About this Unit
The 2nd Battalion, 29th Infantry Regiment (2/29th Infantry) boasts a distinguished history within the United States Army. Originally constituted in 1813, the 29th Infantry Regiment has served in numerous conflicts, with its 2nd Battalion seeing significant action during World War II as part of the Aleutian Islands Campaign and later in the liberation of the Philippines. In the postwar era, the battalion underwent several reorganizations and assignments, adapting to the evolving needs of the Army. Today, 2/29th Infantry is primarily stationed at Fort Benning, Georgia, where it plays a vital role in training soldiers in infantry tactics and marksmanship as part of the Maneuver Center of Excellence.
Historical Facts
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Formation and Origins: The 2nd Battalion, 29th Infantry Regiment (2/29th Infantry) was originally constituted in 1813, making it one of the oldest units in the U.S. Army with roots tracing back to the War of 1812.
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Civil War Service: Elements of the 29th Infantry Regiment fought in the American Civil War, serving with distinction for the Union Army in numerous campaigns.
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World War II Involvement: The 29th Infantry Regiment was one of the first units to deploy to Iceland during WWII, helping to secure the North Atlantic against potential German threats.
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Guadalcanal Campaign: The 2/29th Infantry played a pivotal role in the Guadalcanal Campaign, providing critical support to U.S. Marine and Army units during some of the toughest fighting in the Pacific.
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Korean War Service: After World War II, the 29th Infantry Regiment was reactivated and participated in the Korean War, where it fought in several key battles, including the defense of the Pusan Perimeter.
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Training Mission at Fort Benning: In recent decades, the 2/29th Infantry has served as a key training battalion at Fort Benning, Georgia, helping to train generations of infantry soldiers and officers.
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Distinctive Unit Insignia: The regiment’s crest features a blue shield with a white “29” and a wavy bend, symbolizing the unit’s readiness and historical connection to river crossings and amphibious operations.
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Participation in Operation Just Cause: Members of the 29th Infantry Regiment were involved in Operation Just Cause in Panama in 1989, contributing to the removal of Manuel Noriega.
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Medal of Honor Recipients: Several soldiers from the 29th Infantry Regiment have been awarded the Medal of Honor for acts of valor during World War II and the Korean War.
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Motto and Legacy: The motto of the 29th Infantry Regiment is “We Lead the Way,” reflecting its storied tradition of being at the forefront of major conflicts and its ongoing commitment to excellence in training.
