1:9th Infantry

• 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.