Both awards are still under review. 2-2 Infantry also fought at Al Muqdadiyah, An Najaf, Al Fallujah, Mosul
Mosul
Mosul , is a city in northern Iraq and the capital of the Ninawa Governorate, some northwest of Baghdad. The original city stands on the west bank of the Tigris River, opposite the ancient Assyrian city of Nineveh on the east bank, but the metropolitan area has now grown to encompass substantial...
, and Baqubah
Baqubah
Baqubah is the capital of Iraq's Diyala Governorate.The city is located some to the northeast of Baghdad, on the Diyala River. In 2003 it had an estimated population of some 467,900 people....
. The 2nd Battalion, 2nd Infantry and attached units received a Presidential Unit Citation for their actions in the Battle of Fallujah.
The 2nd Battalion returned to Germany in February 2005. In May 2006 the battalion was disbanded and the colors were cased. On 19 April 2007 the 2nd Battalion, 2nd Infantry was activated as a light infantry battalion with the 1st Infantry Division, 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team at Fort Hood, Texas.
On 17 March 2008, for the first time in over 24 years, the 1st Battalion was activated in Schweinfurt, Germany with the reflagging of the 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry. 1-18 was a part of 2nd "Dagger" Brigade, 1st Infantry Division which was also reflagged as the 172nd Infantry Brigade (Separate). The 1st Battalion is assigned to 172nd Infantry Brigade and is at present a mechanized infantry battalion. The battalion has adopted the motto "BACK IN BLACK" in recognition of the battalion's service in Vietnam and the wearing of a Black Scarf. The soldiers of the 1st Battalion continue the tradition of wearing a black scarf.
In June 2008 the 2nd Battalion, along with the 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, deployed to Afghanistan. The Battalion conducted operations in the Maywand District
Maywand District
Maiwand District is situated in the western part of the Kandahar Province, Afghanistan. It borders Helmand Province to the west, Ghorak District to the north, Khakrez District to the northeast, Zhari District to the east, and Panjwai District to the south. The population is 51,900 . The district...
of Kandahar Province. On 4 September 2008 Company C, 2nd Battalion suffered its first casualties when a Humvee was hit by an IED
Improvised explosive device
An improvised explosive device , also known as a roadside bomb, is a homemade bomb constructed and deployed in ways other than in conventional military action...
. On 28 May 2009 PFC Robert Debolt, a rifleman with the 2nd Battalion, was awarded a Silver Star
Silver Star
The Silver Star is the third-highest combat military decoration that can be awarded to a member of any branch of the United States armed forces for valor in the face of the enemy....
for gallantry. The 2nd Battalion returned to Fort Hood in June 2009. On 10 September 2009 the 2nd Battalion had a change of command and on 16 October 2009, after moving to Fort Knox, Kentucky, the 2nd Battalion, along with the entire 3rd Brigade Combat Team, had an Activation Ceremony. Fort Knox is now the battalion's new home. On 8 December 2009 SGT Zachary Swelfer received a Silver Star
Silver Star
The Silver Star is the third-highest combat military decoration that can be awarded to a member of any branch of the United States armed forces for valor in the face of the enemy....
for his actions while in Afghanistan with the 2nd Battalion.
In December 2008 the 1st Battalion (TF 1-2) deployed to Iraq and it suffered its first casualty in April 2009 when a soldier is killed by an IED. In late October 2009 the first elements of the 1st Battalion, 2nd Infantry and the 172nd Infantry Brigade began returning to Germany from Iraq. By mid November the entire Battalion was back in Germany. TF 1-2 suffered 4 killed and 3 wounded during its deployment. The 1st Battalion had a change of command on 19 May 2010 and along with the entire 172d Infantry Brigade has moved to Grafenwoehr, Germany.
In January 2011 the 2nd Battalion, along with the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, deployed to Afghanistan. The battalion is operating in Ghazni Province. On 27 February 2011 the Battalion sustained its first casualties when one soldier was killed and four wounded by an IED.
In late July 2011 the 1st Battalion, 2nd Infantry (TF 1-2) along with the entire 172nd Infantry Brigade deployed to Afghanistan. The transfer of authority from 1-61 Cav (101st) to Task Force 1-2 Infantry occurred on 13 August 2011 at 1000hrs. TF 1-2 is detached from the 172nd and is working for the 3rd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division and is in control of Western Nangarhar. On 14 August 2011 the 1st Battalion sustained its first casualties when 2 soldiers from Company A were killed by an IED while recovering a damaged vehicle. Company A, 1-2 has been attached to TF 3-66 Armor since 2008.
