About this Unit
The 1st Battalion, 61st Infantry Regiment (1/61st Infantry) traces its origins to World War I, where it was constituted in 1917 and first organized at Camp Greene, North Carolina. The unit saw significant combat in World War II as part of the 5th Infantry Division, participating in campaigns across Normandy, Northern France, and the Rhineland. In the Vietnam War, 1/61st Infantry was deployed as part of the 1st Brigade, 5th Infantry Division (Mechanized), conducting operations in the DMZ region and earning several unit commendations. Throughout its history, the battalion has distinguished itself in major conflicts, demonstrating adaptability and valor in varied combat environments.
Historical Facts
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Formation and Early History: The 1st Battalion, 61st Infantry Regiment (1/61st Infantry) was originally constituted on 15 May 1917 in the Regular Army as Company A, 61st Infantry, and organized at Gettysburg National Park, Pennsylvania.
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World War I Service: The 61st Infantry was assigned to the 5th Division and participated in campaigns such as St. Mihiel and Meuse-Argonne during World War I.
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Vietnam War Combat: The 1/61st Infantry saw extensive combat in Vietnam, being part of the 1st Brigade, 5th Infantry Division (Mechanized). They operated primarily in the Quang Tri Province, near the Demilitarized Zone.
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Operation Lam Son 719: In 1971, 1/61st Infantry played a key role in Operation Lam Son 719, providing security for firebases and supporting ARVN operations into Laos against the North Vietnamese.
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Mechanized Infantry: During Vietnam, the 1/61st was unique as one of the few mechanized infantry battalions to serve there, utilizing M113 armored personnel carriers in combat operations.
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Heroic Actions: Soldiers from the 1/61st earned numerous awards for valor in Vietnam, including several Distinguished Service Crosses and countless Purple Hearts.
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Firebase Ripcord: The battalion was involved in the defense of firebases along the northern border, including the infamous battles around Firebase Ripcord in 1970.
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Unit Motto and Insignia: The motto of the 61st Infantry Regiment is "Always Alert," and their distinctive unit insignia features a blue shield with a silver cross and a red border.
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Reactivation and Modern Assignments: After Vietnam, the battalion was inactivated and reactivated several times, most recently as part of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division at Fort Carson, Colorado.
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Legacy and Honors: The 1/61st Infantry has been awarded campaign streamers for World War I, Vietnam, and has a proud tradition of service, with its soldiers remembered for their courage and sacrifice.
