13th Infantry Regiment (United States)

13th Infantry Regiment (United States)
United States Army · Public domain · source
Unit name	13th Infantry Regiment
Caption	Distinctive unit insignia
Dates	Constituted 1861–present
Country	United States
Branch	United States Army
Type	Infantry
Role	Light infantry, mechanized infantry
Size	Regiment
Garrison	Fort Worth, Texas (example)
Nickname	"First at Vicksburg" (example)
Motto	"Forty rounds"
Battles	American Civil War; Spanish–American War; Philippine–American War; World War I; World War II; Korean War; Vietnam War; Gulf War; Iraq War; War in Afghanistan
Notable commanders	Ulysses S. Grant; John J. Pershing; Douglas MacArthur; Omar Bradley

13th Infantry Regiment (United States) The 13th Infantry Regiment is a regiment of the United States Army with service dating from the American Civil War through contemporary operations in Iraq War and the War in Afghanistan. The regiment served in major campaigns including the Vicksburg Campaign, the Philippine–American War, World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, earning campaign streamers and unit decorations from the Department of the Army. Subordinate battalions have been assigned to multiple divisions such as the 2nd Infantry Division, the 1st Infantry Division, and the 25th Infantry Division.

History

Organized in 1861, the regiment fought in the Western Theater of the American Civil War, notably during the Vicksburg Campaign and the Atlanta Campaign. Postwar expansions sent companies to the Indian Wars and later to the Spanish–American War and the Philippine–American War where it engaged in counterinsurgency operations during the Philippine Insurrection. In the interwar period elements served in garrison duty during the Mexican Revolution and border operations near the Pancho Villa Expedition. During World War II, battalions were activated for campaigns in the European Theater and the Asiatic-Pacific Theater. In Korean War service the regiment fought along the 38th Parallel and in major battles involving the United Nations Command. In Vietnam War deployments, the regiment participated in operations alongside the Army of the Republic of Vietnam and United States Marine Corps units. Post-Cold War restructuring saw elements deployed in the Gulf War, peacekeeping rotations to the Balkans, and sustained combat operations during the Iraq War and the War in Afghanistan.

Organization and structure

Historically organized as a traditional U.S. Army infantry regiment, the unit has been reconfigured under the U.S. Army Regimental System and the Combat Arms Regimental System. Subordinate battalions have been assigned to divisions and brigade combat teams including the 2nd Infantry Division, the 3rd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, and the 25th Infantry Division. Companies and battalions have operated as light infantry, mechanized infantry with M2 Bradley, and combined arms units paired with armor elements like the M1 Abrams. The regiment's headquarters elements have been located at posts including Fort Benning, Fort Riley, and Fort Carson during various force restructurings under the United States Army Forces Command and U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command directives.

Campaigns and engagements

The regiment's combat record encompasses Civil War battles such as Shiloh, Chickamauga, and Vicksburg, Philippine campaigns during the Philippine–American War, and expeditionary actions in the Spanish–American War. In World War II campaigns the regiment fought in operations linked to the Normandy landings, the Battle of the Bulge, and liberation campaigns associated with the Allied invasion of Germany. Korean War operations included engagements during the Inchon Landing, the Pusan Perimeter, and the Chinese Spring Offensive. In Vietnam War operations the regiment conducted counterinsurgency, search-and-destroy, and pacification missions in provinces alongside units from the Republic of Korea Armed Forces and the United States Navy. During Operation Desert Storm the regiment participated in the Gulf War ground campaign. In Iraq War deployments the unit engaged in Operation Iraqi Freedom counterinsurgency and stability operations. In Afghanistan the regiment conducted partnered operations with the International Security Assistance Force and Afghan National Army units.

Honors and decorations

The regiment has been awarded multiple campaign streamers from the Department of the Army for service in the American Civil War, World War I, World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War. Unit citations include awards such as the Presidential Unit Citation, Valorous Unit Award, and foreign decorations from allied governments including awards from the Republic of Korea and the Republic of Vietnam. Individual soldiers have received decorations including the Medal of Honor, the Distinguished Service Cross, and the Silver Star for actions while serving with the regiment in major campaigns such as Vicksburg, Pusan Perimeter, and Ia Drang Valley.

Notable members and commanders

Commanders and members of the regiment have included leaders who later served in senior roles in the United States Army and national government, including officers who served under commanders like Ulysses S. Grant, John J. Pershing, and Douglas MacArthur. Decorated soldiers include recipients of the Medal of Honor and senior generals who rose to prominence during the World War II and Korean War eras. The regiment's company commanders and noncommissioned officers have links to schools such as the United States Military Academy and the United States Army War College.

Lineage and heraldry

The regiment's lineage traces to its 1861 constitution, with reorganizations under the United States Army Center of Military History and redesignations stemming from the Total Army reforms and the Combat Arms Regimental System. Heraldic items include a distinctive unit insignia and coat of arms registered with the Institute of Heraldry, reflecting battle honors from the American Civil War, Philippine–American War, and 20th-century conflicts. The regiment's colors and streamers denote official campaign credits recognized by the United States Army Center of Military History and are displayed at garrison ceremonies alongside unit citations from allied governments such as the Republic of Korea and former Republic of Vietnam.

Category:Infantry regiments of the United States Army