ABOUT 3D Battalion 36th Infantry
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- World War II Origins: The 3rd Battalion, 36th Infantry Regiment, traces its roots to the original 36th Infantry Regiment, which was constituted in 1917 and served with distinction in both World Wars.
- Normandy Campaign: During World War II, the 36th Infantry Regiment, including 3rd Battalion, took part in the D-Day landings and fought across Normandy, France, playing a key role in liberating occupied towns.
- Attached to the 3rd Armored Division: The 36th Infantry Regiment was mechanized and attached to the famed "Spearhead" 3rd Armored Division, participating in fast-moving armored warfare across Europe.
- Battle of the Bulge: The battalion fought in the critical Battle of the Bulge in the winter of 1944–1945, helping to repel the last major German offensive on the Western Front.
- Liberation of Concentration Camps: Elements of the 3rd Battalion were among the U.S. forces that discovered and liberated concentration camps in Germany, witnessing firsthand the atrocities committed there.
- Post-War Service in Germany: After World War II, the 3rd Battalion was part of the occupation forces in Germany, helping to rebuild and stabilize the country.
- Cold War Missions: Throughout the Cold War, the battalion stationed in Germany served as a frontline unit, prepared to deter or respond to any Soviet aggression in Europe.
- Distinctive Unit Insignia: The 36th Infantry Regiment's insignia features a blue shield with a silver bend, symbolizing its infantry heritage and its distinguished combat record.
- Reactivation and Modern Missions: In the 21st century, elements of the 36th Infantry, including the 3rd Battalion, have been reactivated or reorganized for training and operational missions, continuing their legacy of service.
- Notable Decorations: The 3rd Battalion and the 36th Infantry Regiment have been awarded numerous honors, including Presidential Unit Citations, for extraordinary heroism in action.