2-18 Infantry

• Origins in the War of 1812: The 2nd Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment (2-18 IN) traces its lineage to 1812, originally formed as part of the 18th Infantry Regiment during America's preparations for the War of 1812. • Civil War Valor: The 18th Infantry Regiment fought in over 20 major Civil War battles, including Shiloh, Chickamauga, and Missionary Ridge, earning distinction for bravery and discipline. • "Vanguards" Nickname: 2-18 Infantry is known as "Vanguards," reflecting their role in leading assaults and being at the forefront of combat operations. • World War I Service: The regiment served in France with the 1st Infantry Division ("The Big Red One"), participating in pivotal battles such as Cantigny, Soissons, and the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. • Normandy and World War II: 2-18 Infantry was among the first assault waves to land on Omaha Beach on D-Day, June 6, 1944, and continued fighting across France, Belgium, and into Germany. • Cold War Deployments: After WWII, the unit performed occupation duties in Germany and remained an integral part of the U.S. Army's presence in Europe during the Cold War. • Vietnam Actions: 2-18 Infantry served in Vietnam from 1965 to 1970, participating in major campaigns and earning the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm. • Balkans Peacekeeping: The battalion was deployed to Bosnia and Kosovo in the late 1990s and early 2000s as part of NATO-led peacekeeping operations. • Iraq and Afghanistan Deployments: 2-18 Infantry has completed multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan since 2003, engaging in combat, stability, and advisory operations. • Medal of Honor Recipients: Over its history, several soldiers from 2-18 Infantry have received the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest military award for valor.