About this Unit
A Company, 2nd Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment (A Co. 2/5 Bobcats), is a distinguished unit within the 25th Infantry Division, based in Hawaii. The Bobcats trace their lineage back to the 5th Infantry Regiment, one of the oldest active regiments in the U.S. Army, originally established in 1808. The battalion has participated in major conflicts, including World War II, the Vietnam War, and more recent operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, earning numerous unit citations and campaign streamers. Stationed at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, A Co. 2/5 Bobcats continues its legacy of readiness and excellence as part of the “Tropic Lightning” Division, providing light infantry capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region.
Historical Facts
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Origins in World War II: Company A, 2nd Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment ("A Co. 2/5 Bobcats") traces its lineage back to the 5th Infantry Regiment, which is one of the oldest regiments in the U.S. Army, originally constituted in 1808.
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Nickname "Bobcats": The 2nd Battalion, 5th Infantry is nicknamed the "Bobcats," a name that has been carried with pride through multiple conflicts and signifies their tenacity and fighting spirit.
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Vietnam War Heroism: The Bobcats were among the first U.S. Army infantry units to serve in Vietnam, arriving in 1966 with the 25th Infantry Division. They participated in major operations such as Operation Cedar Falls and the Tet Offensive.
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Hawaiian Home Station: The Bobcats are stationed at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, a strategic location in the Pacific that has been their home since the 1960s, linking them to U.S. interests in the Asia-Pacific region.
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Combat in the Philippines: The 5th Infantry Regiment earned 11 campaign streamers during World War II, including fierce fighting in the liberation of the Philippines, and was awarded the Philippine Presidential Unit Citation.
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Decorations and Honors: The Bobcats have received numerous unit citations, including Presidential Unit Citations, Valorous Unit Awards, and foreign awards for their actions in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam.
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Jungle Warfare Specialists: Due to their long stationing in Hawaii and combat experience in Southeast Asia, the Bobcats have developed a reputation as experts in jungle warfare and tropical operations.
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Role in Operation Iraqi Freedom: Elements of the Bobcats deployed to Iraq in the early 2000s as part of the 25th Infantry Division’s contribution to Operation Iraqi Freedom, conducting security and stability operations.
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Distinctive Insignia: The 5th Infantry Regiment's crest includes a white cross pattée and a five-pointed star, symbolizing its service in the Civil War and the Indian Wars, and is proudly worn by Bobcat soldiers.
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Community and Camaraderie: Former Bobcats maintain strong alumni ties, with reunions and veteran organizations that honor the unit's legacy and support current soldiers and their families.
