13th United States Infantry Regiment

13th United States Infantry Regiment is one of the oldest and most distinguished regiments in the United States Army, with a lineage tracing back to the American Civil War. Known by its special designation "First at Vicksburg," the regiment has served in numerous conflicts from the Western Frontier to the Global War on Terrorism. Its storied history includes significant actions during the Indian Wars, the Spanish–American War, and the Vietnam War.

History

The regiment was first constituted on 3 May 1861, following the outbreak of the American Civil War, and organized at Fort Independence in Massachusetts. It saw extensive service in the Western Theater, most notably during the Vicksburg campaign, where it earned its enduring nickname for being among the first Union Army units to enter the Confederate defenses at the Siege of Vicksburg. Following the war, the 13th Infantry was inactivated in 1865 but was reconstituted the following year, deploying to the Western United States to participate in the Indian Wars, engaging tribes such as the Sioux and the Nez Perce. During the Spanish–American War, the regiment fought in the Battle of Santiago de Cuba and later served in the Philippine–American War. In the 20th century, it fought with distinction in the Pacific Theater during World War II, notably in the New Guinea campaign and the Battle of Luzon, and later in the Korean War at battles like the Battle of Pork Chop Hill. During the Vietnam War, the regiment operated in the III Corps Tactical Zone and was awarded the Valorous Unit Award for actions in War Zone C. More recently, elements have deployed in support of the War in Afghanistan.

Lineage and honors

The regiment's official lineage begins with its constitution in the Regular Army in 1861. Its campaign participation is recognized by numerous streamers on its organizational colors, and it holds the special designation "First at Vicksburg," approved by the United States Department of the Army. The regiment's coat of arms and distinctive unit insignia incorporate symbols from its battle history, including the castle from the U.S. coat of arms and a picket pin representing its frontier service. Its honors include a Presidential Unit Citation for the Huertgen Forest in World War II, a Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, and multiple awards of the Meritorious Unit Commendation.

Notable members

Several soldiers who served with the 13th Infantry achieved high rank or national fame. John M. Schofield, who served as a lieutenant early in his career, later became the Commanding General of the United States Army and United States Secretary of War. Frederick Funston, who earned the Medal of Honor for actions in the Philippine–American War, later rose to the rank of major general. Renowned World War II cartoonist and creator of *Sad Sack, Sgt. George Baker, served with the regiment. Another notable figure is Brigadier General James L. Baldwin, a recipient of the Distinguished Service Cross for valor in Vietnam.

Campaign participation credit

The regiment has earned credit for campaigns in multiple wars, a record displayed on its campaign streamers. These include the American Civil War (Vicksburg, Mississippi River), the Indian Wars (Little Big Horn), the Spanish–American War (Santiago), and the Philippine–American War (Samar). In World War II, it participated in the New Guinea and Luzon campaigns. Its Korean War service includes the Third Battle of Seoul and the Battle of Pork Chop Hill. During the Vietnam War, it was involved in campaigns such as Counteroffensive, Phase III and the Tet Counteroffensive. It has also received campaign credit for the Global War on Terrorism.

Distinctive unit insignia and coat of arms

The regiment's distinctive unit insignia is a gold color metal and enamel device featuring a blue shield with a white bend charged with a red picket pin, all surmounted by a castle in gold. The castle, taken from the U.S. arms, represents the regiment's early organization at Fort Independence. The picket pin alludes to service on the frontier during the Indian Wars. The coat of arms appears on the regiment's flag and features the same blue shield and charges. The regiment's motto, "Forty Rounds", displayed on a scroll at the base, originates from an incident during the Battle of Vicksburg where a commander called for "forty rounds" of ammunition. The colors white and red are the traditional infantry colors.

Category:Infantry regiments of the United States Army Category:Military units and formations established in 1861