7th Infantry Division (United States)

7th Infantry Division (United States)
Unit name	7th Infantry Division
Caption	Distinctive unit insignia of the 7th Infantry Division
Dates	1917–1921, 1940–1971, 1974–1994, 1999–2006, 2012–present
Country	United States
Branch	United States Army
Type	Infantry
Role	Light infantry
Size	Division
Nickname	"Bayonet Division", "Hourglass Division"
Motto	"Trust in Me"
Battles	World War I, World War II, Korean War, Operation Just Cause, Operation Desert Storm
Notable commanders	Charles H. Gerhardt, Archibald V. Arnold, David L. Bramlett
Identification symbol label	Shoulder sleeve insignia

7th Infantry Division (United States). The 7th Infantry Division is a major formation of the United States Army, first activated during World War I. Known as the "Bayonet" or "Hourglass" Division, it has served with distinction in major conflicts including World War II, the Korean War, and the Cold War. The division is currently active as a light infantry unit, headquartered at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington.

History

The division was first constituted in late 1917 at Camp Wheeler, Georgia, and deployed to France during World War I, where it saw combat in the final stages of the Second Battle of the Marne and the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. Following the Armistice of 11 November 1918, it served in the Army of Occupation before returning to the United States and deactivating in 1921. Reactivated in 1940 at Fort Ord, California, under the command of Joseph W. Stilwell, it trained extensively for Pacific theater operations. Throughout the Cold War, the division was a key component of the United States Army Pacific and underwent significant reorganizations, including conversion to a ROAD division and later a light infantry configuration. It was inactivated in 1994, briefly reactivated in the early 2000s, and has been active again since 2012.

Organization

The division's original World War I structure included the 13th and 14th Infantry Brigades. Its World War II "triangular" organization comprised the 17th, 32nd, and 184th Infantry Regiments, supported by the 31st, 48th, and 49th Field Artillery Battalions. During the Korean War, it was augmented with Republic of Korea Army soldiers in the Korean Augmentation to the United States Army (KATUSA) program. Its current light infantry structure includes the 2nd Infantry Division's 1st Stryker Brigade, the 25th Infantry Division's 1st Brigade, and the division artillery headquarters.

Campaigns and battles

In World War II, the division fought extensively in the Aleutian Islands Campaign, notably recapturing Attu Island and participating in the Kiska landings. It later conducted amphibious assaults in the Pacific Ocean theater of World War II, including the Battle of Kwajalein, the Battle of Leyte, and the Battle of Okinawa. During the Korean War, it was a central force in the Battle of Inchon, the advance to the Yalu River, and the brutal defense during the Battle of the Chosin Reservoir. In the late 20th century, elements participated in Operation Just Cause in Panama and provided support during Operation Desert Storm. More recently, its brigades have deployed for training and security missions in the Asia-Pacific region.

Commanders

Notable commanders include its first World War I leader, Charles H. Gerhardt. In World War II, it was commanded by figures like Archibald V. Arnold during the Aleutian Islands Campaign and Eugene M. Landrum. During the Korean War, it was led by David G. Barr and later Lyman L. Lemnitzer. Prominent Cold War-era commanders include James F. Hollingsworth and David L. Bramlett. Its current commander is a major general serving under I Corps and United States Army Pacific.

Honors and awards

The division has received multiple unit decorations, including the Army Superior Unit Award for its service in Korea from 1983 to 1987. Its subordinate units have earned numerous Presidential Unit Citations and Valorous Unit Awards for actions in conflicts from World War II to the Global War on Terrorism. Individual soldiers have been awarded the Medal of Honor, such as John D. Kelly for heroism on Okinawa and Raymond G. Murphy during the Korean War.

Legacy and memorials

The division's legacy is preserved at museums like the 7th Infantry Division Museum at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. Its motto, "Trust in Me," and the hourglass insignia remain iconic symbols. The division is honored at the Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., and its service is commemorated in unit histories and veteran associations. The continued service of its current brigades upholds the "Bayonet Division's" long-standing role in the defense of the United States and its interests abroad.

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