2:31 Inf

• Origins in 1916: The 2nd Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment ("2/31 Inf") was constituted on August 1, 1916, and organized at Fort William McKinley, Philippine Islands, in 1916, making it one of the few U.S. Army infantry regiments formed overseas. • Polar Bear Regiment: The 31st Infantry earned the nickname "Polar Bears" after serving in the Russian Civil War (1918–1920) as part of the American Expeditionary Force Siberia, conducting operations in harsh arctic conditions. • Philippine Defense and Bataan: During World War II, the 2/31 Inf played a key role in the defense of the Philippines, fighting valiantly on the Bataan Peninsula until its surrender in April 1942. • Bataan Death March: Many soldiers from 2/31 Inf became prisoners of war and endured the notorious Bataan Death March, with countless members suffering and perishing during captivity. • Korean War Heroism: The battalion participated in some of the fiercest fighting during the Korean War, including the Battle of Chosin Reservoir, earning multiple citations for bravery and resilience. • Vietnam War Actions: 2/31 Inf was deployed to Vietnam as part of the 196th Light Infantry Brigade, seeing extensive combat operations in the I Corps Tactical Zone, including Operation Wheeler/Wallowa. • Decorations and Honors: Over its history, the battalion has been awarded numerous decorations, including Presidential Unit Citations, Valorous Unit Awards, and foreign honors such as the Philippine Presidential Unit Citation. • Operation Iraqi Freedom: 2/31 Inf was deployed to Iraq in the early 2000s as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom, conducting counterinsurgency and stability operations. • Current Assignment: As of the 2020s, the battalion is assigned to the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, stationed at Fort Drum, New York, specializing in light infantry and mountain warfare. • Regimental Motto: The unit’s motto is "Pro Patria" (For Country), reflecting its long-standing tradition of service and sacrifice for the United States.