big red one

• Oldest Division: The 1st Infantry Division, nicknamed "The Big Red One" for its distinctive shoulder patch, is the oldest continuously serving division in the United States Army, established in 1917 during World War I. • World War I Debut: The division saw its first combat in World War I, participating in key battles such as Cantigny, Soissons, and the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. • D-Day Landings: The Big Red One was one of the first units to land on Omaha Beach during the Normandy Invasion on June 6, 1944, facing intense German resistance and heavy casualties. • North Africa Campaign: In World War II, the division played a crucial role in Operation Torch, the Allied invasion of North Africa, and later fought in the campaign to liberate Sicily. • Vietnam War Service: The division was among the first U.S. Army units deployed to Vietnam, where it participated in major operations like the Battle of Ap Bau Bang and the Tet Offensive. • Nickname Origin: The "Big Red One" nickname comes from the large red numeral "1" on its shoulder patch, which became an enduring symbol of the unit. • Medal of Honor Recipients: Over 30 soldiers from the division have received the Medal of Honor, the United States' highest military decoration for valor. • Hollywood Fame: The division was the subject of the 1980 film The Big Red One, directed by Samuel Fuller, himself a veteran of the unit during World War II. • Cold War and Modern Deployments: The Big Red One served in Germany during the Cold War and has been deployed in recent conflicts, including the Gulf War, Iraq, and Afghanistan. • Motto and Traditions: The division's motto is "No Mission Too Difficult, No Sacrifice Too Great—Duty First!" reflecting its storied legacy and commitment.