85th Infantry Regiment

• Formation and World War II Service: The 85th Infantry Regiment was activated on 15 August 1942 at Camp Hale, Colorado, as part of the 10th Mountain Division, specializing in mountain and winter warfare. • Unique Training: The regiment underwent rigorous training in skiing, climbing, and cold-weather survival in the Colorado Rockies, preparing for combat in harsh, mountainous terrain. • Italian Campaign: The 85th Infantry Regiment played a pivotal role in the Allied offensive in Italy, particularly during the capture of Riva Ridge and Mount Belvedere in early 1945. • Riva Ridge Assault: On February 18, 1945, elements of the 85th launched a daring night climb up Riva Ridge, surprising German defenders and opening the way for the breakthrough in the Apennines. • Decorated Unit: The regiment and its soldiers earned numerous awards for valor, including Distinguished Service Crosses and Silver Stars for actions during World War II. • Casualties and Sacrifice: The 85th suffered significant casualties during the Italian campaign, with hundreds killed or wounded in intense fighting against well-fortified German positions. • Legacy in Skiing: Many veterans of the 85th and the 10th Mountain Division played key roles in developing the postwar American ski industry, founding ski resorts and serving as instructors. • Postwar Inactivation and Reactivation: The regiment was inactivated after World War II but has been reactivated in various forms, including service during the Cold War and in the Global War on Terrorism. • Motto and Insignia: The 85th Infantry Regiment’s motto, "Fix Bayonets," and its distinctive unit insignia, featuring crossed bayonets and a blue field, symbolize its infantry heritage. • Modern Deployments: In recent decades, battalions of the 85th have been deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq, continuing the regiment’s tradition of service in challenging environments.