5:2nd

• Origins: The 5th Battalion, 2nd Infantry Regiment (often written as 5/2nd Infantry) traces its lineage back to the original 2nd Infantry Regiment, which was constituted in 1808, making it one of the oldest regiments in the U.S. Army. • Civil War Service: Elements of the 2nd Infantry Regiment served with distinction during the American Civil War, participating in major battles such as Antietam and Gettysburg. • Indian Wars: The regiment played a role in the Indian Wars of the late 19th century, being stationed across the western frontier to protect settlers and enforce federal policy. • World War I: The 2nd Infantry Regiment was assigned to the 5th Division and fought in key battles, including the Meuse-Argonne Offensive in 1918. • World War II: As part of the 5th Infantry Division, the regiment landed at Utah Beach after D-Day, fought in the Battle of the Bulge, and crossed the Rhine River into Germany. • Korean War: 5th Battalion, 2nd Infantry participated in the Korean War, taking part in defensive and offensive operations along the 38th Parallel. • Vietnam: The battalion was reactivated and deployed to Vietnam, where it served in multiple campaigns and earned several unit citations for valor and effectiveness. • “Dragoons” Nickname: The 2nd Infantry Regiment is known as the “Dragoons,” a nod to its early history as mounted infantry, blending mobility and infantry tactics. • Modern Deployments: In recent decades, 5/2nd Infantry has deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, where it has conducted counterinsurgency operations and partnered with allied forces. • Decorations: The regiment and its battalions have received numerous honors, including Presidential Unit Citations, Valorous Unit Awards, and foreign decorations such as the French Croix de Guerre.