2nd Infantry Regiment (United States): Difference between revisions
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On March 3, 1791 Congress added to the Army the Second Regiment of Infantry. About the end of October the army, Second Infantry included, under Governor St. Clair commenced a campaign against Little Turtle, chief, of the Miami’s. On the 4th of November, 1791, about 60 miles from Fort Washington, the Indians, 1500 strong, surprised the troops and put them to flight with great slaughter. The American army numbered 2000, and of these 38 officers and 555 men were killed or missing, and 21 officers and 224 men were wounded, many of whom died. |
On March 3, 1791 Congress added to the Army the Second Regiment of Infantry. About the end of October the army, Second Infantry included, under Governor St. Clair commenced a campaign against Little Turtle, chief, of the Miami’s. On the 4th of November, 1791, about 60 miles from Fort Washington, the Indians, 1500 strong, surprised the troops and put them to flight with great slaughter. The American army numbered 2000, and of these 38 officers and 555 men were killed or missing, and 21 officers and 224 men were wounded, many of whom died. |
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=== Legion of the United States === |
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== History == |
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In 1792, Congress created the [[Legion of the United States]], which was a combined force of Infantry, Cavalry, and Artillery under the Command of Major General [[Anthony Wayne]]. This Legion consisted of four Sub-Legions of which the Second Infantry became the "Second Sub-Legion," The Legion fought the Miami Indians between 1792 and 1795 and finally defeated the Indians in a decisive manner at the [[Battle of Fallen Timbers|Fallen Timbers]] in the [[Northwest Territory]] on August 20, 1794. On November 1, 1796 the Legion was discontinued and the Second Sub-Legion again became the Second Regiment of Infantry. |
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| ⚫ | The modern 2nd Infantry Regiment traces its lineage to April 12, 1808. It was on this date that the 2nd Regiment of Infantry was constituted in the regular Army as a Company of the 6th Infantry. Under an act of Congress dated March 3, 1815 the regular army was drastically reduced and on May 17, 1815 a new Second Infantry was formed in accordance with this Act by the consolidation of the 6th, 16th, 22nd, 23rd, and 32nd Regiments of Infantry, LTC [[Hugh Brady]] is the regiments commander. |
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=== War of 1812 === |
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| ⚫ | In 1843, LTC [[Bennett C. Riley]], who commanded the 2nd Infantry through the Seminole and Mexican-American Wars presented the regiment with a drum major's baton, made from a ramrod, with a silver knob inscribed with the date of presentation, the name of the officer giving it and the regimental motto, "Noli Me Tangere" meaning "Do not touch me." During the assault on the fortress at Chapultapec, Mexico in 1847 the baton was broken and the flagstaff from that fortress was used to repair the baton with the silver mountings transferred to it. The baton is the symbol of the |
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In the [[War of 1812]] the 2nd Infantry Regiment and/or units of fought in the [[Battle of Chippawa]] on July 5, 1814 and in the [[Battle of Lundy’s Lane]] on July 25, 1814. The regiment was made famous by the gallant defense of Fort Bowyer Alabama on September 15, 1814 when 120 2nd Infantrymen held off 4 British vessels and more than 1300 troops. Several companies of the 2nd Infantry were at the [[Battle of New Orleans]] in January 1815. Due to changes made in March 1815 the history of the original 2nd Infantry comes to an end. |
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== New 2nd Infantry Regiment == |
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| ⚫ | The modern 2nd Infantry Regiment traces its lineage to April 12, 1808. It was on this date that the 2nd Regiment of Infantry was constituted in the regular Army as a Company of the 6th Infantry. Under an act of Congress dated March 3, 1815 the regular army was drastically reduced and on May 17, 1815 a new Second Infantry was formed in accordance with this Act by the consolidation of the 6th, 16th, 22nd, 23rd, and 32nd Regiments of Infantry, LTC [[Hugh Brady]] is the regiments commander. |
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=== First Indian War Period === |
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In the ensuing years the regiment was primarily concerned with manning and constructing forts around the Great Lakes. When the [[Black Hawk War]] of 1832 erupted the 2nd Infantry was sent to Illinois but did not actually participate in any fighting. In the [[Second Seminole War]] from 1838 to 1842 the regiment was in Florida on the move daily fighting and building roads and installations. LTC [[Bennett Riley]] assumed command of the regiment in April 1840. The regiment returned to their posts in New York in 1843. |
