About this Unit
The 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment ("Blue Spaders") has a distinguished history dating back to its constitution in 1901. The unit served with valor in both World Wars, fighting in key campaigns including the Normandy landings, the Battle of the Bulge, and the liberation of France during World War II as part of the 1st Infantry Division. In Vietnam, the 1/26th earned further honors for its actions in major operations such as the Tet Offensive. More recently, the battalion has deployed in support of operations in the Balkans, Iraq, and Afghanistan, maintaining its reputation for excellence and dedication to mission.
Historical Facts
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Origins: The 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, known as "Blue Spaders," was originally constituted in 1901, and has a lineage dating back through various reorganizations to the formation of the 26th Infantry in 1901.
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World War I: The 26th Infantry Regiment was one of the first American units to see combat in World War I, fighting with distinction in key battles such as Cantigny, Soissons, and the Meuse-Argonne Offensive.
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Normandy Landings: During World War II, the 1/26th Infantry landed at Omaha Beach on D-Day (June 6, 1944) as part of the 1st Infantry Division, playing a crucial role in the Allied invasion of France.
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Nickname: The battalion's nickname, "Blue Spaders," comes from the blue spade symbol on their regimental crest, representing the tools used by infantrymen and the unit’s readiness to dig in and fight.
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Vietnam War: 1/26th Infantry served in Vietnam from 1965 to 1970, participating in operations such as Operation Cedar Falls and the Tet Offensive, and earning several unit citations.
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Medal of Honor Recipients: The regiment boasts several Medal of Honor recipients, including SSG (later 1LT) David H. McNerney for his actions in Vietnam in 1967 while serving in 1/26th Infantry.
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Bosnia and Kosovo: In the 1990s, 1/26th Infantry was deployed to Bosnia and later to Kosovo as part of NATO peacekeeping operations, marking a shift to stability and support missions.
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Operation Iraqi Freedom: The battalion was deployed multiple times to Iraq after 2003, conducting counterinsurgency operations and helping to secure key areas such as Baghdad and Samarra.
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Operation Enduring Freedom: 1/26th Infantry was among the first units deployed to eastern Afghanistan, operating in volatile regions such as Kunar and Nuristan Provinces.
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Legacy and Honors: The 1/26th Infantry has earned numerous campaign streamers and unit citations, and is known for its regimental motto, "No Mission Too Difficult, No Sacrifice Too Great—Duty First!"
