About this Unit
The Americal Division, officially designated as the 23rd Infantry Division, was formed in May 1942 on New Caledonia during World War II, becoming the only U.S. Army division to be created outside of U.S. territory. Initially assembled from Task Force 6814, the division earned distinction in the Guadalcanal, Bougainville, and Philippines campaigns in the Pacific Theater. After being deactivated post-war, the Americal Division was reactivated in 1954 for a brief period and again during the Vietnam War in 1967. In Vietnam, the division participated in major operations, including the infamous My Lai incident, before being inactivated in 1971.
Historical Facts
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Origin of the Name: The "Americal" Division is unique as its name is a contraction of "America" and "New Caledonia." It was formed in New Caledonia during World War II and its official designation was the 23rd Infantry Division, but it was popularly known as "Americal."
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First US Army Division Formed Outside the US: The Americal Division was the first US Army division to be formed outside of American territory, organized in May 1942 on the island of New Caledonia in the South Pacific.
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World War II Combat Operations: The division fought in the Guadalcanal campaign, the Bougainville campaign, and the Philippines campaign during World War II, earning a distinguished combat record.
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Reactivation for Vietnam War: The Americal Division was reactivated in 1967 for service in the Vietnam War, becoming the largest division in the US Army at that time.
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My Lai Massacre Connection: The division is infamously linked to the My Lai Massacre, one of the darkest chapters of the Vietnam War, where soldiers from the 11th Infantry Brigade killed hundreds of unarmed Vietnamese civilians in 1968.
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Decorated Soldiers: Two division soldiers, Captain Humbert Roque Versace and Specialist Four Thomas W. Bennett, were awarded the Medal of Honor for their actions during the Vietnam War; Versace posthumously for his resistance as a POW.
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Division Insignia: The Americal Division's shoulder sleeve insignia features a blue shield with a white "A" and a red background, symbolizing the unit’s American roots and its formation overseas.
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Participation in Operation Wheeler/Wallowa: From 1967 to 1968, the Americal Division was heavily involved in Operation Wheeler/Wallowa, a significant campaign against North Vietnamese forces in the I Corps Tactical Zone of Vietnam.
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Deactivation: After the Vietnam War, the Americal Division was officially inactivated on November 29, 1971, at Fort Lewis, Washington.
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Legacy and Remembrance: Despite its controversial history, former members of the Americal Division have maintained strong veteran networks and continue to commemorate their service through reunions and memorials.
