About this Unit
The 1st Battalion, 48th Infantry Regiment has a distinguished history in the U.S. Army, tracing its origins back to its initial constitution in 1917. The unit saw significant action during World War II, participating in campaigns across Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes-Alsace, and Central Europe as part of the 7th Armored Division. Reactivated during the Cold War, the battalion served with distinction in Germany as part of the U.S. Army Europe, contributing to NATO defense efforts. Today, the 1st Battalion, 48th Infantry Regiment is stationed at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, where it serves as a Basic Combat Training unit, instilling Army values and skills in new recruits.
Historical Facts
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Origins: The 1st Battalion, 48th Infantry traces its roots back to its constitution on 15 May 1917 in the Regular Army as Company A, 48th Infantry, and was organized on 1 June 1917 at Syracuse, New York.
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World War I Service: The unit served in France as part of the 20th Infantry Division during World War I, although it did not see combat before the war ended.
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World War II Activation: The battalion was reactivated and redesignated multiple times, eventually becoming part of the 7th Armored Division as the 48th Armored Infantry Battalion, seeing extensive action in the European Theater.
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Battle Honours: The battalion participated in key World War II campaigns including Rhineland, Ardennes-Alsace (Battle of the Bulge), and Central Europe, earning a Presidential Unit Citation for actions at St. Vith, Belgium.
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Cold War Service: After World War II, the 1-48 Infantry served in Germany as part of U.S. forces in Europe, providing a critical deterrent during the Cold War.
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Vietnam Era: Although some elements of the 48th Infantry served in Vietnam, the 1st Battalion itself was primarily stationed in Europe or the United States during this period, focusing on training and readiness.
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Training Mission at Fort Leonard Wood: In the 1980s and beyond, the 1st Battalion, 48th Infantry was reactivated as a Basic Combat Training unit at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, responsible for training thousands of new soldiers.
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Distinctive Unit Insignia: The battalion's insignia features a blue shield with a silver cross and a red lion, symbolizing its infantry roots, courage in battle, and service in Europe.
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Nickname: The 1-48 Infantry is known as the “Dragoons,” a term historically used for mounted infantry, reflecting the unit’s mobility and fighting spirit.
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Modern Legacy: Today, the 1-48 Infantry continues its proud tradition at Fort Leonard Wood, instilling Army values and foundational skills in new recruits, and maintaining connections with veterans through reunions and heritage events.
