ABOUT 5:15 1st Infantry Div
- Origins: The 5th Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment ("5/15 IN") is part of the storied 15th Infantry Regiment, which was first constituted in 1861 and has a lineage intertwined with many major U.S. Army campaigns.
- World War II Service: The 15th Infantry Regiment fought valiantly in North Africa, Sicily, Italy, France, and Germany as part of the 3rd Infantry Division, earning numerous campaign streamers.
- Korean War: The regiment, including units like the 5/15, was heavily engaged in the Korean War, participating in fierce battles such as the defense of the Pusan Perimeter and the advance to the Yalu River.
- Assignment to the 1st Infantry Division: The 5th Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, was assigned to the 1st Infantry Division ("Big Red One") during periods of reorganization, reflecting the Army’s changing structure post-Vietnam.
- Vietnam Era: Elements of the 15th Infantry, including 5/15, served in Vietnam, conducting operations in challenging terrains and earning a reputation for resilience.
- Famous Alumni: The 15th Infantry Regiment's most famous member is Audie Murphy, the most decorated U.S. soldier of World War II, although he was with the 3rd Infantry Division.
- Cold War Deployments: Throughout the Cold War, the 5/15 IN participated in major NATO exercises in Europe, demonstrating U.S. commitment to allied defense.
- Unit Motto: The regiment's motto, “Can Do,” reflects its ethos and is proudly carried by the 5/15 Battalion.
- Legacy Honors: The 15th Infantry Regiment has received numerous unit citations and foreign awards, including the French Croix de Guerre and the Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation.
- Modern Era: The 5th Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, continues its legacy in various forms, with its lineage preserved through reflagging and reactivation in modern U.S. Army organizations, upholding its proud traditions.