309th Infantry

• Formation in World War I: The 309th Infantry Regiment was constituted in the National Army on August 5, 1917, as part of the 78th Division, also known as the "Lightning Division." • St. Mihiel and Meuse-Argonne Campaigns: The 309th saw significant combat in both the St. Mihiel Offensive and the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, two key American operations on the Western Front in 1918. • Distinctive Unit Insignia: The regiment’s insignia features a bolt of lightning, reflecting the nickname of its parent 78th Division. • World War II Reactivation: The 309th was reactivated for World War II, once again serving as part of the 78th Infantry Division. • Fighting in the Hurtgen Forest: During World War II, the 309th Infantry participated in the brutal Battle of the Hurtgen Forest, one of the longest battles fought on German soil. • Crossing the Rhine: In 1945, the 309th played a pivotal role in the crossing of the Rhine River at Remagen, helping to secure the famous Ludendorff Bridge. • Liberation of POW Camps: The regiment was involved in liberating several German prisoner-of-war camps as the Allied forces advanced into Germany. • Medal of Honor Recipient: Private First Class John J. McVeigh of the 309th was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions in France on August 29, 1944. • Cold War Service: After World War II, the 309th Infantry served in the U.S. Army Reserve, continuing to train soldiers throughout the Cold War. • Legacy and Honors: The 309th Infantry Regiment’s lineage and honors are preserved today by the 309th Regiment (Training), which continues to serve as a training unit in the United States Army Reserve.