ABOUT Company C 2nd Battalion 28th INF Regiment 1st INF Division
- Nickname – "Black Lions": Company C, 2nd Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment is part of the renowned "Black Lions," a storied regiment with a long history in the U.S. Army, especially within the 1st Infantry Division.
- World War I Service: The 28th Infantry Regiment participated in major battles during World War I, including the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, earning distinction for their courage under fire.
- Normandy Landings (D-Day): The regiment was among the first to land on Omaha Beach on June 6, 1944, as part of the Allied invasion of Normandy during World War II.
- Vietnam War – Battle of Ong Thanh: On October 17, 1967, Company C was heavily engaged in the Battle of Ong Thanh, one of the bloodiest battles for the Black Lions in Vietnam. The unit suffered significant casualties, and their actions are remembered for extraordinary bravery.
- Medal of Honor Recipients: Members of the 28th Infantry Regiment have received the Medal of Honor for valor, including actions taken during both World Wars and the Vietnam War.
- Operation Desert Storm: The 2nd Battalion, 28th Infantry participated in Operation Desert Storm in 1991 as part of the 1st Infantry Division, contributing to the liberation of Kuwait.
- Presidential Unit Citations: The regiment, including Company C, has received multiple Presidential Unit Citations for gallantry and heroism in combat.
- Symbolism of the Black Lion: The unit’s insignia features a black lion, representing courage and strength, inspired by the coat of arms of Luxembourg, where the unit first distinguished itself in World War I.
- Modern Deployments: In the 21st century, Company C, 2nd Battalion, 28th Infantry has served in Iraq and Afghanistan as part of the Global War on Terrorism, continuing its legacy of service.
- Memorialization: The Black Lions and their sacrifices—especially at Ong Thanh—are honored every year by veterans, with reunions and ceremonies dedicated to those who served and fell in battle.