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25th Infantry Division

U.S. Army•49 members

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About this Unit

25th Infantry Division

U.S. Army

The 25th Infantry Division, known as the "Tropic Lightning," was activated on October 1, 1941, at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. The division saw its first major combat in World War II during the defense of Hawaii and later fought in the Guadalcanal and Philippine campaigns. In the Korean War, the 25th played a significant role in the Pusan Perimeter, the advance into North Korea, and subsequent operations throughout the conflict. The division also served extensively in the Vietnam War and has since participated in peacekeeping and combat operations in places such as Somalia, Bosnia, Iraq, and Afghanistan.

About 25th Infantry Division

About this Unit

Historical Facts

“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.

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25th Infantry Division

U.S. Army•49 members

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About this Unit

25th Infantry Division

U.S. Army

Unit members

Frank Horton

U.S. Army Military Retiree

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Jeffery Pitts

U.S. Army Veteran · 1988 - 1990

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Joshua Thrush

U.S. Army Veteran · 2014 - 2017

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Barbara Grossman Zeigler

U.S. Army Veteran · 1975 - 1975

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Photos

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About 25th Infantry Division

About this Unit

Historical Facts

“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.