About this Unit
The 2nd Battalion, 50th Infantry Regiment was originally constituted on 15 May 1917 in the Regular Army and organized at Syracuse, New York. The battalion saw extensive service in World War II as part of the 6th Armored Division, advancing across France and into Germany. Reactivated during the Vietnam War, the 2-50th Infantry operated with the 173rd Airborne Brigade and later the Americal Division, conducting search and destroy missions and security operations. In recent years, the battalion has served as a training unit at Fort Moore (formerly Fort Benning), Georgia, preparing new infantry soldiers for service in the U.S. Army.
Historical Facts
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Vietnam War Activation: The 2nd Battalion, 50th Infantry Regiment was reactivated in 1967 and deployed to Vietnam, where it participated in numerous combat operations, primarily in the Central Highlands.
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Mekong Delta Operations: The battalion conducted significant counterinsurgency and pacification missions in the Mekong Delta, an area notorious for Viet Cong activity and challenging terrain.
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Task Force Regulars: The 2/50th Infantry was part of the "Task Force Regulars" during its service in Vietnam, working alongside other units to conduct search and destroy missions.
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Presidential Unit Citation: Elements of the 2nd Battalion, 50th Infantry, earned the Presidential Unit Citation for extraordinary heroism in action during the Tet Offensive of 1968.
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Combat with the 1st Cavalry Division: The 2/50th Infantry served under the 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile) in Vietnam, taking part in major airmobile operations that defined the war’s tactics.
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Heavy Casualties in Vietnam: The battalion suffered significant casualties during its Vietnam service, with over 200 men killed in action, reflecting the intensity of its combat role.
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Reactivation at Fort Benning: The unit was reactivated at Fort Benning, Georgia, in the 1980s, where it became part of the Infantry Training Brigade, focusing on training new soldiers.
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Expert Infantry Training: Today, the 2/50th Infantry is known for its role in training infantrymen, including conducting basic training and advanced individual training at Fort Moore (formerly Fort Benning).
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Distinctive Unit Insignia: The battalion’s insignia features a gold lion rampant and a blue field, symbolizing courage and the unit's infantry roots.
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Legacy of Valor: The 2nd Battalion, 50th Infantry continues to honor its legacy through annual reunions, memorials, and a dedicated battalion association that preserves its history and stories.
