25th Infantry Division (United States)

25th Infantry Division (United States)
Unit name	25th Infantry Division
Caption	Shoulder sleeve insignia
Dates	1941–present
Country	United States
Branch	United States Army
Type	Infantry
Role	Light infantry
Size	Division
Garrison	Schofield Barracks, Hawaii
Nickname	"Tropic Lightning"
Motto	"Ready to Strike, Anywhere, Anytime"
Battles	World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, War in Afghanistan, Iraq War
Notable commanders	J. Lawton Collins, William B. Kean, Samuel T. Williams
Identification symbol label	Distinctive unit insignia

25th Infantry Division (United States). The 25th Infantry Division is a United States Army Infantry formation, first activated in 1941 from units of the Hawaiian Division. Nicknamed "Tropic Lightning," it has served in major conflicts from World War II to the Global War on Terrorism. The division is headquartered at Schofield Barracks in Hawaii and is a component of United States Army Pacific.

History

The division was activated on 1 October 1941 at Schofield Barracks as the United States prepared for potential conflict in the Pacific Theater. Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, it initially defended the Hawaiian Islands before deploying for combat. Its first major campaign was on Guadalcanal, where it relieved the 1st Marine Division in late 1942. The 25th Infantry Division subsequently fought in the Solomon Islands campaign, participating in actions on New Georgia and Vella Lavella. In 1945, it saw intense combat during the liberation of the Philippines, notably on Luzon at battles like Balete Pass. After World War II, the division performed occupation duty in Japan before being rushed to the Korean Peninsula following the outbreak of the Korean War in 1950. It fought in critical battles including the Pusan Perimeter, the advance to the Yalu River, and the Third Battle of Seoul. The division later served extensively in the Vietnam War, operating primarily in the III Corps Tactical Zone around Saigon and the Central Highlands from 1966 to 1971.

Organization

The 25th Infantry Division is organized as a modular light infantry division. Its current structure includes two infantry brigade combat teams: the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, and the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team at Schofield Barracks. The division also commands the 25th Combat Aviation Brigade, based in Wheeler Army Airfield, and the 25th Division Artillery. Additional support is provided by the 25th Sustainment Brigade. This structure allows the division's components to deploy independently or as part of a larger joint task force under United States Indo-Pacific Command.

Campaigns and operations

The division's campaign participation credits span multiple wars. In World War II, it earned credit for the Guadalcanal campaign, Northern Solomons campaign, and the Luzon campaign. During the Korean War, it participated in ten designated campaigns, including the UN Defensive and UN Offensive. In the Vietnam War, it was involved in twelve campaigns, such as the Tet Offensive and Cambodian Campaign. More recently, elements have deployed in support of the War in Afghanistan, Iraq War, and Operation Inherent Resolve. The division also regularly participates in bilateral exercises across the Indo-Pacific region, like Exercise Balikatan in the Philippines and Exercise Cobra Gold in Thailand.

Insignia and nicknames

The division's shoulder sleeve insignia is a lightning bolt superimposed on a taro leaf, set within a red circle. This design, approved in 1943, gives rise to its primary nickname, "Tropic Lightning," reflecting its rapid deployment to the Pacific in World War II. An earlier, unofficial nickname was "Pineapple Division," used during its initial activation in Hawaii. The taro leaf represents the division's Hawaiian origins, while the lightning bolt signifies speed and striking power. Its motto is "Ready to Strike, Anywhere, Anytime."

Notable members

Many soldiers who served with the division achieved high rank or fame. Notable commanders include General J. Lawton Collins, who led the division on Guadalcanal and later became Army Chief of Staff. General William B. Kean commanded during the Korean War. Medal of Honor recipients from the division include James L. Stone (Korean War) and Milton A. Lee (Vietnam War). Other distinguished members include astronaut James McDivitt, who served with the division in the Korean War, and actor Audie Murphy, who was briefly assigned to the division during the Occupation of Japan.

Current status

As of the 2020s, the 25th Infantry Division remains a key element of the U.S. Army's forward presence in the Pacific. Headquartered at Schofield Barracks, its brigades are stationed in Hawaii and Alaska. The division focuses on readiness for a wide range of missions, from humanitarian assistance to large-scale combat operations, in support of United States Indo-Pacific Command objectives. It continues to modernize its equipment and training to address evolving security challenges in the region.

Category:Infantry divisions of the United States Army Category:Military units and formations in Hawaii Category:Military units and formations established in 1941