1st Infantry Division

• 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. • 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. • 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. • "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. • 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. • 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. • Presidential Unit Citations: The division has received numerous unit awards, including multiple Presidential Unit Citations for extraordinary heroism in action. • 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. • 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. • 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.