9th Infantry Division

• World War II Activation: The 9th Infantry Division ("Old Reliables") was activated on August 1, 1940, at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and played a pivotal role in World War II. • North Africa Campaign: The division first saw combat in Operation Torch (1942), landing in French North Africa and fighting in Morocco, Tunisia, and Algeria. • Sicily and European Theater: The 9th Infantry Division participated in the invasion of Sicily and later landed in Normandy, fighting across France, Belgium, and Germany. • Crossing the Rhine: The division was among the first Allied units to cross the Rhine River at Remagen in March 1945, hastening the collapse of Nazi Germany. • Vietnam War Service: Reactivated for Vietnam, the division arrived in 1966 and fought in the Mekong Delta, pioneering "Mobile Riverine Force" tactics with the U.S. Navy. • Decorations and Honors: The 9th Infantry Division earned numerous distinctions, including 19 Medals of Honor, 16 Distinguished Service Crosses, and multiple unit citations. • Nickname "Old Reliables": The division's nickname reflects its consistent dependability and performance in combat throughout its history. • Cold War Era: During the Cold War, the division was based at Fort Lewis, Washington, and was a key component of the U.S. Army’s rapid deployment capability. • Deactivation: The 9th Infantry Division was inactivated in 1991 after the end of the Cold War, but its legacy is maintained through various subordinate units and veterans' associations. • Famous Members: The division’s ranks included future notable figures such as General Colin Powell, who served as a battalion executive officer during the Vietnam War.