42nd Infantry

• 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. • 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. • 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. • Liberation of Dachau: In World War II, soldiers of the 42nd Infantry Division helped liberate the infamous Dachau concentration camp in April 1945. • Distinctive Unit Patch: The division’s shoulder patch is a rainbow, representing the unit’s diverse origins and its nickname. • 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. • 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. • Decorated Unit: The division and its soldiers have received numerous awards, including the Presidential Unit Citation and several foreign decorations for their wartime service. • Citizen Soldiers: The division is primarily composed of National Guard members, embodying the "citizen soldier" ethos with members balancing civilian careers and military duties. • 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.