About this Unit
The 314th Infantry Regiment was constituted in the National Army on August 5, 1917, and assigned to the 79th Division. It served with distinction during World War I, most notably participating in the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. Reactivated for World War II, the regiment fought in the European Theater, including campaigns in Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes-Alsace, and Central Europe. After World War II, the 314th Infantry Regiment underwent several reorganizations and is currently part of the U.S. Army Reserve, continuing its legacy of service.
Historical Facts
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World War I Formation: The 314th Infantry Regiment was constituted on August 5, 1917, as part of the National Army and assigned to the 79th Division.
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Camp Meade Origin: The regiment was organized at Camp Meade, Maryland, with most of its original soldiers hailing from Pennsylvania, Maryland, and the surrounding area.
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Meuse-Argonne Offensive: The 314th played a significant role in the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, the largest American operation of World War I, capturing the village of Montfaucon-d’Argonne.
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Montfaucon Monument: The “Montfaucon” memorial, built by veterans of the 314th, stands in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, as a tribute to the regiment’s World War I service.
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“The Lost Battalion” Connection: During the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, the 314th was involved in efforts to rescue the famed “Lost Battalion” of the 77th Division.
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Casualties and Honors: The regiment suffered heavy casualties in World War I, and members were awarded numerous decorations for valor, including the Distinguished Service Cross.
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World War II Service: Reactivated for World War II, the 314th Infantry Regiment fought in the European Theater, including campaigns in Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes-Alsace, and Central Europe.
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Battle of Hürtgen Forest: The regiment saw severe combat during the Battle of Hürtgen Forest in late 1944, one of the longest and bloodiest battles fought by U.S. forces in Europe.
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Postwar Legacy: After World War II, the 314th Infantry Regiment was inactivated, but its lineage continues today as part of the United States Army Reserve.
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Regimental Song: The 314th had its own regimental song, “The 314th Infantry March,” which was written by soldiers during their service in World War I and is still remembered by veterans and their families.
