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ABOUT 52ND INFANTRY REGIMENT
- Origin during the Philippine–American War: The 52nd Infantry Regiment was constituted on 15 May 1917 in the National Army and first organized at Chickamauga Park, Georgia, but its earliest predecessor was involved in the Philippine–American War.
- World War I Service: The regiment was assigned to the 6th Infantry Division and participated in the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, one of the largest operations of the American Expeditionary Forces.
- Distinguished Unit Insignia: The regiment's insignia features a silver wolf’s head, symbolizing alertness and courage, and a gold background representing excellence.
- World War II Campaigns: The 52nd Infantry served in the Aleutian Islands campaign, particularly in the battle to recapture Attu from Japanese forces in 1943.
- Vietnam War Deployments: The unit’s battalions served in Vietnam, where they earned numerous decorations, including the Presidential Unit Citation, for gallantry in combat.
- Nickname "Ready Rifles": The regiment is known as the "Ready Rifles," reflecting its reputation for rapid deployment and readiness for combat.
- Transformation to Stryker Infantry: In the 21st century, the 52nd Infantry Regiment became part of the U.S. Army's Stryker Brigade Combat Teams, adopting modern mechanized infantry tactics.
- Operation Iraqi Freedom: Elements of the regiment deployed to Iraq, where they conducted combat and stability operations and were recognized for their effectiveness in urban warfare.
- Heraldic Legacy: The regiment’s motto is "Forty Deuce," a nickname derived from the unit’s numerical designation, which has become a term of pride among its members.
- Recent Afghanistan Deployments: In the Global War on Terrorism, the 52nd Infantry Regiment participated in multiple deployments to Afghanistan, focusing on counterinsurgency and partnership missions.