About this Unit
The 2nd Battalion, 2nd Infantry Regiment (2-2 IN), known as the "Ramrods," is a historic infantry battalion of the United States Army with a lineage dating back to 1808. The unit has seen action in major conflicts, including the Civil War, World War I, World War II, Vietnam, and the Global War on Terrorism. During World War II, 2-2 IN participated in key campaigns such as Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, and Central Europe. In recent decades, the battalion has deployed multiple times to Iraq and Afghanistan, where it has continued its tradition of valor and service.
Historical Facts
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Founding and Early Service: The 2nd Battalion, 2nd Infantry Regiment ("Ramrods") traces its lineage back to 1808, making it one of the oldest active infantry units in the U.S. Army.
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War of 1812: The regiment fought in several major engagements, including the Battle of Lundy's Lane and the defense of Fort Erie, earning early battle honors.
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Civil War Contributions: The 2nd Infantry was involved in key battles such as Antietam, Fredericksburg, and Gettysburg, fighting for the Union throughout the Civil War.
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World War I Service: As part of the 5th Division, the 2nd Battalion took part in the St. Mihiel and Meuse-Argonne offensives, helping to break German lines on the Western Front.
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World War II Actions: The unit fought in the European Theater, including the Normandy landings, the Battle of the Bulge, and the liberation of Czechoslovakia.
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Vietnam War: 2-2 Infantry was heavily engaged during the Vietnam War, earning several Presidential Unit Citations for extraordinary heroism in combat.
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Operation Iraqi Freedom: The battalion was one of the first units to enter Baghdad in 2003, playing a significant role in the capture of the city and subsequent counterinsurgency operations.
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Operation Enduring Freedom: 2-2 Infantry deployed multiple times to Afghanistan, participating in major operations in RC-East and RC-South, including in the volatile Zabul and Kandahar provinces.
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"Ramrods" Nickname: The battalion's nickname, "Ramrods," is derived from its aggressive fighting spirit and steadfastness in battle, a reputation built over more than two centuries.
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Modern Deployments: In recent years, the unit has been stationed with the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division at Fort Riley, Kansas, and continues to support global U.S. Army missions.
