About this Unit
The 42nd Infantry Regiment was constituted in the Regular Army of the United States on 15 May 1917, as part of the rapid expansion for service in World War I. Throughout its history, the unit has been activated and inactivated several times, serving with distinction in key campaigns. During World War II, the 42nd Infantry saw service in the Pacific Theater, participating in the liberation of the Philippines. The regiment’s legacy is marked by adaptability and commitment, reflecting the evolving needs of the U.S. Army across multiple conflicts.
Historical Facts
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Rainbow Division Origins: The 42nd Infantry Division gets its nickname, the "Rainbow Division," because it was formed from National Guard units from 26 different states and the District of Columbia in 1917, symbolizing a "rainbow" across the country.
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World War I Service: The division was one of the first sent to France in World War I and participated in major campaigns such as Champagne-Marne, Aisne-Marne, St. Mihiel, and Meuse-Argonne.
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Famous Commander: Douglas MacArthur served as the division's chief of staff during World War I and was instrumental in organizing and leading the unit.
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Liberation of Dachau: In World War II, soldiers of the 42nd Infantry Division helped liberate the infamous Dachau concentration camp in April 1945.
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Distinctive Unit Patch: The division’s shoulder patch is a rainbow, representing the unit’s diverse origins and its nickname.
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Cold War and Modern Deployments: After World War II, the division was reactivated several times, playing roles in Cold War defense and more recently in deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan.
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9/11 Response: The 42nd Infantry Division was heavily involved in the emergency response and recovery efforts following the September 11, 2001 attacks in New York City.
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Decorated Unit: The division and its soldiers have received numerous awards, including the Presidential Unit Citation and several foreign decorations for their wartime service.
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Citizen Soldiers: The division is primarily composed of National Guard members, embodying the "citizen soldier" ethos with members balancing civilian careers and military duties.
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Commemorated in Media: The division’s actions, especially the liberation of Dachau, have been depicted in books, documentaries, and films, highlighting their role in military history.
