About this Unit
Company B, 2nd Battalion, 111th Infantry Regiment has a distinguished lineage tracing back to the colonial militia of Pennsylvania, originally formed in the mid-18th century. The unit has served with honor in major conflicts including the American Civil War, World War I—where it was part of the famed 28th Infantry Division—and World War II, seeing action in the European Theater. During the 20th and 21st centuries, Company B has participated in domestic emergency responses and overseas deployments, including peacekeeping and combat operations in the Middle East. Today, it remains an integral component of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard, upholding its tradition of service and excellence.
Historical Facts
•
Colonial Origins: Company B, 2nd Battalion, 111th Infantry traces its lineage to colonial-era militia units in Pennsylvania, with roots dating back to Benjamin Franklin's "Associators" formed in 1747 to defend Philadelphia.
•
Revolutionary War Service: Predecessor units of the 111th Infantry fought in the American Revolution, including key battles such as Trenton, Princeton, Brandywine, and Germantown.
•
War of 1812: Elements of the regiment served during the War of 1812, defending the Philadelphia region from British threats.
•
Gettysburg Campaign: The regiment's ancestors served in the defense of Pennsylvania during the Gettysburg Campaign in the Civil War, helping guard the state from Confederate invasion.
•
World War I Service: The 111th Infantry, as part of the 28th Division, fought on the Western Front in World War I, earning the French Croix de Guerre for valor at the Second Battle of the Marne.
•
World War II Service: During WWII, the 111th Infantry served in the European Theater, seeing action in Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, and Central Europe campaigns.
•
“Keystone Division” Nickname: The 111th Infantry is part of the 28th Infantry Division, known as the “Keystone Division”—the oldest continuously serving division in the US Army and symbolized by the red keystone patch.
•
Decorated History: The 111th Infantry has received numerous awards, including the Presidential Unit Citation, French Croix de Guerre, and Belgian Fourragère for distinguished service in combat.
•
Modern Deployments: Company B and the 2-111th Infantry have been mobilized for overseas deployments in recent decades, including peacekeeping missions in Kosovo and combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan.
•
Community Roots: Company B has maintained a strong connection to its home communities in Pennsylvania, with many generations of local families having served in its ranks, highlighting the long-standing tradition of the citizen-soldier.
