141st Infantry Regiment (United States)

141st Infantry Regiment (United States) is a United States Army infantry regiment, part of the Texas Army National Guard. With its lineage tracing to 1880, it is one of the oldest military units in Texas and carries the special designation "First Texas." The regiment has served in major conflicts including World War I, World War II, and the War in Afghanistan, earning numerous decorations for its combat actions.

History

The regiment's origins date to militia units formed in the Republic of Texas prior to its annexation by the United States. It was formally organized in 1880 as the 1st Texas Infantry within the Texas National Guard. The unit was mobilized for federal service on the Mexico–United States border during the Pancho Villa Expedition in 1916. It was inducted into the American Expeditionary Forces during World War I, where it was redesignated as the 141st Infantry and assigned to the 36th Infantry Division, a partnership that continues today. Between the world wars, the regiment trained extensively in Camp Bowie and other posts.

World War II

The 141st Infantry Regiment was federalized in 1940 and underwent intensive training at Camp Blanding and in Hawaii. As part of the 36th Infantry Division, it entered combat in the Italian Campaign during the Allied invasion of Italy. The regiment faced brutal fighting at the Battle of San Pietro Infine and the subsequent assaults on the Winter Line. Its most famous and costly action was during the Battle of Rapido River in January 1944, a controversial and failed crossing attempt that resulted in heavy casualties. The regiment later fought with distinction in the invasion of Southern France, advancing through the Vosges mountains and participating in the reduction of the Colmar Pocket. It earned the French Croix de Guerre for its actions at Belfort Gap.

Post-World War II

Following World War II, the regiment reverted to state control with the Texas Army National Guard. Elements were activated during the Korean War and the Berlin Crisis of 1961. In the late 20th century, the regiment's structure shifted, with its 1st Battalion remaining the primary active element. This battalion deployed multiple times in support of the Global War on Terrorism, including a notable deployment to Afghanistan in 2008-2009 where it conducted security and training missions, earning a Valorous Unit Award. The regiment continues to train at Fort Hood and Fort Bliss as a key component of the 36th Infantry Division.

Notable members

* John H. "Jack" Llewellen – Received the Distinguished Service Cross for heroism at the Rapido River. * James Earl Rudder – Served as an officer in the regiment before commanding the 2nd Ranger Battalion at Pointe du Hoc. * Audie Murphy – America's most decorated World War II soldier, served briefly with the regiment before transferring to the 3rd Infantry Division. * Harlon H. Block – One of the flag raisers immortalized in the Iwo Jima photograph, served with the regiment early in the war.

Honors and awards

The regiment has received numerous unit decorations, including a Presidential Unit Citation for actions in the Vosges during World War II. It also holds a Valorous Unit Award for combat in Afghanistan. Its campaign participation credits span from World War I to the War in Afghanistan, including the Rhine and Ardennes campaigns. The regiment's coat of arms features symbols of the Alamo, reflecting its Texas heritage and motto, "Remember the Alamo."

Category:Infantry regiments of the United States Army Category:Texas Army National Guard Category:Military units and formations established in 1880