Third United States Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard)

Third United States Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) is the oldest active-duty infantry unit in the United States Army, originating in 1784. It is best known for its ceremonial duties in the Washington, D.C. area, including guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery and providing military honors at state funerals. The regiment also maintains a combat-ready capability, with its soldiers having deployed in support of modern conflicts like the War in Afghanistan (2001–2021) and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

History

The regiment's lineage traces to the First American Regiment formed in 1784 under command of Josiah Harmar to secure the Northwest Territory following the American Revolutionary War. It fought in the Northwest Indian War, including the Battle of Fallen Timbers. During the War of 1812, it participated in the Battle of Lundy's Lane and the Siege of Fort Erie. The unit served with distinction in the Mexican–American War, notably at the Battle of Monterrey and the Battle of Buena Vista. In the American Civil War, it fought for the Union in major engagements such as the Battle of Antietam, the Battle of Gettysburg, and the Battle of Appomattox Court House. The regiment later saw action in the Spanish–American War, World War II in the Pacific Theater, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, earning numerous battle honors.

Organization and duties

Headquartered at Fort Myer, Virginia, the regiment is part of the Joint Force Headquarters National Capital Region under the United States Army Military District of Washington. Its primary ceremonial units include the Tomb Guard, the Commander-in-Chief's Guard which portrays Continental Army soldiers, and the United States Army Drill Team. The regiment provides funeral escorts at Arlington National Cemetery, supports state visits and presidential inaugurations, and conducts changing of the guard ceremonies. Its tactical battalion, the 1st Battalion, remains deployable for combat and security missions worldwide.

Traditions and honors

The regimental motto, "Noli Me Tangere" (Do Not Touch Me), dates to its early service. Its distinctive uniform items include the Buff Strap worn on the left shoulder and the Infantry Blue cord. The regiment is the custodian of the Old Guard Caisson Platoon, which uses horse-drawn caissons for full-honor funerals. It maintains the only remaining equestrian unit in the U.S. Department of Defense. Honors include the Presidential Unit Citation for the Battle of Pork Chop Hill in the Korean War, a Valorous Unit Award for the Battle of Dak To, and the right to march with fixed bayonets in recognition of its service at the Battle of Cerro Gordo.

Notable members

Notable individuals who have served in the regiment include General of the Army Douglas MacArthur, who was its adjutant in the early 20th century. Medal of Honor recipients from the unit include First Lieutenant John R. Crews for actions in World War II and Sergeant First Class John L. Barkley from World War I. Other distinguished members are General Jonathan Wainwright IV, hero of the Battle of Bataan, and Colonel Robert Gould Shaw, who later commanded the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment. Former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General John W. Vessey Jr. also served with the Old Guard.

In popular culture

The regiment has been featured in numerous films and documentaries, including the John Wayne movie The Long Gray Line which depicts life at the United States Military Academy. Its Tomb Guards are central to the documentary film The Unknowns. The unit's precision is showcased in the National Memorial Day Concert broadcast annually from the West Lawn of the United States Capitol. Its soldiers and ceremonies frequently appear in news coverage by major networks like CNN and Fox News during events such as state funerals and the September 11 attacks anniversary at the Pentagon Memorial.

Category:Infantry regiments of the United States Army Category:Military units and formations established in 1784 Category:1784 establishments in the United States