Medal of Honor Recipients
Two soldiers earned the Medal of Honor while serving with the 2nd Infantry:- First Sergeant Daniel W. Burke, Company B, for his actions at Shepherdstown Ford, Virginia, on 20 September 1862. When his unit retreated across the Potomac, he learned that a piece of artillery had been left unspiked, leaving it usable by the enemy. He volunteered to go back and disable the gun, and returned to spike the gun in the face of the enemy. Coming under heavy rebel fire he was unable to complete the task, he retreated back across the river under constant fire. He was commissioned a second lieutenant in the 2nd Infantry on 18 July 1962 and promoted to 1st Lieutenant on 2 July 1863. He remained in the Army and retired as a Brigadier General on 21 October 1899. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
- Staff Sergeant James Leroy BondsteelJames Leroy BondsteelJames Leroy Bondsteel was a United States Army soldier who served during the Vietnam War, where he earned the Medal of Honor. Camp Bondsteel, located in Kosovo, is named in his honor. His Medal of Honor was the last presented by President Richard Nixon.-Biography:James L...
, Company A, 2nd Battalion, for his actions in An Loc Province, Vietnam, on 24 May 1969. The major U.S. Army base in Kosovo, Camp BondsteelCamp BondsteelCamp Bondsteel is the main base of the United States Army under KFOR command in Kosovo. Located near Uroševac in the eastern part of Kosovo, the base serves as the NATO headquarters for KFOR's Multinational Brigade East . The base is named after Vietnam War Medal of Honor recipient United States...
, was named in his honor.
Two officers who would later become executive officers of the 2nd Infantry received Medals of Honor in the Civil War:
- Major General Henry C. MerriamHenry C. MerriamHenry Clay Merriam was a United States Army general. He received the United States military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor, for his actions as a Union officer in command of African American troops during the American Civil War...
, for his conspicuous gallantry at Fort Blakely, Alabama, 9 April 1865 while in command of the 73rd U.S. Colored Troops. As a lieutenant colonel, Merriam was executive officer of the 2nd Infantry from June 1876 to July 1885. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery. - Brigadier General William M. WherryWilliam M. WherryWilliam Mackey Wherry was an American author, soldier and recipient of the Medal of Honor,-Biography:...
, for his actions at Wilson Creek on 10 August 1861 while serving as a first lieutenant with Company D, 3rd U.S. Reserve Missouri Infantry. As a lieutenant colonel, Wherry was executive officer of the 2nd Infantry from December 1894 to December 1898 and commanded the regiment, in the absence of Colonel John Bates, during its deployment to Cuba in 1898 during the Spanish-American War.
Description
A Gold color metal and enamel device 1 1/8 in. (2.86 cm) in height consisting of a shield blazoned: Or, on a saltire inches Azure between in fess a cross pattée and a five-bastioned fort Gules and in base a giant cactus Vert, two arrows in a quiver Proper crossed with a bolo Argent hilted Sable. Attached below the shield is a Blue scroll inscribed "NOLI ME TANGERE" in Gold letters.Symbolism
Service in the Civil War is shown by the blue cross from the Confederate flag and the red cross pattée, the badge of the 18th Division, V Corps, in which the regiment served during the greater part of that war. Service in the Mexican War is shown by the cactus; in the War with Spain by the five-bastioned fort, the badge of the V Corps in Cuba. The Indian campaigns of the regiment are shown by the arrows and quiver, and the bolo is for service in the Philippine Insurrection.Background
The first design for the distinctive unit insignia of the 2d Infantry Regiment was approved on 20 February 1920. That design was canceled and the present design authorized for the regiment on 19 June 1936.Coat of Arms
BlazonShield
Or on a saltire Azure between in fess a cross pattée and a five-bastioned fort Gules and in base a giant cactus Vert, two arrows in a quiver Proper crossed with a bolo Argent hilted Sable.
Crest
On a wreath of the colors a lion passant guardant Or.
Motto
NOLI ME TANGERE (Do Not Touch Me)
Symbolism
ShieldService in the Civil War is shown by the blue cross from the Confederate flag and the red cross pattée, the badge of the 18th Division, V Corps, in which the regiment served during the greater part of that war. Service in the Mexican War is shown by the cactus; in the War with Spain by the five-bastioned fort, the badge of the V Corps in Cuba. The Indian campaigns of the regiment are shown by the arrows and quiver, and the bolo is for service in the Philippine Insurrection.
