About this Unit
The 2nd Battalion, 46th Infantry Regiment (2/46th Infantry) has a distinguished history within the United States Army. Constituted in 1917, it saw major action during World War II as part of the 5th Infantry Division, fighting across the European Theater. Reactivated during the Vietnam War, the 2/46th Infantry served with the 198th Light Infantry Brigade, Americal Division, participating in significant operations throughout South Vietnam from 1967 to 1971. In the modern era, the battalion has been stationed at Fort Moore (formerly Fort Benning), Georgia, where it plays a key role in training new Army recruits in basic combat skills.
Historical Facts
•
World War II Origins: The 2nd Battalion, 46th Infantry Regiment (2/46th Infantry) was originally constituted in 1917, but its modern combat history began during World War II, when the regiment was activated and served in the European Theater as part of the 5th Infantry Division.
•
Normandy Landings: The 46th Infantry Regiment landed at Utah Beach, Normandy, France on July 9, 1944, shortly after D-Day, and advanced through France as part of the Allied liberation efforts.
•
Crossing the Rhine: The 46th Infantry Regiment took part in the historic crossing of the Rhine River at Oppenheim on March 22, 1945, a key operation in the final months of World War II in Europe.
•
Vietnam War Service: The 2/46th Infantry was reactivated and assigned to the 196th Light Infantry Brigade, deploying to Vietnam in 1966 and participating in major operations throughout the conflict.
•
Operation Wheeler/Wallowa: In 1967-1968, 2/46th Infantry was heavily engaged in Operation Wheeler/Wallowa, a major offensive against North Vietnamese Army forces in the Quang Nam and Quang Tin provinces.
•
Firebase Mary Ann Tragedy: In March 1971, elements of 2/46th Infantry were present during the infamous sapper attack on Firebase Mary Ann, one of the last major enemy attacks on a U.S. firebase in Vietnam.
•
Valorous Unit Award: For its actions in Vietnam, the 2/46th Infantry and its parent units received several commendations, including the Valorous Unit Award and the Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry.
•
Cold War Era: After Vietnam, the unit returned to the U.S. and was assigned to various stateside posts, continuing its legacy as a training and line unit during the Cold War.
•
Modern Mission: Today, 2/46th Infantry serves as a Basic Combat Training (BCT) battalion at Fort Moore, Georgia (formerly Fort Benning), responsible for training thousands of new Army soldiers each year.
•
Motto and Insignia: The regiment’s motto is “Victory’s Point,” and its distinctive unit insignia features a blue shield with a bayonet, symbolizing its storied infantry heritage.
