3rd Battalion, 13th Infantry Regiment

3rd Battalion, 13th Infantry Regiment is a distinguished unit of the United States Army with a storied history dating to the American Civil War. Known as the "First at Vicksburg," the battalion has participated in numerous conflicts across the globe. It is currently assigned to the 199th Infantry Brigade at Fort Moore, Georgia, where it serves as an opposing force for training.

History

The lineage of the battalion traces to the original 13th Infantry Regiment, first constituted in 1861. During the American Civil War, elements of the regiment famously stormed the Confederate works at the Battle of Vicksburg. Following the war, the regiment participated in the Indian Wars, serving on the Western frontier. In 1898, it deployed to Cuba for the Spanish–American War, fighting in the Battle of Santiago de Cuba. The early 20th century saw service during the Philippine–American War and along the Mexican border. In World War II, the regiment fought with distinction in the Pacific Theater of Operations, engaging in campaigns like the Battle of Luzon. During the Vietnam War, the battalion conducted extensive operations in the III Corps Tactical Zone. More recently, it has deployed multiple times to Iraq for Operation Iraqi Freedom and to Afghanistan for Operation Enduring Freedom.

Lineage and honors

The battalion carries the lineage of Companies A and B, 1st Battalion, 13th Infantry Regiment, which were consolidated in 1869. Its campaign participation credits are extensive, spanning from the American Civil War to the Global War on Terrorism. The unit's coat of arms features a Vicksburg castle, symbolizing its Civil War service. Its distinctive unit insignia includes the motto "Forty Rounds," a reference to the response given by a soldier during the Battle of Vicksburg. The battalion is authorized to display battle honors including Presidential Unit Citations from World War II and the Vietnam War.

Organization and structure

The battalion is organized as a standard infantry battalion within the Army's Maneuver Center of Excellence. It is composed of a headquarters and headquarters company, three rifle companies, and a weapons company. As part of the 199th Infantry Brigade, its primary mission is to serve as the Opposing Force (OPFOR) for units training at the Joint Readiness Training Center and other TRADOC installations. This role involves simulating a near-peer adversary in large-scale force-on-force exercises.

Notable commanders and personnel

Among its notable former commanders is Brigadier General John W. Nicholson Jr., who later commanded U.S. Army Africa. Another distinguished leader was Colonel Arthur D. Simons, famed for his role in the Son Tay raid during the Vietnam War. The battalion also counts among its alumni Medal of Honor recipient First Lieutenant John R. Fox, who posthumously received the award for valor during World War II in Italy. Renowned General of the Army Douglas MacArthur served as a first lieutenant with the regiment early in his career.

Campaign participation and decorations

The battalion's campaign streamers include: American Civil War; Indian Wars; Spanish–American War; Philippine–American War; World War II (New Guinea, Luzon); Vietnam War (Counteroffensive, Phase III, Tet Counteroffensive); Operation Iraqi Freedom; and Operation Enduring Freedom. Its awarded decorations include the Valorous Unit Award for actions in Iraq, the Meritorious Unit Commendation for service in Vietnam, and the Philippine Presidential Unit Citation for World War II. The unit also holds the Army Superior Unit Award for its training support missions.

Current status and garrison

As of the latest available information, the 3rd Battalion, 13th Infantry Regiment is active and stationed at Fort Moore, Georgia. It remains an integral component of the 199th Infantry Brigade, which falls under the Forces Command (FORSCOM). The battalion's enduring mission is to provide a rigorous and realistic opposing force for rotational training brigades, ensuring the readiness of the Total Army. Its garrison at Fort Moore places it within the premier Maneuver Center of Excellence for the United States Army.