Crest
The lion represents the Canadian campaigns of the War of 1812.
Background
The coat of arms was approved on 6 June 1921.
Regiment
- Constituted 12 April 1808 in the Regular Army as the 6th Infantry
- Organized May–July 1808 in Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey
- Consolidated May–October 1815 with the 16th Infantry (constituted 11 January 1812), the 22d and 23d Infantry (both constituted 26 June 1812), and the 32d Infantry (constituted 29 January 1813) to form the 2d Infantry
- Consolidated 18 April 1869 with the 16th Infantry (see ANNEX) and consolidated unit designated as the 2d Infantry
- Assigned 27 July 1918 to the 19th Division
- Relieved 14 February 1919 from assignment to the 19th Division
- Assigned 24 March 1923 to the 6th Division
- Relieved 16 October 1939 from assignment to the 6th Division and assigned to the 5th Division (later redesignated as the 5th Infantry Division)
- Inactivated 20 September 1946 at Camp Campbell, Kentucky
- Activated 15 July 1947 at Fort Jackson, South Carolina
- Inactivated 30 April 1950 at Fort Jackson, South Carolina
- Activated 1 March 1951 at Indiantown Gap Military Reservation, Pennsylvania
- Inactivated 1 September 1953 at Indiantown Gap Military Reservation, Pennsylvania
- Activated 25 May 1954 in Germany
- Relieved 1 June 1957 from assignment to the 5th Infantry Division and reorganized as a parent regiment under the Combat Arms Regimental System
- Withdrawn 16 June 1986 from the Combat Arms Regimental System and reorganized under the United States Army Regimental System
- Redesignated 1 October 2005 as the 2d Infantry Regiment
ANNEX
- Constituted 3 May 1861 in the Regular Army as the 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry
- Organized 21 August 1861 at Camp Slemmer (Chicago), Illinois
- Reorganized and redesignated 21 September 1866 as the 16th Infantry
1st Battalion
- Constituted 12 April 1808 in the Regular Army as a company of the 6th Infantry
- Organized between May and July 1808 in Pennsylvania, New York, or New Jersey
- Consolidated May–October 1815 with a company of the 16th Infantry (constituted 11 January 1812), a company each of the 22d and 23d Infantry (both constituted 26 June 1812), and a company of the 32d Infantry (constituted 29 January 1813) to form a company of the 2d Infantry
- Designated 22 May 1816 as Company A, 2d Infantry
- Consolidated 18 April 1869 with Company A, 16th Infantry (see ANNEX) and consolidated unit designated as Company A, 2d Infantry
(2d Infantry assigned 27 July 1918 to the 19th Division; relieved 14 February 1919 from assignment to the 19th Division; assigned 24 March 1923 to the 6th Division; relieved 16 October 1939 from assignment to the 6th Division and assigned to the 5th Division (later redesignated as the 5th Infantry Division))
- Inactivated 20 September 1946 at Camp Campbell, Kentucky
- Activated 15 July 1947 at Fort Jackson, South Carolina
- Inactivated 30 April 1950 at Fort Jackson, South Carolina
- Activated 1 March 1951 at Indiantown Gap Military Reservation, Pennsylvania
- Inactivated 1 September 1953 at Indiantown Gap Military Reservation, Pennsylvania
- Activated 25 May 1954 in Germany
- Inactivated 1 June 1957 at Fort Ord, California, and relieved from assignment to the 5th Infantry Division; concurrently, redesignated as Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battle Group, 2d Infantry
- Redesignated 19 February 1962 as Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 2d Infantry, assigned to the 5th Infantry Division, and activated at Fort Devens, Massachusetts (organic elements concurrently constituted and activated)
- Redesignated 19 February 1962 as Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 2d Infantry, assigned to the 5th Infantry Division, and activated at Fort Devens, Massachusetts (organic elements concurrently constituted and activated)
- Relieved 12 July 1965 from assignment to the 5th Infantry Division and assigned to the 1st Infantry Division
- Inactivated 1 October 1983 at Fort Riley, Kansas, and relieved from assignment to the 1st Infantry Division
- Redesignated 1 October 2005 as the 1st Battalion, 2d Infantry Regiment
- Assigned 16 March 2008 to the 172d Infantry Brigade and activated in Germany
ANNEX
- Constituted 3 May 1861 in the Regular Army as Company A, 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry
