About this Unit
The 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment—known as the “Iron Rangers”—was originally constituted in 1861 and has participated in every major American conflict since the Civil War. The unit distinguished itself during World War I and World War II, earning campaign streamers for key actions in Europe, including the Normandy landings and the Battle of the Bulge. In Vietnam, the 1/16th Infantry saw extensive combat as part of the 1st Infantry Division (“Big Red One”), conducting search-and-destroy and counterinsurgency operations. More recently, the battalion deployed multiple times to Iraq and Afghanistan, continuing its legacy of service and valor in the Global War on Terrorism.
Historical Facts
•
Origins in the Civil War: The 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment ("Iron Rangers") traces its lineage to 1861, when it was organized as part of the 11th U.S. Infantry during the American Civil War.
•
Fought at Gettysburg: The regiment participated in the Battle of Gettysburg in 1863, playing a significant role in repulsing Confederate attacks on Cemetery Ridge.
•
Spanish-American War Service: The 16th Infantry fought in Cuba during the Spanish-American War, including the famous charge up San Juan Hill alongside Theodore Roosevelt’s Rough Riders.
•
World War I "Big Red One": Assigned to the 1st Infantry Division, the 16th Infantry was among the first American units to arrive in France and fight in World War I, earning battle streamers for key engagements like Cantigny and the Meuse-Argonne Offensive.
•
D-Day Heroes: On June 6, 1944, 1/16th Infantry landed at Omaha Beach during the D-Day invasion, suffering heavy casualties but ultimately helping secure the beachhead.
•
Vietnam War Combat: The "Iron Rangers" were one of the first U.S. battalions to engage in combat in Vietnam, participating in major operations including the Tet Offensive and the Battle of Ap Gu.
•
Desert Storm and Beyond: The battalion served with distinction in Operation Desert Storm in 1991, helping to liberate Kuwait from Iraqi occupation.
•
Global War on Terror: 1/16th Infantry deployed multiple times to Iraq and Afghanistan, where it conducted counterinsurgency operations and partnered with local security forces.
•
Decorated Unit: The 1/16th Infantry Regiment has received multiple Presidential Unit Citations and foreign awards, including the French Croix de Guerre and the Belgian Fourragère.
•
Unit Motto and Nickname: The battalion’s motto is "Semper Paratus" ("Always Ready"), and they are known as the "Iron Rangers"—a nickname earned for their toughness in combat.
