co 1st medical battalion 1st infantry

• Origins in World War I: The 1st Medical Battalion, part of the 1st Infantry Division, was originally constituted in 1917 and played a critical role supporting American Expeditionary Forces in France during World War I. • Normandy Landings: During D-Day in June 1944, the 1st Medical Battalion landed with the 1st Infantry Division on Omaha Beach, providing life-saving care under intense enemy fire. • Combat Medics' Valor: Members of the battalion have repeatedly earned high honors—including Distinguished Service Crosses and Silver Stars—for bravery while rescuing wounded soldiers under fire. • Innovations in Medicine: The unit pioneered battlefield medical techniques and evacuation procedures, some of which became standard for the U.S. Army Medical Department. • Vietnam Service: The 1st Medical Battalion deployed to Vietnam, where it provided comprehensive medical support in challenging jungle environments and helped save countless lives. • Modern Deployments: The battalion has supported Operations Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom, and Enduring Freedom, adapting to new threats and technologies in combat medicine. • Humanitarian Missions: Besides combat, the unit has participated in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions, providing aid after hurricanes and other natural disasters. • Legacy of "The Big Red One": As part of the 1st Infantry Division, the battalion shares in the storied legacy of the "Big Red One," the Army’s oldest continuously serving division. • Unit Insignia: The battalion’s distinctive unit insignia features a maroon cross (representing medical services) and the "Big Red One" patch, symbolizing its parent division. • Continued Excellence: Today, CO, 1st Medical Battalion, 1st Infantry Division, remains at the forefront of Army medicine, training for both combat and peacetime missions, and maintaining readiness to respond anywhere in the world.