- Organized 21 August 1861 at Camp Slemmer (Chicago), Illinois
- Reorganized and redesignated 21 September 1866 as Company A, 16th Infantry
- Consolidated 18 April 1869 with Company A, 2d Infantry, and consolidated unit designated as Company A, 2d Infantry
2nd Battalion
- Constituted 12 April 1808 in the Regular Army as a company of the 6th Infantry
- Organized between May and July 1808 in Pennsylvania, New York, or New Jersey
- Consolidated May–October 1815 with a company of the 16th Infantry (constituted 11 January 1812), a company each of the 22d and 23d Infantry (both constituted 26 June 1812), and a company of the 32d Infantry (constituted 29 January 1813) to form a company of the 2d Infantry
- Designated 22 May 1816 as Company B, 2d Infantry
- Consolidated 18 April 1869 with Company B, 16th Infantry (see ANNEX), and consolidated unit designated as Company B, 2d Infantry
- (2d Infantry assigned 27 July 1918 to the 19th Division; relieved 14 February 1919 from assignment to the 19th Division; assigned 24 March 1923 to the 6th Division; relieved 16 October 1939 from assignment to the 6th Division and assigned to the 5th Division [later redesignated as the 5th Infantry Division])
- Inactivated 20 September 1946 at Camp Campbell, Kentucky
- Activated 15 July 1947 at Fort Jackson, South Carolina
- Inactivated 30 April 1950 at Fort Jackson, South Carolina
- Activated 1 March 1951 at Indiantown Gap Military Reservation, Pennsylvania
- Inactivated 1 September 1953 at Indiantown Gap Military Reservation, Pennsylvania
- Activated 25 May 1954 in Germany
- Reorganized and redesignated 15 February 1957 as Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2d Battle Group, 2d Infantry, relieved from assignment to the 5th Infantry Division, and assigned to the 1st Infantry Division (organic elements concurrently constituted and activated)
- Relieved 28 January 1959 from assignment to the 1st Infantry Division and assigned to the 24th Infantry Division
- Reorganized and redesignated 19 February 1962 as the 2d Battalion, 2d Infantry; concurrently relieved from assignment to the 24th Infantry Division and assigned to the 5th Infantry Division
- Relieved 12 July 1965 from assignment to the 5th Infantry Division and assigned to the 1st Infantry Division
- Inactivated 15 April 1970 at Fort Riley, Kansas
- Relieved 21 March 1973 from assignment to the 1st Infantry Division, assigned to the 9th Infantry Division, and activated at Fort Lewis, Washington
- Inactivated 15 May 1991 at Fort Lewis, Washington, and relieved from assignment to the 9th Infantry Division
- Assigned 16 February 1996 to the 1st Infantry Division and activated in Germany
- Redesignated 1 October 2005 as the 2d Battalion, 2d Infantry Regiment
- Relieved 16 April 2007 from assignment to the 1st Infantry Division and assigned to the 3d Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division
ANNEX
- Constituted 3 May 1861 in the Regular Army as Company B, 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry
- Organized 21 August 1861 at Camp Slemmer, Illinois
- Reorganized and redesignated 21 September 1866 as Company B, 16th Infantry
- Consolidated 18 April 1869 with Company B, 2d Infantry, and consolidated unit designated as Company B, 2d Infantry
War of 1812
- Canada
- Battle of ChippawaBattle of ChippawaThe Battle of Chippawa was a victory for the United States Army in the War of 1812, during an invasion of Upper Canada along the Niagara River on July 5, 1814.-Background:...
- Battle of Lundy's LaneBattle of Lundy's LaneThe Battle of Lundy's Lane was a battle of the Anglo-American War of 1812, which took place on 25 July 1814, in present-day Niagara Falls, Ontario...
- Alabama 1814
Mexican-American War
- Vera CruzSiege of VeracruzThe Battle of Veracruz was a 20-day siege of the key Mexican beachhead seaport of Veracruz, during the Mexican-American War. Lasting from 9-29 March 1847, it began with the first large-scale amphibious assault conducted by United States military forces, and ended with the surrender and occupation...
- Cerro GordoBattle of Cerro GordoThe Battle of Cerro Gordo, or Battle of Sierra Gordo, in the Mexican-American War saw Winfield Scott's United States troops flank and drive Santa Anna's larger Mexican army from a strong defensive position.-Battle:...
