About this Unit
C Company, 3rd Battalion, 39th Infantry Regiment (C 3/39 Inf) is a storied unit in the United States Army with roots tracing back to World War I. The 39th Infantry Regiment was first organized in 1917 and saw significant action in World War II as part of the 9th Infantry Division, taking part in campaigns across North Africa, Sicily, and Western Europe, including Normandy and the Battle of the Bulge. During the Vietnam War, C 3/39 Inf earned distinction for its combat effectiveness, participating in major operations throughout the Mekong Delta under the 9th Infantry Division. In more recent years, the battalion has served in various training and operational roles, reflecting its enduring legacy of service and adaptability.
Historical Facts
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Regimental Roots: Company C, 3rd Battalion, 39th Infantry Regiment (“C 3/39 Inf”) traces its lineage back to the 39th Infantry Regiment, which was constituted in 1917 and served with distinction in World War I as part of the 4th Division.
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World War II Service: The 39th Infantry Regiment was part of the famed 9th Infantry Division in WWII, fighting in North Africa, Sicily, France, and Germany. Company C participated in key operations including the Normandy Campaign and the Battle of the Bulge.
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Vietnam War Deployments: The 3rd Battalion, 39th Infantry was reactivated for service in Vietnam, where Company C earned a reputation for fierce combat in the Mekong Delta and was involved in major operations such as the Tet Offensive of 1968.
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Presidential Unit Citation: Elements of the 3/39th, including Company C, were awarded the Presidential Unit Citation for extraordinary heroism in action during engagements in Vietnam.
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Training the Next Generation: Since the 1980s, 3rd Battalion, 39th Infantry has been based at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, serving as a Basic Combat Training unit for new Army recruits.
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Nickname – “Fighting Falcons”: Company C and the 39th Infantry Regiment as a whole are known as the “Fighting Falcons,” symbolizing their aggressive spirit and tenacity in battle.
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Regimental Motto: The unit motto, “Ducti Amore Patriae” (“Led by Love of Country”), reflects the deep patriotism and sense of duty among its soldiers.
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Medal of Honor Recipients: The 39th Infantry Regiment counts several Medal of Honor recipients among its ranks, including soldiers who served in Company C during World War II and Vietnam.
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Distinctive Insignia: The regimental crest features a falcon and a fleur-de-lis, representing their service in France during WWI and their aggressive combat nature.
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Modern Legacy: Today, C 3/39 Inf continues to shape the future of the Army, instilling discipline and the warrior ethos in thousands of new soldiers every year at Fort Jackson.