About this Unit
Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC), 2nd Battalion, 2nd Infantry Regiment, is a storied unit in the United States Army with origins dating back to the early 19th century. The 2nd Infantry Regiment has served in major American conflicts, including the Civil War, World Wars I and II, Vietnam, and the Global War on Terrorism. The HHC element provides command, control, and logistical support for the battalion, ensuring operational effectiveness. Over its history, HHC, 2/2nd Infantry has demonstrated adaptability and resilience, upholding the regiment’s motto, “NOLI ME TANGERE” (“Touch Me Not”).
Historical Facts
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Origins in the Indian Wars: The 2nd Infantry Regiment, to which HHC, 2/2nd Infantry belongs, was first organized in 1808, making it one of the oldest active regiments in the U.S. Army. Its early service included action in the Indian Wars and the War of 1812.
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Service in the Civil War: The 2nd Infantry Regiment fought in numerous major Civil War battles, including Antietam, Gettysburg, and Fredericksburg, earning a distinguished combat record.
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World War II Campaigns: The 2nd Battalion, 2nd Infantry (2/2nd Infantry) participated in the invasions of North Africa, Sicily, and Normandy, later fighting through France and into Germany.
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Normandy Beach Landing: The 2/2nd Infantry landed on Omaha Beach on D-Day+1, June 7, 1944, continuing the push inland during the Normandy Campaign.
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Vietnam War Valor: The battalion served multiple tours in Vietnam, earning several unit citations for bravery and participating in numerous key operations, including Operation Cedar Falls and Junction City.
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“Ramrods” Nickname: The 2/2nd Infantry is known by the nickname “Ramrods,” a moniker symbolizing their tenacity and aggressive fighting spirit, a tradition maintained by HHC and its subordinate companies.
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Operation Desert Storm: HHC, 2/2nd Infantry and its battalion were part of the 1st Infantry Division (“Big Red One”) during Operation Desert Storm, leading the famous “breach” of Iraqi defensive lines in 1991.
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Peacekeeping in the Balkans: The battalion, with HHC at its core, took part in peacekeeping missions in Bosnia and Kosovo in the 1990s, helping to enforce the Dayton Accords and bring stability to war-torn regions.
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Global War on Terror Deployments: HHC, 2/2nd Infantry has deployed multiple times to Iraq and Afghanistan since 2001, providing headquarters command and control for combat operations in some of the most contested areas.
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Distinctive Unit Insignia: The regiment’s crest features a blue shield (for Infantry), with crossed rifles and a fleur-de-lis, symbolizing its service in France in both World Wars, elements proudly displayed by the HHC and its soldiers.
