About this Unit
Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC), 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, known as the “Iron Rangers,” traces its lineage to the 16th Infantry Regiment, activated in 1861. The battalion has participated in major conflicts including World Wars I and II, Vietnam, Operation Desert Storm, and the Global War on Terrorism. HHC, as the command and control element, has supported the battalion’s missions across Europe, the Pacific, and the Middle East. Today, HHC, 1-16th Infantry Regiment continues to serve as a vital element of the 1st Infantry Division, upholding a legacy of excellence and dedication.
Historical Facts
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Origins: The 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment ("Iron Rangers") traces its lineage to the 1st Battalion, 11th U.S. Infantry, constituted in May 1861, making it one of the oldest continuously serving infantry units in the U.S. Army.
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HHC Role: The Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC), 1/16th Infantry provides command, control, administrative, and logistical support for the battalion—a vital nerve center for all operations.
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World War II Valor: The battalion participated in the North Africa and European campaigns, including the D-Day landings on Omaha Beach, and received Presidential Unit Citations for its heroism.
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Vietnam War: The 1/16th Infantry, including HHC, deployed to Vietnam in 1965 as part of the 1st Infantry Division (“The Big Red One”) and fought in numerous major operations, earning multiple unit citations.
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Operation Desert Storm: The battalion was part of the 1st Infantry Division’s “left hook” maneuver, helping liberate Kuwait in 1991. HHC coordinated essential command and logistics during the rapid advance.
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Global War on Terrorism: HHC, 1/16th Infantry has deployed multiple times to Iraq and Afghanistan, playing central roles in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, supporting counterinsurgency and stabilization operations.
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Distinctive Insignia: The unit crest features a Maltese cross and a wyvern (a dragon-like creature), symbolizing courage and the battalion’s service in World Wars.
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“Iron Rangers” Moniker: The nickname "Iron Rangers" was adopted to reflect the unit’s toughness and lineage, with a heritage linked to the original U.S. Army Rangers of World War II.
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Decorations: Over its history, HHC, 1/16th Infantry has received numerous awards, including Valorous Unit Awards, Meritorious Unit Commendations, and foreign decorations such as the French Croix de Guerre.
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Modern Missions: Today, HHC, 1/16th Infantry remains stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas, as part of the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, continually training for both conventional and asymmetric warfare missions.
