About this Unit
The 2nd Infantry Division, also known as the "Indianhead Division," was formed in 1917 and first saw combat in World War I, participating in key battles such as Belleau Wood and the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. During World War II, the division landed on Omaha Beach on D-Day+1 and fought across France, Belgium, and into Germany. In the Korean War, the 2nd Infantry Division was one of the first U.S. units to arrive and played a critical role in defensive actions and offensives throughout the conflict. Today, the division remains forward-deployed in South Korea, serving as a key component of the United States’ commitment to the defense of the Korean Peninsula.
Historical Facts
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Formation and Nickname: The 2nd Infantry Division, known as the "Indianhead Division" due to its distinctive shoulder patch, was formed in 1917 during World War I at Bourmont, France—making it one of the few U.S. divisions organized on foreign soil.
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World War I Heroics: The division played a key role in the Battle of Belleau Wood, Château-Thierry, and the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, earning a reputation for toughness and effectiveness in combat.
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Only Combined Division: During World War I, the 2nd Infantry Division was unique as it combined Army infantry regiments with a brigade of U.S. Marines, leading to the nickname “The Indianhead Division, with a Marine Heart.”
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World War II Achievements: The division famously landed on Omaha Beach on D+1 (June 7, 1944) during the Normandy Invasion and advanced through France, liberating multiple towns and participating in the Battle of the Bulge.
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Korean War Legacy: The 2nd Infantry Division was the first U.S. unit to reach Korea directly from the United States and was heavily engaged in key battles such as the Battle of the Naktong Bulge, the Battle of the Ch'ongch'on River, and the defense of the Pusan Perimeter.
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Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) Presence: Since the Korean War armistice, the division has maintained a major presence on the Korean Peninsula, serving as a forward deterrent force near the DMZ.
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Indianhead Patch Symbolism: The division’s patch features a Native American head in profile, chosen to symbolize the courage, vigilance, and fighting spirit of both the American Indian and the division’s soldiers.
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Medal of Honor Recipients: Soldiers from the 2nd Infantry Division have received over 40 Medals of Honor across its history, with acts of heroism spanning from World War I to the Korean War.
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Modern Role: Today, the 2nd Infantry Division is the only permanently forward-deployed U.S. Army division, stationed in South Korea, and works closely with the Republic of Korea Army as a combined division to deter aggression.
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Famous Veterans: The division counts among its ranks several notable figures, including General Edward M. “Ned” Almond and Medal of Honor recipient SFC Einar Ingman, whose actions and leadership exemplify the division’s storied legacy.
