2:1st Infantry

• Historic Roots: The 2nd Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment ("2/1st Infantry") is one of the oldest units in the U.S. Army, tracing its lineage back to 1791 as part of the original American infantry regiments. • Nickname: The unit is known as the "Guardians," a nod to its long-standing tradition of protecting American interests at home and abroad. • Civil War Service: Elements of the regiment fought in numerous significant battles during the Civil War, including Antietam and Gettysburg. • World War II Valor: The battalion saw heavy combat in the Pacific Theater, notably during the Battle of Guadalcanal and the liberation of the Philippines. • Vietnam War Action: 2/1st Infantry was part of the Americal Division and participated in major operations such as Operation Wheeler/Wallowa and the Battle of Khe Sanh. • Decorations: The unit has received numerous decorations including Presidential Unit Citations and the Valorous Unit Award for extraordinary heroism in combat. • Modern Deployments: Since 2001, 2/1st Infantry has deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. • Distinguished Alumni: Several Medal of Honor recipients have served with the 1st Infantry Regiment, reflecting the unit's tradition of bravery. • Symbolic Regimental Crest: The regimental crest features a blue shield with a silver bend, representing the unit's infantry heritage and long service. • Current Role: 2/1st Infantry is part of the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, and remains an important modern fighting force.