2nd Infantry Division

2nd Infantry Division
Unit name	2nd Infantry Division
Dates	1917–present
Country	United States
Branch	United States Army
Type	Infantry
Size	Division
Garrison	Camp Humphreys, South Korea
Nickname	"Indianhead"
Motto	"Second to None"
Battles	World War I, World War II, Korean War, Global War on Terrorism

2nd Infantry Division is a major formation of the United States Army, with a storied history dating back to its activation during World War I. Known as the "Indianhead" division for its distinctive unit insignia, it has fought in every major American conflict of the 20th and 21st centuries. The division is famously known for its continuous forward-deployed presence on the Korean Peninsula since the Korean War, serving as a key deterrent. Its motto, "Second to None," reflects its enduring legacy of combat readiness and valor.

History

The division was constituted in 1917 at Bourmont, France, making it unique as the first American division organized on foreign soil. It saw extensive combat on the Western Front, participating in major offensives like the Battle of Belleau Wood and the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. Following World War I, it was stationed at Fort Sam Houston in Texas before being called to action again for World War II. During that conflict, the division landed on Omaha Beach during the Normandy landings and fought across Europe, including the brutal Battle of the Bulge and the final push into Germany. After occupation duty, it was later rushed to the Korean Peninsula in July 1950, where it fought in critical battles like the Battle of the Pusan Perimeter and the Battle of Chipyong-ni.

Organization

The division's structure has evolved significantly over its history. During the Cold War, it was reorganized under the ROAD (Reorganization Objective Army Divisions) structure. Its current organization in South Korea is unique, comprising a combination of mechanized and Stryker brigade combat teams. A key feature is the integration of the Korean Augmentation to the United States Army (KATUSA) program, where Republic of Korea Army soldiers serve within its ranks. The division's major subordinate units have historically included the 1st and 2nd Brigade Combat Teams, an aviation brigade, and a division artillery headquarters.

Insignia and traditions

The division's shoulder sleeve insignia, a stylized Indian head on a white star superimposed on a black shield, is one of the most recognizable in the United States Army. This "Indianhead" symbol was adopted in 1918 and is said to represent the division's tenacity and fighting spirit. The division's official song is "The Indianhead Division March." Other traditions include the observance of the anniversaries of its key battles, such as the defense of Chipyong-ni, and the wearing of the Korean Presidential Unit Citation streamer by all assigned personnel, awarded for its service during the Korean War.

Commanders

The division has been led by numerous distinguished officers throughout its history. Early commanders included Major General John A. Lejeune of United States Marine Corps fame, who led it in France. Prominent World War II commanders were Major General Walter M. Robertson and Major General Edward M. Almond. In the Korean War, it was commanded by figures like Major General Laurence B. Keiser and later Major General Clark L. Ruffner. More recent commanders have included Lieutenant General Bernard W. Rogers, who later became Army Chief of Staff, and Lieutenant General David G. Perkins.

Notable campaigns and battles

The division's battle honors span multiple wars. In World War I, it fought in the Aisne-Marne Offensive and the Oise-Aisne Campaign. Its World War II campaign streamers include Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes-Alsace, and Central Europe. In the Korean War, it participated in the UN Defensive, UN Offensive, CCF Intervention, and First UN Counteroffensive campaigns, with standout actions at the Battle of the Naktong Bulge and the Third Battle of Seoul. Elements of the division have also deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

Current status and deployments

Headquartered at Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek, the division remains the only permanently forward-stationed United States Army division, serving under the combined command of United States Forces Korea and the United Nations Command. Its primary mission is to deter aggression and, if necessary, defend the Republic of Korea. The division regularly participates in major bilateral exercises like Key Resolve and Foal Eagle with the Republic of Korea Armed Forces. While its main force is in Asia, its components have been globally deployed, including rotations to Europe in support of NATO assurance missions.

Category:Infantry divisions of the United States Army Category:Military units and formations established in 1917