188 infantry

• Origins in World War I: The 188th Infantry Regiment traces its roots to the 188th Infantry, which was part of the 94th Division in the National Army during World War I, organized in 1917. • World War II Service: The 188th Glider Infantry Regiment (188th GIR) was activated in 1943 and assigned to the 11th Airborne Division, becoming famous for airborne operations in the Pacific Theater. • Leyte and Luzon Campaigns: The 188th GIR participated in the Philippines campaign, including the Battle of Leyte and the assault on Luzon, playing crucial roles in liberating the islands from Japanese occupation. • Los Baños Raid: Members of the 188th participated in the daring raid to liberate over 2,000 civilian internees from a Japanese camp at Los Baños in 1945—a feat lauded as one of the most successful rescue operations of World War II. • Occupation of Japan: After World War II, the 188th was part of the occupation force in Japan, helping to maintain order and assist in the rebuilding efforts. • Deactivation and Reorganization: The 188th Infantry underwent several periods of inactivation, reactivation, and consolidation with other units throughout the postwar years, reflecting the evolving structure of the U.S. Army. • Distinctive Unit Insignia: The regimental crest of the 188th Infantry features a glider, symbolizing its airborne heritage and unique glider-borne operations in World War II. • Airborne Firsts: The 188th was among the first U.S. infantry regiments to be trained and deployed as a glider-borne unit, a novel concept at the time for rapid deployment behind enemy lines. • Korean War Service: The 188th Infantry Regiment designation was later used for units that served in the Korean War, continuing its legacy of combat service in Asia. • Honors and Decorations: The units bearing the 188th Infantry designation have received numerous commendations, including Presidential Unit Citations and foreign awards, for their valor and achievements in combat.