About this Unit
The 172nd Infantry Regiment, known as the "Mountain Regiment," traces its origins to the Vermont National Guard in 1921. During World War II, the unit was part of the 43rd Infantry Division and saw combat in the Pacific Theater, including campaigns in New Guinea and Luzon. The regiment was again activated during the Korean War and later served in various state and federal missions, embodying the National Guard's dual role. In recent decades, the 172nd Infantry has continued its proud tradition of service, contributing to overseas deployments and supporting domestic operations.
Historical Facts
•
Origins in World War I: The 172nd Infantry Regiment was first organized in 1917 as part of the Vermont National Guard and assigned to the 43rd Infantry Division for service in World War I.
•
Nickname - Mountain Men: The regiment is known as the "Mountain Men" due to its origins and longstanding association with the mountainous terrain of Vermont.
•
World War II Service: The 172nd Infantry saw extensive combat during World War II, participating in the Pacific Theater, including the campaigns in New Guinea, Northern Solomons, and Luzon.
•
Battle of Luzon: In the Battle of Luzon (1945), the 172nd played a pivotal role in the liberation of the Philippines from Japanese occupation.
•
Post-WWII Adjustments: After World War II, the 172nd Infantry Regiment was reorganized several times and continued its service as part of the Vermont Army National Guard.
•
Cold War Duties: During the Cold War, the 172nd trained for possible deployment to Europe in the event of a conflict with the Soviet Union, but was never called to active combat during this period.
•
Peacekeeping Mission in Bosnia: In 2001, elements of the 172nd Infantry were deployed as part of NATO's peacekeeping mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
•
Iraq War Deployment: In 2005, members of the 172nd deployed to Iraq, supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom with convoy security and base defense missions.
•
Afghanistan Service: The unit was again deployed in 2010 to Afghanistan, where it conducted combat and security operations as part of Operation Enduring Freedom.
•
Community and State Support: Beyond overseas deployments, the 172nd Infantry has responded to state emergencies, including disaster relief operations in Vermont following Hurricane Irene in 2011.
