About this Unit
The 6th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment ("6/31st Infantry") has a distinguished history within the United States Army. Originally constituted during World War I, the 31st Infantry Regiment earned its nickname "Polar Bears" for its service in Siberia during the Russian Civil War. The 6th Battalion was activated during the Vietnam War as part of the 9th Infantry Division, where it engaged in significant combat operations in the Mekong Delta from 1967 to 1970. The unit earned several commendations for valor and professionalism before being inactivated following the U.S. withdrawal from Vietnam.
Historical Facts
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Roots in the Philippine–American War: The 6th Battalion, 31st Infantry ("6/31st Infantry") traces its lineage to the 31st Infantry Regiment, which was formed in 1916 in the Philippines in response to rising tensions in Asia during World War I.
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“Polar Bears” Nickname: The 31st Infantry Regiment earned the nickname “Polar Bears” after deploying to Siberia in 1918 to protect Allied interests during the Russian Civil War.
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Service in World War II: Elements of the 31st Infantry fought in the defense of the Philippines during World War II, with many soldiers enduring the Bataan Death March after being captured by Japanese forces.
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Korean War Deployment: The 31st Infantry Regiment fought in the Korean War, including the brutal Battle of Chosin Reservoir, where it sustained heavy casualties but demonstrated extraordinary resilience.
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Vietnam War Operations: The 6th Battalion, 31st Infantry, was reactivated and served with distinction in the Vietnam War as part of the 9th Infantry Division, conducting riverine and ground operations in the Mekong Delta.
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Operation “Speedy Express”: In 1969, 6/31st Infantry participated in Operation Speedy Express, a controversial campaign aimed at eliminating Viet Cong forces in the Mekong Delta, which resulted in significant enemy losses but also drew scrutiny for civilian casualties.
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Medal of Honor Recipients: Members of the 31st Infantry Regiment, including those serving in 6/31st, have been awarded the Medal of Honor for extraordinary acts of valor, including in Korea and Vietnam.
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Distinguished Unit Citations: The 6/31st Infantry earned numerous unit citations and campaign streamers for its service in multiple conflicts, reflecting its legacy of bravery and sacrifice.
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Deactivation and Reactivation: The 6th Battalion, 31st Infantry has been deactivated and reactivated multiple times throughout its history, most recently during the Vietnam War era before being inactivated in 1970.
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Regimental Legacy: The legacy of the 6/31st Infantry lives on through the current 31st Infantry Regiment, which continues to serve as part of the U.S. Army Infantry, with its history and honors preserved in regimental associations and annual reunions.