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| ⚫ | In 1843, LTC [[Bennett C. Riley]], who commanded the 2nd Infantry through the Seminole and Mexican-American Wars presented the regiment with a drum major's baton, made from a ramrod, with a silver knob inscribed with the date of presentation, the name of the officer giving it and the regimental motto, "Noli Me Tangere" meaning "Do not touch me." During the assault on the fortress at Chapultapec, Mexico in 1847 the baton was broken and the flagstaff from that fortress was used to repair the baton with the silver mountings transferred to it. The baton is the symbol of the regiment’s nickname: "RAMRODS". It is presently in the 1st Infantry Division Museum at Fort Riley, Kansas. |
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=== War with Mexico === |
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When War broke out with Mexico in 1846 the 2nd Infantry Regiment was sent to Camargo Mexico and joined General Twiggs Brigade. From September 1846 to December 1847 the regiment campaigned from the Rio Grande to Vera Cruz to Mexico City. The regiment returned to the United States in mid 1848. |
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=== Second Indian War Period === |
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Following depredations with the Indians in Oregon and California the regiment was sent west. The regiment sails via [[Rio de Janeiro]], [[Cape Hope]] and [[Santiago Chile]] to California. Between 1849 and 1853 the regiment was in California occupying stations from Goose Lake on the north to Fort Yuma on the south and the Pacific Ocean on the west and the Sierra Nevada’s on the east scouting and fighting in the entire area. The regiment returned to New York in 1853 only to be sent to the plains when they are occupied in the constructing or reconstructing of forts, building roads and scouting the hills and plains along the Missouri River as far west as [[Fort Kearny]] and [[Fort Laramie]]. |
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== American Civil War == |
== American Civil War == |
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During the Civil War the 2nd Infantry was involved in some of the first fighting of the war that took place in Missouri. They fought in 23 major engagements such as the [[Battle of Bull Run]], [[Antietam]], [[Fredericksburg]] and [[Gettysburg]]. Between 1865 and 1877 the regiment was deployed throughout the south enforcing the “Reconstruction” laws. |
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=== Third Indian War Period === |
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After the Civil War the Regiment was sent west to fight the Indians once again. From 1877 to 1886 they are in Washington, Oregon and Idaho once again fighting the [[Nez Perce]] then the [[Bannocks]] and the “[[Sheepeaters]]”. In 1886 they move to Nebraska to help fight the [[Sioux]]. They are on the [[Pine Ridge]] Reservation in December 1890 and remain on the western plains until 1898. |
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== Spanish American War == |
== Spanish American War == |
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== Philippine Insurrection == |
== Philippine Insurrection == |
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In August/September 1900 the 2nd Infantry |
In August/September 1900 the 2nd Infantry was sent to the Philippines to deal with the [[Philippine Insurrection]] and fought in over 25 engagements. Four years later, the regiment returned to duty in the western United States only to be redeployed to the Philippines in 1906. The regiment returned to the United States in 1908 and was in garrison until deploying to Hawaii 1911. |
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== World War I == |
== World War I == |
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Revision as of 13:40, 22 July 2008
| 2nd Infantry Regiment | |
|---|---|
| File:2-2 crest.gif 2nd Infantry Regiment distinctive insignia | |
| Active | 1808 – present |
| Country | U.S. |
| Branch | Regular Army |
| Type | Infantry |
| Role | 1st Bn - Mechanized Infantry 2nd Bn - Light Infantry |
| Garrison/HQ | 1st Bn - Schweinfurt, Germany 2nd Bn - Fort Hood, Texas |
| Nickname(s) | “Ramrods” |
| Motto(s) | “Noli Me Tangere!” |
| Engagements | War of 1812 Indian Wars Mexican War American Civil War War with Spain World War II Vietnam War Kosovo Campaign Global War on Terrorism |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders | Hugh Brady Bennett C. Riley |
Origins
On March 3, 1791 Congress added to the Army the Second Regiment of Infantry. About the end of October the army, Second Infantry included, under Governor St. Clair commenced a campaign against Little Turtle, chief, of the Miami’s. On the 4th of November, 1791, about 60 miles from Fort Washington, the Indians, 1500 strong, surprised the troops and put them to flight with great slaughter. The American army numbered 2000, and of these 38 officers and 555 men were killed or missing, and 21 officers and 224 men were wounded, many of whom died.
