2:8th Infantry Regiment

• Origins in World War I: The 2nd Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment (2/8th Infantry) traces its lineage back to the 8th Infantry Regiment, which was constituted in 1838 and participated in numerous conflicts, including the Civil War and the Indian Wars. • World War II Service: The regiment, including 2/8th Infantry, fought bravely in major World War II campaigns such as Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes-Alsace (the Battle of the Bulge), and Central Europe. • Part of the 4th Infantry Division: Historically, 2/8th Infantry has served as a key battalion within the 4th Infantry Division, known as the "Ivy Division." • Vietnam War Valor: The battalion saw extensive combat in the Vietnam War, participating in numerous operations and earning multiple unit citations for its actions. • Battle of Dak To: During the Vietnam War, the 2/8th Infantry was heavily engaged in the fierce Battle of Dak To in 1967, suffering significant casualties but contributing to the North Vietnamese Army’s defeat in the Central Highlands. • Nickname - "The Red Devils": The 2/8th Infantry Battalion is known by the nickname "The Red Devils," a testament to their tenacity and fighting spirit. • Global War on Terror Deployments: In the 21st century, 2/8th Infantry has deployed multiple times to Iraq and Afghanistan, participating in major operations such as Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. • Operation Phantom Fury: Elements of 2/8th Infantry participated in the Second Battle of Fallujah (Operation Phantom Fury) in Iraq in 2004, one of the bloodiest urban battles of the Iraq War. • Distinctive Unit Insignia: The battalion’s insignia features a silver shield with a blue saltire, symbolizing its service in the Civil War and later conflicts. • Medal of Honor Recipients: Over its history, the 8th Infantry Regiment, including the 2nd Battalion, has had several soldiers awarded the Medal of Honor for extraordinary heroism in combat.