1:13th Infantry

• Long Heritage: The 1st Battalion, 13th Infantry Regiment (1/13th Infantry) was originally constituted on May 3, 1861, serving in the American Civil War as part of the Regular Army. • Civil War Service: During the Civil War, the 13th Infantry fought in notable battles such as Shiloh, Vicksburg, and Chattanooga, earning multiple campaign streamers. • World War II: The regiment was assigned to the 8th Infantry Division and saw combat in Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, and Central Europe, playing a key role in liberating French villages. • Normandy Landings: 1/13th Infantry landed at Utah Beach during D-Day operations in June 1944, supporting the breakout from the Normandy beachhead. • “First at Vicksburg” Motto: The unit’s motto, "First at Vicksburg," commemorates their leading role in storming the defenses during the pivotal siege of Vicksburg in 1863. • Cold War Service: After WWII, the battalion was stationed in Germany as part of the U.S. Army’s commitment to NATO, helping deter Soviet aggression during the Cold War. • Vietnam War: Elements of the 13th Infantry Regiment were deployed to Vietnam, where they participated in multiple operations and earned the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry. • Training New Soldiers: In modern times, 1/13th Infantry operates at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, as a Basic Combat Training unit, helping transform civilians into U.S. Army soldiers. • Decorations: The battalion and its parent regiment have been awarded numerous unit citations, including the Presidential Unit Citation and the French Croix de Guerre. • Regimental Legacy: The 13th Infantry Regiment is one of the oldest active regiments in the U.S. Army, with a lineage that spans over 160 years of service to the nation.