3:1st Infantry

• Origins in the Civil War: The 1st Infantry Regiment, to which 3rd Battalion belongs, is the oldest continuously serving regiment in the Regular Army, constituted in 1791. Its lineage includes distinguished service during the American Civil War. • Nickname – "The First Regiment": The parent unit is known as "The First Regiment," reflecting its long and storied history in the U.S. Army. • World War II Service: 3rd Battalion, 1st Infantry fought in key campaigns in North Africa, Sicily, Italy, France, and Germany as part of the 1st Infantry Division ("The Big Red One"). • Vietnam War Exploits: 3/1st Infantry, serving under the 11th Infantry Brigade of the Americal Division, was involved in intense combat operations in Quang Ngai Province, South Vietnam. • Heroic Actions at Firebase Bronco: In 1969, soldiers from 3/1st Infantry played a critical role repelling enemy attacks on Firebase Bronco, earning several commendations for bravery. • My Lai Incident: The infamous My Lai Massacre involved elements of the 1st Battalion, 20th Infantry, but 3/1st Infantry conducted subsequent investigations and operations in the area, helping to secure the region. • Post-Vietnam Assignments: After Vietnam, 3/1st Infantry was assigned to various training and support roles at locations including Fort Riley and Fort Wainwright. • Global War on Terror Deployments: The battalion has completed multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan as part of Stryker Brigade Combat Teams, adapting to modern warfare. • Distinctive Unit Insignia: The 1st Infantry Regiment's insignia features the image of the sun and a blue field, symbolizing service in the Philippine Insurrection, along with a red and white shield referencing its long history. • Regimental Motto: The regimental motto is "Semper Primus" ("Always First"), a reflection of both its numerical designation and its tradition of leading from the front.