About this Unit
Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment (HHC 2/16th Infantry), traces its lineage to the 16th Infantry Regiment, which was constituted in 1861. The battalion has served in major conflicts including World War I, World War II—where it landed on Omaha Beach during the Normandy invasion—and the Vietnam War, earning numerous campaign streamers and unit citations. In recent decades, HHC 2/16th Infantry has deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, playing key roles in counterinsurgency and stability operations. Throughout its history, the unit has been recognized for its bravery, adaptability, and commitment to mission accomplishment.
Historical Facts
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Origins in World War I: The 16th Infantry Regiment, including its 2nd Battalion, was activated in 1917 and saw action with the American Expeditionary Forces in France during World War I.
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D-Day Landings: Elements of the 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry, were among the first to land on Omaha Beach during the D-Day invasion on June 6, 1944, playing a critical role in securing the beachhead.
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Nickname - “Rangers”: The 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry has earned the nickname "Rangers" and is known by the motto "Strike Hard."
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Vietnam War Valor: The battalion, including HHC, served with distinction in Vietnam, most notably during Operation Junction City and the Tet Offensive.
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Medal of Honor Recipients: Over its history, multiple soldiers from the 16th Infantry Regiment have been awarded the Medal of Honor for acts of valor, including actions by members of the 2nd Battalion.
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“Rangers Lead the Way” Tradition: The unit’s aggressive spirit and combat prowess have contributed to the Army’s “Rangers Lead the Way” ethos, despite not being the formal Ranger Regiment.
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Operation Desert Storm: The 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry, participated in Operation Desert Storm in 1991 as part of the 1st Infantry Division’s rapid advance into Iraq.
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“Devil Brigade” Connection: The 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry is part of the legendary “Big Red One” (1st Infantry Division), also known as the “Devil Brigade.”
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Modern Deployments: In the 21st century, HHC 2/16th Infantry has deployed multiple times in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.
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Literary Fame – “The Good Soldiers”: The experiences of HHC and 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry during the 2007 surge in Baghdad are chronicled in the acclaimed book The Good Soldiers by David Finkel.
