147th Infantry Regiment (United States)

147th Infantry Regiment (United States)
TIOH · Public domain · source
Unit name	147th Infantry Regiment
Dates	Established 1885–present
Country	United States
Allegiance	Ohio National Guard
Branch	United States Army
Type	Infantry
Command structure	37th Infantry Division
Garrison	Columbus, Ohio
Motto	Let's Go
Notable commanders	Brigadier General John M. Jones

147th Infantry Regiment (United States) is an infantry regiment of the Ohio National Guard with origins in the late 19th century and service in both World War I and World War II. The regiment traces lineage to pre-Spanish–American War militia units from Columbus, Ohio and served as a component of the 37th Division in major campaigns across Europe and the Pacific. Its history intersects with key figures, battles, and institutions of American military history.

History

The regiment originated from state militia reorganizations in Ohio during the 1880s, influenced by reforms after the American Civil War and precedents set by the Militia Act of 1903. Units that consolidated into the 147th served in domestic mobilizations during the Spanish–American War, the Pancho Villa Expedition, and the federalization of National Guard units for World War I. Between wars, the regiment performed customary state duties alongside Ohio governors and federal training under the National Defense Act of 1916. In the lead-up to World War II, the regiment was federalized and assigned to the 37th Division, participating in mobilization at Camp Shelby and deployments to the Pacific Theater.

Organization and Structure

The regiment historically followed the U.S. Army infantry regimental model, organized into headquarters and multiple battalions and companies drawn from communities in Franklin County, Ohio, Cuyahoga County, and neighboring counties. Its chain of command connected to the Ohio National Guard headquarters in Columbus, Ohio, the 37th Division, and ultimately War Department authorities when federalized. During conversion and reorganization periods, elements have been redesignated into infantry, armor, and support roles in coordination with the United States Army Reserve and the National Guard Bureau. Training cycles included annual National Guard summer training at installations such as Camp Perry and Fort McClellan and mobilizations to Camp Shelby and Fort Jackson.

World War I

Federalized for World War I as part of the 37th Division, the regiment underwent training at stateside camps before shipment to France. The 147th operated within the context of American Expeditionary Forces command structures under General John J. Pershing and participated in the Meuse-Argonne offensive phase linked to the broader Hundred Days Offensive. Personnel served alongside units from the National Army and the American Expeditionary Forces in combined operations influenced by British Expeditionary Force and French Army doctrines. After the armistice, the regiment participated in occupation duties before demobilization and return to state control during the postwar drawdown directed by the War Department.

World War II

Reactivated and federalized prior to U.S. entry into World War II, the regiment trained for amphibious and jungle operations that characterized the Pacific War. Assigned to the 37th Division, the 147th engaged in operations across campaigns that included actions in the Philippines and operations connected to the liberation of islands contested by the Imperial Japanese Army. Its battalions operated in conjunction with United States Marine Corps and United States Army Air Forces assets, and its logistics interfaced with the Admiralty Islands campaign and theater-level command under General Douglas MacArthur. The regiment sustained combat casualties during assaults, patrolling, and occupation tasks, and participated in post-conflict stabilization until demobilization following Japan’s surrender.

Postwar Service and National Guard Role

After World War II, the regiment reverted to state National Guard status and was reorganized under the postwar National Guard structure influenced by the National Security Act of 1947. During the Cold War, elements were mobilized for training and federal missions during crises, aligning with Department of Defense readiness initiatives and the Selective Service System. The 147th contributed personnel to overseas deployments supporting Operation Desert Storm and later Global War on Terrorism mobilizations through attachments to other Ohio National Guard units. Reorganizations under the Combat Arms Regimental System and later the United States Army Regimental System produced redesignations, realignments, and the integration of companies into multi-component task forces.

Campaigns and Decorations

The regiment and its subordinate units received campaign credit for major operations in both world wars, including credits associated with the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, Philippine campaigns, and island-hopping operations in the Pacific Theater of World War II. Decorations awarded to the regiment or constituent soldiers include unit citations and individual decorations such as the Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star, and Purple Heart, earned in actions alongside divisions of the United States Army and under theater commanders like General Douglas MacArthur. State-level recognitions from the Governor of Ohio and federal commendations reflect the regiment’s contributions to national and state defense.

Notable Personnel and Legacy

Notable figures connected to the regiment include commanders and decorated veterans who later held public office in Ohio or served in national military leadership roles affiliated with institutions such as the National Guard Association of the United States and the Adjutant General of Ohio. The regiment’s legacy is preserved in museums and collections like the Ohio History Connection, regimental monuments on veterans’ memorials, and historical accounts in works addressing the 37th Division, the Ohio National Guard, and American participation in the World Wars. Alumni networks, reenactment groups, and National Guard historical programs continue to interpret the regiment’s service for descendants, scholars, and veterans’ organizations.

Category:Infantry regiments of the United States Army Category:Military units and formations in Ohio Category:United States Army National Guard units