2:106th Infantry Regiment, 42nd ID

• World War I Origins: The 106th Infantry Regiment traces its lineage back to the New York National Guard, with elements of the regiment originally formed in 1916 for service along the Mexican border, before being federalized for World War I. • 2nd Battalion's Early Roots: The 2nd Battalion, 106th Infantry (2/106th), was originally drawn from Long Island, New York, with many of its soldiers hailing from the Brooklyn and Queens areas. • Rainbow Division Connection: During World War I, the 106th Infantry was part of the famous “Rainbow Division” (42nd Infantry Division), known for its multinational composition and significant combat in France. • World War II Reorganization: In World War II, the 106th Infantry Regiment was assigned to the 27th Infantry Division, but its battalions, including the 2nd, were often detached for separate missions in the Pacific Theater. • Saipan Campaign: The 2/106th played a critical role in the Battle of Saipan in 1944, fighting in brutal conditions and suffering heavy casualties during banzai attacks by Japanese forces. • Guam & Okinawa: Elements of the 2/106th also participated in the campaigns on Guam and Okinawa, facing fierce resistance and contributing to the eventual Allied victory in the Pacific. • Post-War Reassignment: After World War II, the 106th Infantry Regiment was reassigned to the 42nd Infantry Division (“Rainbow Division”) when the division was reactivated as a National Guard unit in New York. • Cold War Service: During the Cold War, the 2/106th was mobilized for state and federal service, including disaster relief and civil disturbance missions in New York State. • September 11th Response: The 2/106th Infantry Regiment was activated in the immediate aftermath of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks to provide security and support in New York City. • Recent Deployments: In the 21st century, soldiers from the 2/106th have been deployed overseas in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, continuing the regiment’s legacy of service.