3:21st Infantry

• Origins in World War I: The 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment (3/21st Infantry) traces its lineage back to the 21st Infantry Regiment, which was constituted in 1861 and saw action in numerous early American conflicts. • Pacific Theater in World War II: The 21st Infantry Regiment, including its 3rd Battalion, fought in the Pacific during World War II, participating in campaigns such as New Guinea, Leyte, and Luzon. • Korean War Valor: The 3/21st Infantry played a pivotal role in the early stages of the Korean War, notably at the Battle of Osan, where it became the first US ground unit to engage North Korean forces. • Vietnam War "Gimlets": Nicknamed the “Gimlets,” the battalion was part of the 196th Light Infantry Brigade and saw heavy combat in Vietnam, including the Battle of Kham Duc in 1968. • Battle of Kham Duc: In May 1968, 3/21st Infantry was involved in the defense and evacuation of the Kham Duc Special Forces Camp, one of the largest single-unit evacuations of the Vietnam War. • Valorous Unit Award: The battalion has received multiple unit citations, including the Valorous Unit Award for extraordinary heroism in action during the Vietnam War. • Modern Deployments: 3/21st Infantry has deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, conducting counterinsurgency and stabilization operations. • Arctic Warriors: The unit is currently assigned to the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, stationed at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, specializing in Arctic and cold-weather operations. • Distinctive Insignia: The regiment’s insignia and motto, “Duty,” reflect a tradition of steadfast service and have been proudly worn on uniforms for generations. • Medal of Honor Recipients: Several soldiers from the 21st Infantry Regiment, including those from 3/21st, have received the Medal of Honor for acts of heroism in battle.