About this Unit
The 8th Infantry, also known as the "Fighting Eagles," was originally formed in the early 19th century and has served with distinction in numerous conflicts. The unit saw significant action during the American Civil War, participating in key battles and campaigns. In the 20th century, the 8th Infantry fought bravely in both World Wars, notably landing on Utah Beach during the D-Day invasion in World War II. Throughout its history, the unit has earned a reputation for courage, resilience, and dedication to duty, continuing to serve in modern operations around the world.
Historical Facts
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Oldest Active Infantry Regiment: The 8th Infantry Regiment, known as the "Fighting Eagles," is one of the oldest active units in the U.S. Army, originally constituted in 1838.
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Mexican-American War: The unit first saw combat during the Mexican-American War (1846-1848), participating in key battles such as Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma.
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Civil War Service: The 8th Infantry fought in major Civil War campaigns, including the Peninsula Campaign and the Battle of Antietam, serving with distinction in the Army of the Potomac.
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Frontier Duty: After the Civil War, the regiment was deployed to the American West, participating in campaigns against Native American tribes during the Indian Wars.
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World War I: Assigned to the 8th Infantry Division, the regiment served in France and helped break the Hindenburg Line in the closing months of the war.
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World War II Landings: The 8th Infantry Regiment played a crucial role in the D-Day landings at Utah Beach on June 6, 1944, and was among the first units to liberate Paris.
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Battle of the Bulge: The regiment fought valiantly in the Battle of the Bulge, helping to stem the German offensive in the Ardennes in late 1944.
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Cold War Deployments: During the Cold War, the 8th Infantry was stationed in Germany as part of the U.S. commitment to NATO, facing the threat of the Soviet Union.
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Vietnam War Service: Elements of the 8th Infantry Regiment served in Vietnam, where they conducted numerous search and destroy missions and earned multiple unit commendations.
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Modern Deployments: In recent decades, the 8th Infantry has been deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, continuing its legacy of service in major combat and peacekeeping operations.
