1:16th Infantry

• 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.