- ContrerasBattle of ContrerasThe Battle of Contreras, also known as the Battle of Padierna, took place during August 19–20, 1847, in the final encounters of the Mexican-American War. In the Battle of Churubusco, fighting continued the following day.-Background:...
- ChurubuscoBattle of ChurubuscoThe Battle of Churubusco took place on August 20, 1847, in the immediate aftermath of the Battle of Contreras during the Mexican-American War. After defeating the Mexican army at Churubusco, the U.S. Army was only 5 miles away from Mexico City, the capital of the nation...
- Molino del ReyBattle of Molino del ReyThe Battle of Molino del Rey was one of the bloodiest engagements of the Mexican-American War. It was fought in September 1847 between Mexican forces under General Antonio Léon against an American force under General Winfield Scott at a hill called El Molino del Rey near Mexico City.-Background:On...
- ChapultepecBattle of ChapultepecThe Battle of Chapultepec, in September 1847, was a United States victory over Mexican forces holding Chapultepec Castle west of Mexico City during the Mexican-American War.-Background:On September 13, 1847, in the costly Battle of Molino del Rey, U.S...
Indian Wars
- MiamiMiami tribeThe Miami are a Native American nation originally found in what is now Indiana, southwest Michigan, and western Ohio. The Miami Tribe of Oklahoma is the only federally recognized tribe of Miami Indians in the United States...
- Seminoles
- Nez Perces
- Bannocks
- Pine Ridge
- California 1850
- California 1851
- California 1852
Civil War
- Bull RunFirst Battle of Bull RunFirst Battle of Bull Run, also known as First Manassas , was fought on July 21, 1861, in Prince William County, Virginia, near the City of Manassas...
- PeninsulaPeninsulaA peninsula is a piece of land that is bordered by water on three sides but connected to mainland. In many Germanic and Celtic languages and also in Baltic, Slavic and Hungarian, peninsulas are called "half-islands"....
- ShilohBattle of ShilohThe Battle of Shiloh, also known as the Battle of Pittsburg Landing, was a major battle in the Western Theater of the American Civil War, fought April 6–7, 1862, in southwestern Tennessee. A Union army under Maj. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant had moved via the Tennessee River deep into Tennessee and...
- Manassas
- Antietam
- FredericksburgBattle of FredericksburgThe Battle of Fredericksburg was fought December 11–15, 1862, in and around Fredericksburg, Virginia, between General Robert E. Lee's Confederate Army of Northern Virginia and the Union Army of the Potomac, commanded by Maj. Gen. Ambrose E. Burnside...
- Murfreesboro
- ChancellorsvilleBattle of ChancellorsvilleThe Battle of Chancellorsville was a major battle of the American Civil War, and the principal engagement of the Chancellorsville Campaign. It was fought from April 30 to May 6, 1863, in Spotsylvania County, Virginia, near the village of Chancellorsville. Two related battles were fought nearby on...
- GettysburgBattle of GettysburgThe Battle of Gettysburg , was fought July 1–3, 1863, in and around the town of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. The battle with the largest number of casualties in the American Civil War, it is often described as the war's turning point. Union Maj. Gen. George Gordon Meade's Army of the Potomac...
- ChickamaugaBattle of ChickamaugaThe Battle of Chickamauga, fought September 19–20, 1863, marked the end of a Union offensive in southeastern Tennessee and northwestern Georgia called the Chickamauga Campaign...
- Chattanooga
- WildernessWildernessWilderness or wildland is a natural environment on Earth that has not been significantly modified by human activity. It may also be defined as: "The most intact, undisturbed wild natural areas left on our planet—those last truly wild places that humans do not control and have not developed with...
- Atlanta
- SpotsylvaniaBattle of Spotsylvania Court HouseThe Battle of Spotsylvania Court House, sometimes simply referred to as the Battle of Spotsylvania , was the second major battle in Lt. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant's 1864 Overland Campaign of the American Civil War. Following the bloody but inconclusive Battle of the Wilderness, Grant's army disengaged...
- Cold Harbor
- Siege of PetersburgSiege of PetersburgThe Richmond–Petersburg Campaign was a series of battles around Petersburg, Virginia, fought from June 9, 1864, to March 25, 1865, during the American Civil War...