Legion of the United States
In 1792, Congress created the Legion of the United States, which was a combined force of Infantry, Cavalry, and Artillery under the Command of Major General Anthony Wayne. This Legion consisted of four Sub-Legions of which the Second Infantry became the "Second Sub-Legion," The Legion fought the Miami Indians between 1792 and 1795 and finally defeated the Indians in a decisive manner at the Fallen Timbers in the Northwest Territory on August 20, 1794. On November 1, 1796 the Legion was discontinued and the Second Sub-Legion again became the Second Regiment of Infantry.
War of 1812
In the War of 1812 the 2nd Infantry Regiment and/or units of fought in the Battle of Chippawa on July 5, 1814 and in the Battle of Lundy’s Lane on July 25, 1814. The regiment was made famous by the gallant defense of Fort Bowyer Alabama on September 15, 1814 when 120 2nd Infantrymen held off 4 British vessels and more than 1300 troops. Several companies of the 2nd Infantry were at the Battle of New Orleans in January 1815. Due to changes made in March 1815 the history of the original 2nd Infantry comes to an end.
New 2nd Infantry Regiment
The modern 2nd Infantry Regiment traces its lineage to April 12, 1808. It was on this date that the 2nd Regiment of Infantry was constituted in the regular Army as a Company of the 6th Infantry. Under an act of Congress dated March 3, 1815 the regular army was drastically reduced and on May 17, 1815 a new Second Infantry was formed in accordance with this Act by the consolidation of the 6th, 16th, 22nd, 23rd, and 32nd Regiments of Infantry, LTC Hugh Brady is the regiments commander.
First Indian War Period
In the ensuing years the regiment was primarily concerned with manning and constructing forts around the Great Lakes. When the Black Hawk War of 1832 erupted the 2nd Infantry was sent to Illinois but did not actually participate in any fighting. In the Second Seminole War from 1838 to 1842 the regiment was in Florida on the move daily fighting and building roads and installations. LTC Bennett Riley assumed command of the regiment in April 1840. The regiment returned to their posts in New York in 1843.
In 1843, LTC Bennett C. Riley, who commanded the 2nd Infantry through the Seminole and Mexican-American Wars presented the regiment with a drum major's baton, made from a ramrod, with a silver knob inscribed with the date of presentation, the name of the officer giving it and the regimental motto, "Noli Me Tangere" meaning "Do not touch me." During the assault on the fortress at Chapultapec, Mexico in 1847 the baton was broken and the flagstaff from that fortress was used to repair the baton with the silver mountings transferred to it. The baton is the symbol of the regiment’s nickname: "RAMRODS". It is presently in the 1st Infantry Division Museum at Fort Riley, Kansas.
War with Mexico
When War broke out with Mexico in 1846 the 2nd Infantry Regiment was sent to Camargo Mexico and joined General Twiggs Brigade. From September 1846 to December 1847 the regiment campaigned from the Rio Grande to Vera Cruz to Mexico City. The regiment returned to the United States in mid 1848.
Second Indian War Period
Following depredations with the Indians in Oregon and California the regiment was sent west. The regiment sails via Rio de Janeiro, Cape Hope and Santiago Chile to California. Between 1849 and 1853 the regiment was in California occupying stations from Goose Lake on the north to Fort Yuma on the south and the Pacific Ocean on the west and the Sierra Nevada’s on the east scouting and fighting in the entire area. The regiment returned to New York in 1853 only to be sent to the plains when they are occupied in the constructing or reconstructing of forts, building roads and scouting the hills and plains along the Missouri River as far west as Fort Kearny and Fort Laramie.
American Civil War
During the Civil War the 2nd Infantry was involved in some of the first fighting of the war that took place in Missouri. They fought in 23 major engagements such as the Battle of Bull Run, Antietam, Fredericksburg and Gettysburg. Between 1865 and 1877 the regiment was deployed throughout the south enforcing the “Reconstruction” laws.
Third Indian War Period
After the Civil War the Regiment was sent west to fight the Indians once again. From 1877 to 1886 they are in Washington, Oregon and Idaho once again fighting the Nez Perce then the Bannocks and the “Sheepeaters”. In 1886 they move to Nebraska to help fight the Sioux. They are on the Pine Ridge Reservation in December 1890 and remain on the western plains until 1898.
