2:35th Infantry

• Origins: The 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment ("Cacti Blue") was originally constituted in the Regular Army on July 1, 1916, and has served in multiple major conflicts since its creation. • World War II Service: The unit was assigned to the 25th Infantry Division and saw extensive combat in the Pacific Theater, including Guadalcanal, Luzon, and the Northern Solomons campaigns. • Korean War: The 2/35th Infantry was deployed to Korea, participating in notable battles such as the defense of the Pusan Perimeter and the push northward toward the Yalu River. • Vietnam War: Deployed in 1966, 2/35th Infantry was heavily engaged in Vietnam, notably in the Central Highlands and the Pleiku and Kontum provinces, earning a reputation for toughness and resilience. • "Cacti Blue" Nickname: The battalion’s nickname, “Cacti Blue,” stems from the regimental crest, which features a cactus representing its early service along the Mexican border. • Presidential Unit Citations: The 2/35th Infantry has received multiple Presidential Unit Citations, including for actions in Luzon during World War II and in Pleiku Province during the Vietnam War. • Medal of Honor Recipients: Several members of the 35th Infantry Regiment have received the Medal of Honor, including SSG Robert S. Kennemore (Korea) and SGT Gordon Yntema (Vietnam). • Current Assignment: As of 2024, the 2/35th Infantry is part of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, stationed at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. • Distinctive Unit Insignia: The distinctive unit insignia features a prickly pear cactus and a blue shield, reflecting both its Mexican Border Service and Infantry heritage. • Regimental Motto: The motto of the 35th Infantry Regiment is “Take Arms!” – a rallying cry that has motivated soldiers of the unit for over a century.