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181st Infantry

U.S. Army•19 members

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About this Unit

181st Infantry

U.S. Army

The 181st Infantry traces its lineage to the colonial militia of Massachusetts, first organized in 1636 as part of the Massachusetts Bay Colony regiments. The unit has served in major American conflicts, including the Revolutionary War, Civil War, and both World Wars, participating in campaigns such as the defense of Washington during the Civil War and operations in France during World War I. In World War II, the regiment was activated for federal service, providing personnel to other units and serving stateside. Today, the 181st Infantry is part of the Massachusetts Army National Guard, upholding a legacy as one of the oldest regiments in the United States Army.

About 181st Infantry

About this Unit

Historical Facts

One of the Oldest: The 181st Infantry Regiment is one of the oldest regiments in the United States Army, with origins dating back to 1636 as part of the Massachusetts Militia.
Lexington and Concord: Members of the 181st Infantry's predecessor units fired some of the first shots of the American Revolution at the Battles of Lexington and Concord in 1775.
Multiple Redesignations: The regiment has undergone several redesignations throughout its history, previously known as the 1st Regiment of Infantry, Massachusetts Volunteer Militia, and the 101st Infantry Regiment.
Civil War Service: The regiment fought in numerous Civil War battles, including Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, and Gettysburg, as part of the Union Army.
World War I: During World War I, the 181st Infantry served as part of the 26th “Yankee” Division and took part in major offensives in France, such as the Champagne-Marne and Meuse-Argonne.
World War II: The 181st Infantry was mobilized for World War II and served primarily in coastal defense roles in the United States, as well as providing replacements for overseas units.
Distinctive Insignia: The regiment’s insignia features a blue shield with a gold cross, symbolizing service in the Civil War and the unit's ancient lineage.
Modern Deployments: In the 21st century, the 181st Infantry has deployed elements to Kosovo, the Sinai Peninsula, Afghanistan, and the Middle East for various peacekeeping and combat missions.
Decorations and Honors: The regiment has earned numerous campaign streamers and unit citations, including honors for Revolutionary War, Civil War, World War I, and more recent conflicts.
Community Ties: The 181st Infantry has a strong connection to Massachusetts communities, often participating in parades, ceremonies, and disaster response efforts across the state.

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181st Infantry

U.S. Army•19 members

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About this Unit

181st Infantry

U.S. Army

Unit members

Neil Kelleher

U.S. Army · 2008 - 2015

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Walter Koenig

Family & Friends Veteran · 1980 - 1988

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August Phillips

U.S. Army Active Duty · 2010 - 2011

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Bernardino Coelho

U.S. Army Military Retiree · 1999 - 2020

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Army photos

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About 181st Infantry

About this Unit

Historical Facts

One of the Oldest: The 181st Infantry Regiment is one of the oldest regiments in the United States Army, with origins dating back to 1636 as part of the Massachusetts Militia.
Lexington and Concord: Members of the 181st Infantry's predecessor units fired some of the first shots of the American Revolution at the Battles of Lexington and Concord in 1775.
Multiple Redesignations: The regiment has undergone several redesignations throughout its history, previously known as the 1st Regiment of Infantry, Massachusetts Volunteer Militia, and the 101st Infantry Regiment.
Civil War Service: The regiment fought in numerous Civil War battles, including Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, and Gettysburg, as part of the Union Army.
World War I: During World War I, the 181st Infantry served as part of the 26th “Yankee” Division and took part in major offensives in France, such as the Champagne-Marne and Meuse-Argonne.
World War II: The 181st Infantry was mobilized for World War II and served primarily in coastal defense roles in the United States, as well as providing replacements for overseas units.
Distinctive Insignia: The regiment’s insignia features a blue shield with a gold cross, symbolizing service in the Civil War and the unit's ancient lineage.
Modern Deployments: In the 21st century, the 181st Infantry has deployed elements to Kosovo, the Sinai Peninsula, Afghanistan, and the Middle East for various peacekeeping and combat missions.
Decorations and Honors: The regiment has earned numerous campaign streamers and unit citations, including honors for Revolutionary War, Civil War, World War I, and more recent conflicts.
Community Ties: The 181st Infantry has a strong connection to Massachusetts communities, often participating in parades, ceremonies, and disaster response efforts across the state.