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History of 1st Division, 26th Infantry

The 1st Division, 26th Infantry Regiment—known as the "Blue Spaders"—is a distinguished unit of the United States Army with a rich combat history. Activated in 1917, the regiment fought valiantly in World War I as part of the 1st Infantry Division, participating in key battles such as Cantigny and the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. In World War II, the 26th Infantry landed on D-Day at Omaha Beach and fought across Europe, earning a reputation for bravery and effectiveness. The regiment has since served in conflicts including Vietnam, the Gulf War, and the Global War on Terror, maintaining its legacy as one of the Army’s most storied units.

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ABOUT 1st Division, 26th Infantry

  • Nickname: The 1st Division is famously known as “The Big Red One” due to its distinctive shoulder patch featuring a large red numeral “1.”
  • World War I Origins: The 26th Infantry Regiment, part of the 1st Division, was among the first American units to fight in Europe during World War I, seeing action at Cantigny, Soissons, and the Meuse-Argonne Offensive.
  • First American Offensive: The 26th Infantry was involved in the first American offensive of World War I at Cantigny in May 1918, marking a significant morale boost for Allied forces.
  • Normandy Landings: On D-Day, June 6, 1944, the 26th Infantry Regiment landed at Omaha Beach as part of the 1st Infantry Division’s assault, playing a crucial role in breaching German defenses.
  • Battle of the Bulge: During World War II, the 26th Infantry fought in the Battle of the Bulge, helping to repel the last major German offensive on the Western Front.
  • Vietnam War Service: The regiment saw extensive combat in Vietnam, where it was involved in numerous operations and earned multiple unit citations for valor.
  • Medal of Honor Recipients: The 26th Infantry Regiment has produced several Medal of Honor recipients across its history, highlighting acts of extraordinary bravery.
  • Cold War Stationing: During the Cold War, the 26th Infantry was stationed in West Germany as part of NATO’s forward defense against potential Warsaw Pact aggression.
  • Global War on Terrorism: Elements of the 26th Infantry have deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan as part of the Global War on Terror, continuing their legacy of active service.
  • Motto: The regiment’s motto is “Blue Spaders,” referencing the spade-shaped devices on their insignia and symbolizing their readiness to dig in and hold their ground.

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