5 Facts Army 1st Infantry

Introduction to the 1st Infantry Division

The 1st Infantry Division, also known as the “Big Red One,” is one of the most iconic and storied divisions in the United States Army. With a history that spans over a century, the 1st Infantry Division has played a significant role in many major conflicts, including World War I, World War II, the Vietnam War, and the Gulf War. In this article, we will explore five interesting facts about the 1st Infantry Division.

Fact 1: Formation and Early Years

The 1st Infantry Division was formed on May 24, 1917, at Fort Jay, New York, and was the first division to be deployed to France during World War I. The division was composed of troops from the Regular Army, as well as the National Guard and the Army Reserve. During its early years, the 1st Infantry Division saw action in several major battles, including the Battle of Cantigny, the Battle of Soissons, and the Battle of the Argonne Forest.

Fact 2: World War II and the D-Day Invasion

The 1st Infantry Division played a crucial role in World War II, particularly during the D-Day invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944. The division was one of the first to land on Omaha Beach, where they faced fierce resistance from German forces. Despite suffering heavy casualties, the 1st Infantry Division was able to establish a foothold on the beach and eventually break out of the beachhead, helping to secure the Allied victory in Europe.

Fact 3: Vietnam War and the Battle of Tet

During the Vietnam War, the 1st Infantry Division was deployed to South Vietnam in 1965, where they saw action in several major battles, including the Battle of Ap Gu and the Battle of Tet. The division was instrumental in helping to repel the North Vietnamese Army’s Tet Offensive, which was a major turning point in the war. The 1st Infantry Division’s bravery and sacrifice during this period earned them numerous awards and decorations, including the Presidential Unit Citation.

Fact 4: Modernization and the Gulf War

In the 1980s and 1990s, the 1st Infantry Division underwent significant modernization, with the introduction of new technologies and equipment, such as the M1 Abrams tank and the AH-64 Apache helicopter. The division saw action during the Gulf War, where they played a key role in the liberation of Kuwait from Iraqi forces. The 1st Infantry Division’s performance during the Gulf War was widely praised, and they were awarded the Valorous Unit Award for their bravery and heroism.

Fact 5: Current Operations and Deployments

Today, the 1st Infantry Division is stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas, and is one of the most deployable divisions in the US Army. The division has seen numerous deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, where they have been involved in a range of operations, from counterinsurgency to humanitarian assistance. The 1st Infantry Division is also heavily involved in training and readiness exercises, ensuring that they are prepared to respond to any future crises or conflicts.

👉 Note: The 1st Infantry Division's motto, "No Mission Too Difficult, No Sacrifice Too Great," reflects their commitment to duty and their willingness to put themselves in harm's way to protect their country and its interests.

In summary, the 1st Infantry Division is a storied and prestigious division with a rich history of service and sacrifice. From their formation in 1917 to their current operations in the Middle East, the “Big Red One” has consistently demonstrated their bravery, resilience, and commitment to duty. Their legacy continues to inspire new generations of soldiers, and their contributions to American military history are immeasurable.