Richard Welch

2nd Infantry Division

U.S. Army

The 2nd Infantry Division, also known as the "Indianhead Division," was formed in 1917 and first saw combat in World War I, participating in key battles such as Belleau Wood and the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. During World War II, the division landed on Omaha Beach on D-Day+1 and fought across France, Belgium, and into Germany. In the Korean War, the 2nd Infantry Division was one of the first U.S. units to arrive and played a critical role in defensive actions and offensives throughout the conflict. Today, the division remains forward-deployed in South Korea, serving as a key component of the United States’ commitment to the defense of the Korean Peninsula.

The 3rd Infantry Division (3rd ID), known as the "Rock of the Marne," was activated in November 1917 and earned its nickname during World War I for its heroic stand along the Marne River in France. The division played a significant role in World War II, participating in campaigns in North Africa, Sicily, Italy, France, and Germany, and was one of the few U.S. divisions to fight its way from North Africa all the way into Germany. During the Korean War, the 3rd ID participated in several major battles, including the defense of the Pusan Perimeter and operations along the 38th Parallel. In the 21st century, the division has been heavily involved in Operation Iraqi Freedom, leading the charge during the 2003 invasion of Iraq and participating in subsequent operations. Today, the 3rd ID is based at Fort Stewart, Georgia, and continues to serve as a premier combat unit of the U.S. Army.