2nd Infantry Division (United States)

2nd Infantry Division (United States)
Unit name	2nd Infantry Division
Caption	Shoulder sleeve insignia
Dates	1917–present
Country	United States
Branch	United States Army
Type	Infantry
Role	Combined arms
Size	Division
Command structure	Eighth Army
Garrison	Camp Humphreys, South Korea
Nickname	"Indianhead", "Warrior Division"
Motto	*"Second to None" *"De Oppresso Liber" (1st Brigade)
Battles	World War I, World War II, Korean War, Global War on Terrorism
Notable commanders	John A. Lejeune, John C. H. Lee, Edward M. Almond, Claude V. Ricketts
Identification symbol	75px
Identification symbol label	Distinctive unit insignia

2nd Infantry Division (United States). The 2nd Infantry Division is a major formation of the United States Army, first constituted in 1917 during World War I. Known as the "Indianhead Division" for its distinctive shoulder sleeve insignia, it has a storied combat history spanning the Western Front, the European Theater in World War II, and the Korean War. It is the only permanently forward-deployed U.S. Army division, currently stationed in the Republic of Korea as a key deterrent force on the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ).

History

The division was officially activated at Bourmont, France in October 1917, composed of Marine and Army brigades, and fought in major American Expeditionary Forces engagements like the Battle of Belleau Wood and the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. Following World War I, it was stationed at Fort Sam Houston before being reactivated for World War II, landing at Omaha Beach on D-Day+1 and fighting through the Battle of Normandy, the Battle of the Bulge, and the advance to the Elbe River. After occupation duty, it deployed to Korea in July 1950, participating in critical battles at the Pusan Perimeter, Ch'ongch'on River, and Chipyong-ni, remaining on the peninsula after the Korean Armistice Agreement.

Organization

The division's current structure is tailored for its mission in South Korea. Its major maneuver brigades include the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team and the Division Artillery. It also commands the 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade, providing aviation support, and the 210th Field Artillery Brigade. A unique aspect is its operational control over the ROK Army's Capital Mechanized Infantry Division, forming a combined division under the U.S.-ROK alliance. Key support units include the 2nd Infantry Division Sustainment Brigade.

Campaigns and battles

The division's campaign streamers include World War I (Aisne, Meuse-Argonne), World War II (Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes-Alsace, Central Europe), and the Korean War (UN Defensive, UN Offensive, CCF Intervention, First UN Counteroffensive, CCF Spring Offensive, UN Summer-Fall Offensive). Notable battles are the Battle of Blanc Mont Ridge in 1918, the Battle for Brest in 1944, and the defense of "The Notch" during the Chinese Spring Offensive in 1951.

Insignia and nicknames

The division's primary shoulder sleeve insignia, a stylized Plains Indian head in white on a black star, earned it the enduring nickname "Indianhead Division." The insignia was approved in 1918, with its design credited to then-Captain John H. Parker. A second nickname, "Warrior Division," is also commonly used. Its official motto is "Second to None." The 75th Ranger Regiment's distinctive unit insignia also incorporates the Indianhead symbol, reflecting historical lineage ties.

Notable members

Many distinguished soldiers have served with the division, including Marine Commandant John A. Lejeune, who commanded it in World War I. Medal of Honor recipients from the division include World War I veteran John J. Kelly and Korean War heroes Lewis L. Millett and Travis E. Watkins. Other notable members are General John C. H. Lee, Lieutenant General Edward M. Almond, and Admiral Claude V. Ricketts. Famed cartoonist and World War II correspondent Bill Mauldin was also assigned to the division.

Current status and garrison

Headquartered at Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek, the 2nd Infantry Division remains the cornerstone of U.S. ground forces in South Korea under the United States Forces Korea and Eighth Army. Its mission is to deter North Korean aggression and, if necessary, "Fight Tonight" in defense of the Republic of Korea. The division maintains a high state of readiness through continuous combined exercises with ROK forces, such as Ulchi Freedom Shield, and leverages the most modern equipment in the U.S. Army inventory.

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