21st Infantry

• Origins in the American Civil War: The 21st Infantry Regiment traces its lineage to the 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry, which was constituted in 1861 and saw action in major Civil War battles, including Antietam and Gettysburg. • Reorganization and Redesignation: In 1866, after the Civil War, the 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry was reorganized and redesignated as the 21st Infantry Regiment, marking its official birth as the "21st Infantry." • Service in the Indian Wars: The 21st Infantry played a key role in the Indian Wars, participating in campaigns against Native American tribes in the western United States. • Spanish-American War: The regiment was deployed to the Philippines during the Spanish-American War in 1898, engaging in combat during the Philippine Insurrection. • World War II Pacific Campaign: The 21st Infantry was assigned to the 24th Infantry Division and distinguished itself in the Pacific Theater, notably in New Guinea, Leyte, and Mindanao. • Korean War "Task Force Smith": Elements of the 21st Infantry formed "Task Force Smith," the first U.S. ground unit to engage North Korean forces at the Battle of Osan in July 1950, marking the beginning of American involvement in the Korean War. • Vietnam War Service: The 21st Infantry Regiment fought in the Vietnam War as part of the 196th Light Infantry Brigade, taking part in major operations such as Operation Attleboro and Operation Wheeler/Wallowa. • Motto and Nickname: The regiment's motto is "Duty," and it is nicknamed the "Gimlets," a reference to a tool symbolizing relentless effort and penetration. • Decorations and Honors: The 21st Infantry has received numerous unit citations, including Presidential Unit Citations, Valorous Unit Awards, and foreign decorations from the Philippines and the Republic of Korea. • Modern Deployments: In the 21st century, battalions of the 21st Infantry Regiment have served in Iraq and Afghanistan, continuing their tradition of service in major U.S. conflicts.