About this Unit
II Corps is a designation used by several military organizations, most notably by the United States Army. Formed during the American Civil War in 1862, the Union Army’s II Corps played a pivotal role in major battles such as Antietam, Gettysburg, and the Overland Campaign. In World War I and World War II, II Corps was reactivated, serving in campaigns in North Africa, Italy, and Western Europe, including the famous Battle of Kasserine Pass. The unit has since been periodically reactivated for training and operational purposes, demonstrating a legacy of adaptability and distinguished service.
Historical Facts
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Origins in the American Civil War: The first II Corps was formed in the Union Army of the Potomac during the American Civil War (1862), participating in key battles such as Antietam, Gettysburg, and Petersburg.
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Gettysburg Valor: II Corps played a crucial role on July 2, 1863, at the Battle of Gettysburg, holding the Union line at Cemetery Ridge and repelling multiple Confederate assaults.
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High Casualty Rate: During the Civil War, II Corps suffered more casualties than any other Union corps, with over 44,000 killed, wounded, or missing.
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World War I Reformation: The U.S. Army reactivated II Corps in 1918, deploying it to France as part of the American Expeditionary Forces, where it fought under both British and French command.
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North Africa Campaign: In World War II, II Corps was involved in the 1943 Tunisia Campaign, learning from early setbacks at the Battle of Kasserine Pass to later achieve victory at El Guettar.
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Sicily and Italy: After North Africa, II Corps led the Allied assault in Operation Husky (the invasion of Sicily) and continued fighting up the Italian Peninsula, including at Anzio and Rome.
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Notable Commanders: II Corps was commanded by several famous generals, including Winfield Scott Hancock (Civil War), Lloyd Fredendall, and later George S. Patton (World War II).
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Distinctive Insignia: The II Corps shoulder sleeve insignia features a white star on a blue pentagon, adopted during World War I and retained through subsequent reactivations.
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Postwar Activity: After World War II, II Corps was briefly reactivated during the early Cold War, serving as a training formation before being inactivated in 1946 and again in the 1950s.
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Legacy in Modern Army: Although not currently active, the II Corps designation and its traditions are preserved in U.S. Army history, and the corps is occasionally referenced in training exercises and war plans.
