ALOYSIUS BILKA

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 36th Engineer Regiment, originally constituted in 1917 as the 36th Engineers, has a distinguished history of service in the United States Army. Activated for service during World War I, the unit played a key role in constructing essential infrastructure in France. During World War II, the 36th Engineers participated in major campaigns, including the North African and Italian campaigns, earning multiple commendations for their combat engineering expertise. Over the decades, the regiment has continued to support both combat operations and humanitarian missions, upholding its legacy of excellence and adaptability in challenging environments.