About this Unit
The 5th Regimental Combat Team (5th RCT) was a distinguished infantry unit of the United States Army, originally formed during World War II. Activated in 1943 in Hawaii, the 5th RCT participated in the Central Pacific campaigns, including the liberation of Guam. The unit gained particular fame during the Korean War, fighting in major engagements such as the Battle of the Pusan Perimeter, the breakout from Pusan, the drive to the Yalu River, and the Battle of Chipyong-ni. Renowned for its tenacity and effectiveness, the 5th RCT earned numerous unit citations before being inactivated in 1956.
Historical Facts
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World War II Activation: The 5th Regimental Combat Team (5th RCT) was first activated on 11 October 1941 in Hawaii, shortly before the attack on Pearl Harbor, and played a key role in the defense of the islands.
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Composition: The 5th RCT was an independent infantry regiment, often supplemented by attached artillery, engineers, and other support units, making it a highly flexible and self-sustaining combat force.
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Combat in the Pacific: During World War II, the 5th RCT fought in the Central Pacific, including the campaigns for the Marshall Islands, Guam, and Okinawa, facing intense Japanese resistance.
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Korean War Heroics: Reactivated for the Korean War, the 5th RCT arrived in Korea in July 1950, quickly moving to the front lines and earning a reputation for toughness and effectiveness in battle.
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Pusan Perimeter: The unit played a crucial role in defending the Pusan Perimeter, holding the line against overwhelming North Korean forces during one of the war’s most desperate phases.
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Battle of Bloody Ridge: In September 1951, the 5th RCT was heavily engaged in the fierce fighting at Bloody Ridge, suffering significant casualties but ultimately helping to secure a strategic victory.
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Decorations: The 5th RCT received numerous honors, including Presidential Unit Citations and Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citations, for its valor and effectiveness in combat.
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Famous Members: Among its ranks was Lewis Millett, who later earned the Medal of Honor for leading a bayonet charge while serving with the 27th Infantry, part of the same division as the 5th RCT.
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Integration: The 5th RCT was one of the first Army units to integrate African American soldiers during the Korean War, reflecting broader changes in the U.S. military at the time.
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Inactivation: The 5th Regimental Combat Team was inactivated in 1954 following the Korean War, but its legacy endures through its storied history and the honors it earned in two major conflicts.
