1st Division, 16th Infantry

• Oldest Regular Army Regiment: The 16th Infantry Regiment, part of the 1st Infantry Division ("The Big Red One"), traces its lineage to 1861, making it one of the oldest continuously serving regiments in the U.S. Army. • Famous D-Day Landers: The 16th Infantry was among the first wave to storm Omaha Beach on D-Day, June 6, 1944, suffering heavy casualties but playing a crucial role in establishing the beachhead. • Medal of Honor Recipients: Soldiers from the 16th Infantry have earned 11 Medals of Honor for actions spanning from the Indian Wars through World War II. • World War I Firsts: The 16th Infantry was among the first American units to enter combat in World War I, fighting at Cantigny in May 1918, the first major American offensive. • Vietnam War Service: The 16th Infantry fought in Vietnam from 1965 to 1970, conducting search and destroy missions and earning multiple unit citations. • Desert Storm Operations: During Operation Desert Storm in 1991, the 16th Infantry helped spearhead the 1st Infantry Division’s attack into Iraq, breaching enemy defenses and participating in the liberation of Kuwait. • Symbolic Insignia: The regiment’s distinctive unit insignia features a blue cross and a wreath, referencing its heritage and Civil War service. • “Rangers Lead the Way” Connection: The 16th Infantry’s assault on Omaha Beach inspired the famous phrase “Rangers lead the way,” as General Norman Cota encouraged the 5th Ranger Battalion alongside the 16th. • Global Deployments: The 16th Infantry has participated in peacekeeping and combat operations in Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq, and Afghanistan in the 21st century. • Regimental Motto: The 16th Infantry’s motto is “Semper Paratus” — Latin for “Always Prepared,” reflecting its readiness for action throughout American military history.