25th Infantry Division

• “Tropic Lightning” Nickname: The 25th Infantry Division is famously known as “Tropic Lightning,” a reference to its rapid deployment and combat effectiveness in tropical environments. • World War II Activation: The division was activated on 1 October 1941 in Hawaii, just before the attack on Pearl Harbor, making it one of the first U.S. units to see action after America entered WWII. • Pearl Harbor Defense: Soldiers of the 25th Infantry Division were among those who defended Hawaii during the Pearl Harbor attack on December 7, 1941. • Guadalcanal Campaign: The division’s first major combat operation was the Guadalcanal Campaign in 1943, helping to secure a critical Allied victory in the Pacific Theater. • Korean War Heroics: The 25th Infantry Division played a vital role during the Korean War, participating in the defense of the Pusan Perimeter and the push north to the Yalu River. • Vietnam Service: The division was one of the first to deploy to Vietnam, where it served from 1966 to 1971, conducting jungle warfare and counterinsurgency operations. • Medal of Honor Recipients: Over 40 soldiers from the 25th Infantry Division have been awarded the Medal of Honor for their acts of valor in WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. • Black Hawk Down Connection: Elements of the 25th Infantry Division were part of Task Force Ranger during the Battle of Mogadishu in 1993, later depicted in the book and film “Black Hawk Down.” • Lightning Patch: The division’s shoulder insignia features a lightning bolt on a taro leaf, symbolizing its quick-strike capability and its Hawaiian roots. • Global Deployments: In the 21st century, the 25th Infantry Division has been deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan, and around the Pacific, continuing its legacy as a rapid-response force.