About this Unit
The 1st Battalion, 48th Infantry Regiment (1/48th Infantry) boasts a distinguished history within the U.S. Army. Constituted in 1917, the unit first saw action during World War I as part of the American Expeditionary Forces in France. It later earned recognition for its valor and service during World War II, participating in major campaigns across Europe, including the Rhineland and Central Europe campaigns. In modern times, the 1/48th Infantry has been reactivated as a Basic Combat Training battalion at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, continuing its proud tradition of training and developing new soldiers for the Army.
Historical Facts
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Origins: The 1st Battalion, 48th Infantry Regiment (1/48th Infantry) traces its lineage back to 1917, when it was constituted in the National Army as the 48th Infantry during World War I.
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World War II Service: The unit was reactivated and served with distinction in World War II as part of the 7th Armored Division, participating in campaigns across France, Belgium, Holland, and Germany.
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Bastogne and the Battle of the Bulge: As part of the 7th Armored Division, 1/48th contributed to the defense of Bastogne during the critical Battle of the Bulge.
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Postwar Germany Presence: During the Cold War, 1/48th Infantry was stationed in West Germany as a frontline unit, prepared to repel any Soviet invasion.
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Reorganization and Reactivation: The battalion experienced several activations, deactivations, and redesignations, reflecting the changing needs and structure of the U.S. Army across decades.
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Unit Motto: The 1/48th Infantry’s motto is "Dragoons", a nod to the unit's armored infantry heritage.
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Distinctive Unit Insignia: The battalion’s insignia features a blue shield and a white diagonal stripe, symbolizing its infantry roots and service.
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Modern Role: In recent years, 1/48th Infantry has served as an Initial Entry Training unit at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, shaping new generations of U.S. Army soldiers.
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Vietnam War: Elements of the 48th Infantry were deployed to Vietnam, where they participated in several major campaigns and earned unit commendations.
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Legacy and Honors: The battalion has received numerous awards, including Presidential Unit Citations and campaign streamers, recognizing its valor and service in multiple conflicts.