29th Infantry Division (United States)
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| 29th Infantry Division (United States) | |
|---|---|
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| Unit name | 29th Infantry Division |
| Caption | Shoulder sleeve insignia |
| Dates | 1917–1919, 1923–1968, 1985–present |
| Country | United States |
| Branch | Army National Guard |
| Type | Infantry |
| Size | Division |
| Garrison | Fort Belvoir, Virginia |
| Nickname | "Blue and Gray" |
| Motto | "29, Let's Go!" |
| Colors | Blue and gray |
| Battles | World War I, World War II, War on Terror |
| Notable commanders | Charles G. Morton, Charles H. Gerhardt |
| Identification symbol label | Distinctive unit insignia |
29th Infantry Division (United States) is a division of the United States Army National Guard. It is nicknamed the "Blue and Gray," reflecting its heritage from Union Army and Confederate States Army units from Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania. The division is best known for its pivotal role in the Normandy landings during World War II, particularly on Omaha Beach. Headquartered at Fort Belvoir, the division continues to serve in the 21st century, with elements deploying for the War on Terror.
History
The division was first constituted for World War I in 1917, drawing National Guard units primarily from the Mid-Atlantic states. It deployed to France in 1918 as part of the American Expeditionary Forces under General John J. Pershing. The division saw significant combat during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, one of the final major Allied campaigns of the war. After the Armistice of 11 November 1918, the division was demobilized in 1919 before being reconstituted in the interwar period.
Organization
The division's historic core comprised units from the Maryland Army National Guard, the Virginia National Guard, and the District of Columbia National Guard. Its iconic shoulder patch, a monad design of blue and gray, symbolizes the reconciliation of North and South in the American Civil War. The division's primary subordinate brigades have included the 116th Infantry Regiment, the 175th Infantry Regiment, and the 111th Field Artillery Regiment. Following post-Cold War reorganizations, it now functions as a training and readiness command for other National Guard units.
World War II
Under the command of Major General Charles H. Gerhardt, the 29th Infantry Division was a key component of the V Corps assault on Omaha Beach during the D-Day landings on June 6, 1944. The division's 116th Infantry Regiment suffered heavy casualties in the initial waves. Following the Normandy campaign, the division fought through the Battle of Saint-Lô, the Battle of Brest, and the Battle of the Bulge. It was among the first American units to enter Germany and later helped capture the city of Bremen before the end of the war in Europe.
Post-World War II to present
After World War II, the division was inactivated in 1968 during a reorganization of the Army National Guard. It was reactivated in 1985 as a light infantry division. In the post-September 11 attacks era, elements of the division have deployed extensively, including to Afghanistan for Operation Enduring Freedom and to Kuwait and other locations for Operation Spartan Shield. The division headquarters also played a major role in coordinating the National Guard response to the January 6 United States Capitol attack.
Notable members
Several individuals who served with the division achieved significant prominence. Renowned war correspondent and author Ernie Pyle chronicled the division's actions in Normandy. Future United States Senator and Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy served in the division's 115th Infantry Regiment during the closing stages of World War II. Other notable members include Medal of Honor recipient Frank D. Peregory and General James L. Jones, who later served as Commandant of the Marine Corps and National Security Advisor.
Honors and legacy
The division's service, particularly on D-Day, is memorialized at the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford, Virginia, which honors the Bedford Boys of the 116th Infantry. The division received multiple campaign streamers for both world wars. Its history and enduring "29, Let's Go!" motto are featured in numerous works, including the film Saving Private Ryan and the HBO miniseries Band of Brothers. The division maintains a dedicated museum at Fort Belvoir to preserve its legacy.
Category:Infantry divisions of the United States Army Category:Military units and formations established in 1917