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History of 9th infantry

The 9th Infantry Regiment, known as the "Manchu Regiment," is one of the oldest and most distinguished units in the United States Army. Constituted in 1855, it first saw action in the Indian Wars and later fought in the American Civil War. The regiment gained renown during the Boxer Rebellion in China, where it adopted the "Manchu" nickname. Throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, the 9th Infantry has served with distinction in major conflicts, including World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and recent operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

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ABOUT 9th infantry

  • Oldest Active Infantry Regiment: The 9th Infantry Regiment, nicknamed "Manchu," was constituted on March 3, 1855, making it one of the oldest active regiments in the U.S. Army.
  • Origins in the Pacific Northwest: The 9th Infantry was originally organized at Jefferson Barracks, Missouri, and was sent to the Pacific Northwest to protect settlers and fight Native American tribes.
  • Fought in the Civil War: The regiment saw significant action during the American Civil War, including at the Battle of Antietam and the Siege of Vicksburg.
  • “Manchu” Nickname: The nickname "Manchu" comes from the regiment's service in the Boxer Rebellion in China (1900), where soldiers marched from Tientsin to Peking, reminiscent of the ancient Manchu warriors.
  • Boxer Rebellion: The 9th Infantry was part of the international relief force during the Boxer Rebellion and was awarded the right to wear the “Manchu Dragon” on their regimental insignia.
  • World War II Service: Assigned to the 2nd Infantry Division, the 9th Infantry landed on Omaha Beach on D-Day Plus 1 (June 7, 1944) and fought across Europe, including in the Battle of the Bulge.
  • Heroism in Korea: The regiment was one of the first U.S. Army units to engage North Korean forces in the Korean War and played a key role at the Battle of Bloody Ridge and Heartbreak Ridge.
  • Manchu Mile Tradition: In honor of their historic march in China, soldiers of the 9th Infantry Regiment participate in a 25-mile foot march known as the “Manchu Mile,” symbolizing endurance and esprit de corps.
  • Vietnam War: The regiment deployed to Vietnam and was involved in major operations such as the Battle of Fire Support Base Berchtesgaden, earning multiple unit citations for valor.
  • Regimental Motto: The 9th Infantry Regiment’s motto is “Keep Up the Fire!”—a phrase attributed to actions during the Boxer Rebellion and serving as a rallying cry for the unit ever since.

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