HHC !st IDF

• Origins of HHC 1st IDF: The Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC) of the 1st Infantry Division (often known as "The Big Red One") was originally constituted in 1917 for service during World War I. • Combat Debut: The 1st Infantry Division, with its HHC, was the first American division to land in France during World War I, arriving in June 1917. • Normandy Landings: HHC 1st ID played a crucial role in Operation Overlord, landing at Omaha Beach on D-Day, June 6, 1944, and sustaining heavy casualties while securing a vital foothold. • Vietnam War: The HHC 1st ID was deployed to Vietnam in 1965, becoming one of the first U.S. Army divisions to serve in the conflict and participating in major operations like Operation Junction City. • Desert Storm: During the Gulf War in 1991, HHC 1st IDF led the "breach" that opened the way for Coalition forces to move into Iraq, earning accolades for their planning and execution. • Decorations and Honors: The unit has received numerous awards, including multiple Presidential Unit Citations, Valorous Unit Awards, and campaign streamers for actions in both World Wars, Vietnam, and the Gulf War. • Leadership Incubator: Many notable generals and leaders, such as General John W. Vessey (later Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff), served in or commanded units under HHC 1st ID. • Cold War Missions: Stationed in Germany during much of the Cold War, HHC 1st IDF was tasked with defending NATO’s central front against potential Warsaw Pact aggression. • Modern Deployments: Since 2001, HHC 1st ID has been deployed in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, leading multi-national task forces and stability operations. • The Big Red One Patch: Soldiers assigned to HHC 1st ID wear the iconic "Big Red One" shoulder patch, recognized as one of the oldest and most storied in U.S. Army history.