First United States Army

First United States Army
source
Unit name	First Army
Caption	Shoulder sleeve insignia
Dates	10 August 1918 – 20 April 1919, 8 September 1932 – present
Country	United States
Branch	United States Army
Type	Field army
Role	Training readiness and mobilization
Command structure	United States Army Forces Command
Garrison	Rock Island Arsenal, Illinois
Nickname	"First In Deed"
Motto	*"First In Deed" *"Power of the Past, Force of the Future"
Battles	World War I, World War II
Notable commanders	John J. Pershing, Omar Bradley, Courtney Hodges
Identification symbol label	Distinctive unit insignia

First United States Army. It is one of the oldest and most storied formations in the United States Army, first established during World War I. Throughout its history, it has played pivotal roles in major conflicts, transitioning in the post-war era to focus on training and mobilizing reserve component forces. Today, headquartered at Rock Island Arsenal, it serves as a key component of United States Army Forces Command.

History

The lineage of the army traces back to its initial activation in France, with its headquarters established by order of General of the Armies John J. Pershing. Following its dissolution after the Armistice of 11 November 1918, it was reconstituted in the interwar period within the Continental United States. Its historical significance is marked by its continuous service, making it one of the few American field armies with a permanent presence.

World War I

During the final campaigns of the conflict, this formation was instrumental in the reduction of the Saint-Mihiel salient and the grueling Meuse-Argonne offensive. Commanded directly by Pershing, it comprised several American Expeditionary Forces corps, including those led by Hunter Liggett and Joseph T. Dickman. Its operations were crucial in breaking the Hindenburg Line and compelling the German Empire to seek an armistice.

World War II

Under the command of General Omar Bradley, it was the first American field army deployed to the European Theater of Operations, overseeing the Utah Beach and Omaha Beach landings during Operation Overlord. Following the Normandy landings, it conducted the difficult breakout from the Cotentin Peninsula and played a central role in the Falaise pocket encirclement. Later commanded by Courtney Hodges, it drove through France, repelled the enemy during the Battle of the Bulge, and eventually crossed the Rhine River at Remagen.

Post-World War II to present

After occupation duty, its headquarters returned to Governors Island, New York City, assuming a training and readiness mission for the Army National Guard and United States Army Reserve. Following the September 11 attacks, it managed the mobilization of thousands of soldiers for operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Its current mission, under United States Army Forces Command, focuses on preparing reserve component units for deployment worldwide.

Organization

Its structure is designed for its institutional training mission, divided into two subordinate divisions: First Army Division East, headquartered at Fort Knox, Kentucky, and First Army Division West at Fort Cavazos, Texas. These divisions oversee multiple training brigades and battalions spread across the country, partnering with reserve component units from all branches of the United States Armed Forces.

Commanders

Notable commanders have included some of the most prominent figures in American military history. Its first commander was John J. Pershing, followed in World War II by Omar Bradley and then Courtney Hodges. Later commanders have included generals such as Roscoe Robinson Jr., the first African-American to achieve four-star rank in the Army, and current leaders focused on modern readiness challenges.

Category:Field armies of the United States Category:Military units and formations established in 1918