B Co. 1:31 INF(M). 2nd INF DIV.

• Origins in the Philippines: The 31st Infantry Regiment, known as the “Polar Bears,” was originally constituted in 1916 and organized in the Philippines in 1917, making it one of the first U.S. Army units to be formed outside of the continental United States. • Siberian Expedition: B Company, 1st Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment was part of the American Expeditionary Force sent to Siberia in 1918. The regiment spent two years in Russia during the Russian Civil War, guarding the Trans-Siberian Railway and aiding the Czech Legion. • Chosin Reservoir Heroics: During the Korean War, B Co. 1/31 INF(M), as part of Task Force Faith, fought in the legendary Battle of Chosin Reservoir (1950), holding out against overwhelming Chinese forces and executing a fighting withdrawal under terrible conditions. • “Polar Bears” Nickname: The unit earned the nickname "Polar Bears" for their service in cold climates in both Siberia and later Korea, symbolized by the polar bear on their regimental crest. • World War II POWs: Elements of the 31st Infantry, including B Company, were captured during the fall of Corregidor in the Philippines in 1942, with many enduring the Bataan Death March and years as prisoners of war. • Reactivation for Korea: After World War II, the 31st Infantry was reactivated for service in the Korean War, where B Company participated in some of the war’s fiercest battles, including Inchon and the push to the Yalu River. • Valorous Unit Awards: The 31st Infantry, including B Company, has received multiple Presidential Unit Citations and Valorous Unit Awards for extraordinary heroism and gallantry in action. • Part of 2nd Infantry Division: B Co., 1st Battalion, 31st Infantry was a key element of the 2nd Infantry Division, one of the Army’s most historic and battle-tested divisions, especially during the Korean War. • Decorated for Service in Iraq and Afghanistan: In the 21st century, the 1-31 INF has seen deployments to both Iraq and Afghanistan, continuing the legacy of B Company and earning recognition for counterinsurgency and stability operations. • “No Mission Too Difficult” Motto: The 31st Infantry Regiment’s motto, “Pro Patria” (“For Country”), and the 2nd Infantry Division’s motto, “Second to None,” reflect the enduring spirit and fighting tenacity of B Company throughout its storied history.