HHC 42nd Infantry Division

• Rainbow Division Origins: The 42nd Infantry Division, nicknamed the “Rainbow Division,” was formed in 1917 from National Guard units across 26 states and the District of Columbia. The idea was to create a division that represented the entire nation—like a “rainbow.” • HHC Role: The Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC) serves as the command and administrative hub for the division, providing support, planning, and leadership to subordinate units. • World War I Service: The 42nd Infantry Division, including its HHC, was among the first U.S. divisions to arrive in France during World War I and participated in major operations such as Champagne-Marne, Aisne-Marne, and Meuse-Argonne. • World War II Achievements: Reactivated for World War II, the 42nd Infantry Division landed in France in 1944, participated in the Rhineland and Central Europe campaigns, and helped liberate the Dachau concentration camp. • Dachau Liberation: Soldiers from the 42nd Infantry Division, including members of HHC, played a key role in liberating over 30,000 prisoners at the Dachau concentration camp in April 1945. • Cold War Reactivation: The division was reactivated in the National Guard during the Cold War, ensuring readiness for potential conflicts and supporting domestic missions. • 9/11 Response: After the September 11, 2001 attacks, HHC 42nd Infantry Division and its soldiers supported the emergency response and recovery efforts at Ground Zero in New York City. • Iraq War Leadership: In 2004-2005, the 42nd Infantry Division, with HHC at the helm, commanded Multi-National Division North Central during Operation Iraqi Freedom, overseeing security operations in a volatile region. • Symbolism of the Patch: The division's distinctive shoulder patch—a half-arc rainbow—symbolizes the unit's origins and its nationwide composition. Members of HHC wear this patch with pride. • Civil Support Missions: HHC 42nd Infantry Division has supported numerous state and federal missions, including disaster relief during hurricanes, blizzards, floods, and the COVID-19 pandemic response.