About this Unit
The 1st Infantry Division, nicknamed "The Big Red One," is the oldest continuously serving division in the United States Army, activated in 1917. It fought in World War I, leading the first American offensive and participating in major operations such as Cantigny and the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. During World War II, the division landed on Omaha Beach on D-Day and fought in key campaigns across North Africa and Europe. Since then, the 1st Infantry Division has served in Vietnam, the Gulf War, the Balkans, Iraq, and Afghanistan, maintaining a distinguished record of service.
Historical Facts
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Oldest continuously serving division: The 1st Infantry Division, nicknamed "The Big Red One" for its distinctive shoulder patch, is the oldest continuously serving division in the United States Army, established in June 1917.
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World War I debut: The division was the first U.S. unit to fight in France during World War I, engaging in major battles like Cantigny, Soissons, and the Meuse-Argonne Offensive.
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Normandy D-Day landings: On June 6, 1944, the 1st Infantry Division spearheaded the assault on Omaha Beach during the D-Day landings in World War II, facing some of the fiercest resistance of the day.
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"Big Red One" movie: The division’s exploits inspired the 1980 film The Big Red One, directed by Samuel Fuller, who himself served in the unit during World War II.
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Vietnam War service: The division was among the first U.S. Army divisions deployed to Vietnam in 1965 and played a major role in numerous operations until its redeployment in 1970.
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Desert Storm participation: In Operation Desert Storm (1991), the 1st Infantry Division led the famous "left hook" maneuver, breaching Iraqi defenses and helping to liberate Kuwait.
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Presidential Unit Citations: The division has received numerous unit awards, including multiple Presidential Unit Citations for extraordinary heroism in action.
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Women in combat: In 2017, the 1st Infantry Division was among the first to integrate female soldiers into previously all-male combat positions, reflecting evolving roles in the military.
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Monument at Cantigny: The village of Cantigny, France, honors the division with a monument, commemorating its liberating role in the first American offensive of World War I.
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Distinctive patch: The division's iconic patch, a red numeral "1" on an olive drab background, is one of the most recognized military insignia worldwide and symbolizes its historic legacy.
