About this Unit
The 1st Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, known as "The Manchus," is a storied unit of the United States Army with origins dating back to 1855. The battalion earned its nickname during the Boxer Rebellion in China, where it adopted the traditional Manchu queue as a symbol of their service. Throughout its history, the 1/9th Infantry has participated in major conflicts, including the Korean War, where it fought valiantly at battles such as Pork Chop Hill, and the Vietnam War, where it gained the moniker “The Walking Dead” due to its high casualty rate and fierce combat reputation. The unit continues to serve as part of the 2nd Infantry Division, upholding its legacy of bravery and resilience.
Historical Facts
•
Nickname: "The Manchus" – The 1st Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment is famously nicknamed "The Manchus," a name inherited from their service in China during the Boxer Rebellion.
•
Boxer Rebellion Origin – The nickname "Manchu" comes from the battalion’s participation in quelling the Boxer Rebellion in 1900, where they marched to Beijing through Manchuria.
•
"The Walking Dead" in Vietnam – During the Vietnam War, 1/9th Infantry was ominously known as “The Walking Dead” due to the extremely high casualty rate they suffered, reportedly the highest for any Army infantry battalion in Vietnam.
•
Korean War Heroics – The unit earned two Presidential Unit Citations and a Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation for its role in the Korean War, especially for actions at the Pusan Perimeter and the defense of the Naktong Line.
•
Distinctive Insignia – Members of the battalion often wear a distinctive red and gold cord called the "Manchu Rope," authorized after the China campaign.
•
Multiple Conflicts – The 1/9th Infantry has fought in nearly every major American conflict since its formation in 1855, including the Civil War, Indian Wars, Spanish-American War, Philippine Insurrection, World Wars I and II, Korean War, Vietnam, and the Global War on Terror.
•
Medal of Honor Recipients – Several soldiers from the 1/9th Infantry have received the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest military decoration, for their valor in combat.
•
Legendary Vietnam Operations – The battalion was involved in some of the most intense battles of the Vietnam War, including Operation Cedar Falls and the Battle of Suoi Tre.
•
Modern Deployments – In the 21st century, the Manchus have deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.
•
Regimental Motto: "Keep Up the Fire!" – The regimental motto, “Keep Up the Fire!,” originated from the Boxer Rebellion and reflects the unit’s enduring fighting spirit.