Spanish American War
From 1877 to 1898, the 2nd Infantry fought in a series of Indian campaigns in the Pacific Northwest and the Great Plains. In 1898 the regiment was deployed to Cuba at the start of the Spanish-American War, participating in the battles of Santiago and San Juan Hill, where it fought side by side with Teddy Roosevelt’s “Rough Riders.” In August 1898 the regiment returns to the United States and then return to Cuba in January 1899 and stay there until September 1899 when they return to the United States only to be ordered to prepare for deployment to the Philippines.
Philippine Insurrection
In August/September 1900 the 2nd Infantry was sent to the Philippines to deal with the Philippine Insurrection and fought in over 25 engagements. Four years later, the regiment returned to duty in the western United States only to be redeployed to the Philippines in 1906. The regiment returned to the United States in 1908 and was in garrison until deploying to Hawaii 1911.
World War I
When war breaks out the regiment is on security duty in the Hawaiian Islands guarding interned Germany ships and various U S installations. In July 1918 they return to the United States and are assigned to the 19th Division at Camp Dodge, Iowa. The war ended just as the regiment was about to deploy to France. The 2nd is relieved from the 19th Division and resumes as a seperate regiment.
World War II
In 1939 prior to World War II, the regiment was assigned to the 5th Infantry Division. In February 1942 the regiment was sent to Iceland to provide security for U. S. bases located there. The regiment was then sent to England and then Ireland. In July 1944 the regiment along with the 5th Infantry Division land in Normandy, France. They become part of General George Patton's Third United States Army, leading the way in the breakout from the beaches of Normandy in Operation Cobra, capturing Rheims and seizing Metz after a major battle at Fort Driant. The 2nd Infantry Regiment forced a crossing of the Sauer River and attacked into the Siegfried Line. The Regiment Crossed the Rhine River near the Oppenheim and secured crossing for other Third Army units. The unit then spearheaded the attack into Czechoslovakia and was located near the town of Volary when the word came to cease all forward movement at 0831 hours on the 7th of May 1945. In 276 days of combat the regiment captured 275 cities and towns, crossed 20 rivers and captured 22,103 of the enemy.
Post World War II
Following WW II the regiment returned to the United States and was deactivated and reactivated several times and even returned to Germany for a period. During the Korean Conflict the regiment was with the 5th Infantry Division training new recruits for possible deployment. In June 1957 at the time of the Pentomic reorganization the 2nd Battalion was reorganized and redesignated as Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battle Group, 2nd Infantry. The battalion was released from assignment with 5th Infantry Division and was assigned to the 1st Infantry Division. In January 1959 the 2nd Battalion was reassigned to the 24th Infantry Division in Germany. In February 1962 the 2nd Battalion was reassigned from the 24th Infantry Division and returned to the 5th Infantry Division and was stationed at Fort Devens, Massachusetts along with the 1st Battalion.
Vietnam Era
In July 1965 the 1st and 2nd Battalions were assigned to the 1st Infantry Division and in September 1965 they deploy to Vietnam. The battalions initially fought as light infantry in the areas North and West of Saigon. In January 1967 the 2nd Battalion became mechanized, they are the first one in the division at that time. Major operations include: Junction City, the largest operation conducted at that time, Lam Son II, Paul Bunyon, An Loc and An Loc II, plus numerous other operations. Both battalions did proud for themselves, earning numerous awards and citations. Both battalions along with the 1st Infantry Division returned to the United States in April 1970.
Modern Era
On March 21, 1973 the 2nd Battalion, 2nd Infantry was relieved from assignment to the 1st Infantry Division (M) and reassigned to the 9th Infantry Division. The 1st Battalion remained with the 1st Infantry Division until it was inactivated on October 1, 1983. The 2nd Battalion was activated on November 6, 1987 as a Combined Arms Battalion-Heavy (CAB-H). In May 1991 the 2nd Battalion was deactivated and relieved from assignment to the 9th Infantry Division.
The 2nd Battalion was reassigned to the 1st Infantry Division and reactivated on February 16, 1996 at Rose Barracks, Vilseck Germany. The 2nd Battalion deployed to Bosnia in support of operation Joint Guard in 1996. In 1997 the Unit was awarded the Army Superior Unit Award for actions such as Brcko riots and Hill 562. The 2nd Battalion redeployed to Vilseck in October 1997. On the 24th of November 1999, the unit deployed to Camp Monteith, Kosovo. The unit was redeployed in June 2000 to Vilseck.