- Missouri 1861
- Kentucky 1862
- Mississippi 1862
- Virginia 1862
- Virginia 1863
- Tennessee 1863
- Georgia 1864
World War II
- NormandyNormandyNormandy is a geographical region corresponding to the former Duchy of Normandy. It is in France.The continental territory covers 30,627 km² and forms the preponderant part of Normandy and roughly 5% of the territory of France. It is divided for administrative purposes into two régions:...
- Northern France
- RhinelandRhinelandHistorically, the Rhinelands refers to a loosely-defined region embracing the land on either bank of the River Rhine in central Europe....
- Ardennes-Alsace
- Central EuropeCentral EuropeCentral Europe or alternatively Middle Europe is a region of the European continent lying between the variously defined areas of Eastern and Western Europe...
Vietnam
- Defense
- Counteroffensive
- Counteroffensive, Phase II
- Counteroffensive, Phase III
- Tet Counteroffensive
- Counteroffensive, Phase IV
- Counteroffensive, Phase V
- Counteroffensive, Phase VI
- Tet 69/Counteroffensive
- Summer-Fall 1969
- Winter-Spring 1970
Regiment
- Presidential Unit CitationPresidential Unit CitationThe Presidential Unit Citation is a senior unit award granted to military units which have performed an extremely meritorious or heroic act, usually in the face of an armed enemy...
(Army) for FALLUJAH 2004 - Valorous Unit AwardValorous Unit AwardThe Valorous Unit Award is the second highest unit decoration which may be bestowed upon a U.S. Army unit and is considered the unit equivalent of the Silver Star...
for AP BAU BANG 1965 - Valorous Unit Award for BINH DUONG PROVINCE 1965
- Valorous Unit Award for BINH LONG PROVINCE 1969
- Army Superior Unit Award fur 1997
1st Battalion
- Meritorious Unit CommendationMeritorious Unit CommendationThe Meritorious Unit Commendation is a mid-level unit award of the United States military which is awarded to any military command which displays exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service, heroic deeds, or valorous actions....
(Army), Streamer embroidered IRAQ 2008-2009 - Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm for VIETNAM 1965-1968
- Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm for VIETNAM 1969
- Republic of Vietnam Civil Action Honor Medal, First Class for VIETNAM 1965-1970
- Company A entitled to: Valorous Unit Award for AN LOC 1970
- Company A entitled to: Meritorious Unit Commendation (Army), Streamer embroidered IRAQ OCT 2008-SEP 2009
2nd Battalion
- Presidential Unit Citation for FALLUJAH 2004
- Valorous Unit Award for AP BAU BANG 1965
- Valorous Unit Award for BINH DUONG PROVINCE 1965
- Valorous Unit Award for BINH LONG PROVINCE 1969
- Company C entitled to: Valorous Unit Award for BINH LONG PROVINCE 1968
- Army Superior Unit Award for 1997
- Company E entitled to: DUC embroidered SANRY SUR NIED. (WD GO 68, 1945)
- Company H 1st Section, 3rd Platoon entitled to: DUC embroidered SANRY SUR NIED. (nondisplayable) (WD GO 68, 1945)
- Company E entitled to: Fr CdeG with Palm embroidered SANRY SUR NIED. (DA GO 43, 1950)
- Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm for VIETNAM 1965-1968
- Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm for VIETNAM 1969
- Republic of Vietnam Civil Action Honor Medal, First Class for VIETNAM 1965-1970
Additional reading
- The Soldiers of America's First Army 1791, Richard M. Lytle, Scarecrow Press, Inc., 2004
- One Hundred and Forty Years of Service in Peace and War History of the Second Infantry United States Army, Frederick B. Shaw, Strathmore Press, 1930
- Official Army Register for 1929. Internet Archive.(Regiment Histories) http://www.archive.org/stream/officialarmyregi1929unit#page/920/mode/2up
- Official Army Register for 1909. Internet Archive.(Daniel Burke military lineage)http://www.archive.org/stream/officialarmyregi1909unit#page/446/mode/1up
- Army Lineage Series: Infantry: Part 1: Regular Army: 12-16 http://www.history.army.mil/books/Lineage/in/infantry.htm#1
- Lineage and Honors, 2nd Infantry. United States Army Center of Military History. http://www.history.army.mil/html/forcestruc/lineages/branches/inf/0002in.htm
- Lineage and Honors, 1st Battalion, 2nd Infantry. United States Army Center of Military History.
- Lineage and Honors, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Infantry. United States Army Center of Military History., in