ABOUT 7th Infantry Division
- The 7th Infantry Division was activated on February 6, 1918 during World War I and has since participated in many major conflicts including World War II, the Korean War, and the Iraq War.
- During the Korean War, the 7th Infantry Division played a critical role in defending South Korea from North Korean invasion, earning the nickname "Hourglass Division" for their ability to hold the line against overwhelming enemy forces.
- The 7th Infantry Division was the first U.S. Army division to land on Japanese soil during World War II, conducting amphibious landings at the Battle of Attu in 1943 and the Battle of Kwajalein in 1944.
- The division's motto is "Lightning and Bayonets," symbolizing their speed and agility on the battlefield as well as their aggressive fighting spirit.
- The 7th Infantry Division is based at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington state and is known for its expertise in cold weather and mountain warfare training.
- The division was deployed to Iraq in 2003 and played a key role in the capture of Baghdad during Operation Iraqi Freedom, earning praise for their combat effectiveness and professionalism.
- The 7th Infantry Division's shoulder sleeve insignia features a blue bayonet on a white background, representing their infantry heritage and willingness to engage the enemy in close combat.
- During the Vietnam War, the 7th Infantry Division was reactivated and deployed to Southeast Asia, where they conducted search and destroy missions against Viet Cong and North Vietnamese forces.
- The division's combat history also includes operations in the Persian Gulf War, where they helped liberate Kuwait from Iraqi occupation as part of Operation Desert Storm in 1991.
- The 7th Infantry Division has received numerous awards and decorations for their service, including multiple Presidential Unit Citations, Meritorious Unit Commendations, and Combat Infantryman Badges.