War on Terrorism
After September 11th, the unit was deployed again to Kosovo, and then to Iraq. B Company arrived in April 2003 and the balance of the battalion in the spring of 2004. In November 2004 the unit fought alongside the Marine Corps in the Battle of Fallujah. One of their members, SSG David Bellavia, was recommended for the Medal of Honor and the Distinguished Service Cross for actions during the battle. Both awards are still under review. Task Force 2-2 Infantry also fought at Al Muqdadiyah, An Najaf, Al Fallujah, Mosul, and Baqubah. The 2nd Battalion, 2nd Infantry received a Presidental Unit Award for their actions in the Battle of Fallujah.
The 2nd Battalion returned to Germany in February 2005 and was subsequently deactivated. On April 19th 2007 the 2nd Battalion, 2nd Infantry was activated as a light infantry battalion with the 1st Infantry Division, 3rd Brigade Combat Team at Fort Hood, Texas.
On March 17th 2008 the 1st Battalion, 2nd Infantry was activated in Schweinfurt, Germany with the reflagging of the 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry. 1-18 was a part of 2nd "Dagger" Brigade, 1st Infantry Division which was also reflagged as the 172nd Infantry Brigade(Separate). The 1st Battalion, 2nd Infantry is assigned to 172nd Infantry Brigade and is at present a mechanized infantry battalion. The battalion has adopted the motto "BACK IN BLACK" in recognition of its service in Vietnam and the wearing of a Black Scarf.
June/July 2008, the 2nd Battalion has been deployed to Afghanistan.
Medal of Honor Recipient
SSG James Leroy Bondsteel was awarded the Medal of Honor for actions in An Loc Province, Vietnam, on the 24th of May 1969.
The major US Army basecamp in Kosovo was named in his honor.
2nd Infantry Honors
Campaigns
War of 1812
Mexican-American War
Indian Wars
Spanish-American War
Philippine Insurrection
- Streamer W/O Inscription
Civil War
- Bull Run
- Peninsula
- Shiloh
- Manassas
- Antietam
- Fredericksburg
- Murfreesboro
- Chancellorsville
- Gettysburg
- Chickamauga
- Chattanooga
- Wilderness
- Atlanta
- Spotsylvania
- Cold Harbor
- Petersburg
- Missouri 1861
- Kentucky 1862
- Mississippi 1862
- Virginia 1862
- Virginia 1863
- Tennessee 1863
- Georgia 1864
World War II
Vietnam
- Defense
- Counteroffensive
- Counteroffensive, Phase II
- Counteroffensive, Phase III
- Tet Counteroffensive
- Counteroffensive, Phase IV
- Counteroffensive, Phase V
- Counteroffensive, Phase VI
- Tet 69/Counteroffensive
- Summer-Fall 1969
- Winter-Spring 1970
War on Terrorism
- Iraq
Decorations
1st Battalion, 2nd Infantry
- Company A entitled to: Valorous Unit Award for AN LOC 1970
- Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm for VIETNAM 1965-1968
- Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm for VIETNAM 1969
- Republic of Vietnam Civil Action Honor Medal, First Class for VIETNAM 1965-1970
2nd Battalion, 2nd Infantry
- Presidential Unit Citation for FALLUJAH
- Company E entitled to: DUC embroidered SANRY SUR NIED. (WD GO 68, 1945)
- Company H, 1st Section, 3rd Platoon entitled to: DUC embroidered SANRY SUR NIE. (nondisplayable) (WD GO 68, 1945)
- Company E entitled to: Fr CdeG with Palm embroidered SANRY SUR NIED. (DA GO 43, 1950)
- Valorous Unit Award for AP BAU BANG 1965
- Valorous Unit Award for BINH DUONG PROVINCE 1965
- Valorous Unit Award for BINH LONG PROVINCE 1969
- Company C entitled to: Valorous Unit Award for BINH LONG PROVINCE 1968
- Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm for VIETNAM 1965-1968
- Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm for VIETNAM 1969
- Republic of Vietnam Civil Action Honor Medal, First Class for VIETNAM 1965-1970
- Army Superior Unit Award for 1997
3rd Battalion, 2nd Infantry
NO DECORATIONS