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History of 1st Battalion 16th Infantry (Mech)

The 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment (Mechanized), known as the "Iron Rangers," has a distinguished history dating back to its formation in 1861. The battalion fought in major campaigns during the Civil War, World War I, and World War II, including the Normandy landings. During the Cold War, it was mechanized and served as part of the 1st Infantry Division in Europe. In recent decades, the unit has deployed to the Balkans, Iraq, and Afghanistan, earning numerous awards for valor and professionalism.

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ABOUT 1st Battalion 16th Infantry (Mech)

  • Origins in the Civil War: The 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry traces its lineage back to the 11th U.S. Infantry, formed in May 1861, and saw action in major Civil War battles including Gettysburg and Antietam.
  • Regulars By God: The regiment earned the motto “Semper Paratus” (“Always Prepared”) and the nickname “The Iron Rangers” after fierce fighting in the Civil War, and later became known as “Regulars By God” for their professionalism.
  • World War I Service: The unit fought with distinction in World War I as part of the 1st Infantry Division (“The Big Red One”), participating in the Battle of Cantigny, the first American offensive of the war.
  • Normandy Landings: On June 6, 1944, the 16th Infantry landed at Omaha Beach during D-Day, suffering heavy casualties but playing a pivotal role in establishing the beachhead.
  • Mech Transition: The battalion became mechanized (“Mech”) in the Cold War era, transitioning to Bradley Fighting Vehicles and M113 Armored Personnel Carriers for enhanced mobility and firepower.
  • Vietnam War Valor: The 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry fought in major Vietnam War operations, including Operation Cedar Falls and Junction City, earning two Presidential Unit Citations and multiple valor awards.
  • Desert Storm: The battalion participated in Operation Desert Storm in 1991 as part of the 1st Infantry Division, breaching Iraqi defenses and helping liberate Kuwait.
  • Balkans Peacekeeping: In the late 1990s, the unit deployed to Bosnia and Kosovo for peacekeeping missions under NATO, helping stabilize the region after the Balkan conflicts.
  • Global War on Terror: Since 2003, “Iron Rangers” have deployed multiple times to Iraq and Afghanistan, conducting combat and counterinsurgency operations in places like Ramadi and Andar Province.
  • Decorations and Distinctions: The 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry has received numerous honors, including the French Croix de Guerre and Belgian Fourragere for World War II service, and continues to serve as a key component of the U.S. Army’s 1st Infantry Division.

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