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| 157th Infantry Regiment (Oklahoma Army National Guard) | |
|---|---|
| Unit name | 157th Infantry Regiment |
| Caption | Distinctive unit insignia |
| Dates | 1885–present |
| Country | United States |
| Allegiance | National Guard (Oklahoma) |
| Branch | United States Army (Oklahoma Army National Guard) |
| Type | Infantry |
| Role | Light infantry |
| Size | Regiment |
| Garrison | Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Lawton |
| Nickname | "Red Devils" |
| Motto | Honor and Duty |
| Notable commanders | Major General Earl D. Johnson, Colonel Arthur J. Hankins |
| Identification symbol | Distinctive unit insignia |
157th Infantry Regiment (Oklahoma Army National Guard)
The 157th Infantry Regiment (Oklahoma Army National Guard) is a historic infantry regiment of the Oklahoma National Guard with origins in the late 19th century and service across the Spanish–American War, Mexican Expedition, World War I, World War II, and post-Cold War operations. The regiment has provided infantry capabilities for state and federal missions, drawing lineage from territorial militia units and participating in major campaigns alongside formations such as the 45th Infantry Division and federal task forces. Its legacy is preserved in regimental heraldry, campaign streamers, and ongoing service within the modern United States Army National Guard force structure.
The regiment traces antecedents to volunteer companies mustered during the Land Run of 1889 and territorial militia units that served in the Spanish–American War alongside formations from Kansas and Texas. During the Mexican Revolution, elements were federalized for the Pancho Villa Expedition under John J. Pershing, operating in concert with cavalry and infantry units on the U.S.–Mexico border. Federal activation for World War I reorganized Oklahoma units into national formations that later served in the interwar period with the 45th Infantry Division, which saw extensive combat in World War II, including the Allied invasion of Sicily and the Italian Campaign. Postwar reorganization through the National Guard Bureau and Cold War restructuring preserved regimental identity even as battalions reflagged. In the 21st century, detachments mobilized for operations linked to the Global War on Terrorism and homeland security missions following Hurricane Katrina and other domestic contingencies.
The regiment's lineage encompasses consolidation of territorial volunteer companies, reconstitution as numbered infantry regiments during the National Defense Act of 1916 era, and allotment to the Oklahoma National Guard. Decorations include unit awards tied to service in World War II and later operations; campaign credits enumerate participation in Sicily (Operation Husky), the Anzio Landings, and the Rhineland Campaign. Regimental streamers reflect citations from federal activation orders and theater-level commendations earned while attached to higher headquarters such as the XV Corps and 34th Infantry Division during various periods.
Historically organized as regimental headquarters with three battalions, the 157th adapted to modern force design with battalion-sized elements aligning under brigade combat teams and state command. Organizational components have included rifle companies, heavy weapons companies, and support detachments integrated with Oklahoma Army National Guard brigades. The regiment has provided cadre for separate battalions and companies assigned to formations such as the 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team and has maintained armories in Oklahoma City, Tulsa, and other municipalities. Administrative control alternated between state and federal authorities during mobilization under Title 10 and Title 32 statutes.
The 157th's credited campaigns span continental and expeditionary operations. In the early 20th century, units engaged in border security operations during the Pancho Villa Expedition. In World War II, regimental elements fought in the Sicily Campaign, the Italian Campaign, and subsequent European operations tied to the Anzio landings and push through the Apennine Mountains. Postwar activations placed personnel in peacekeeping, training, and stability missions associated with Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and domestic support during natural disasters including response efforts coordinated with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and state emergency management agencies.
Commanders and personnel associated with the 157th include state and federal leaders who rose to prominence in military and civic roles. Officers like Earl D. Johnson and Arthur J. Hankins provided regimental command during key reorganizations, while enlisted leaders from Oklahoma communities earned recognition in campaign citations and state awards. Alumni entered public service in state government, served in federal agencies, and participated in veterans' organizations tied to the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Regimental insignia include a distinctive unit insignia and coat of arms reflecting Oklahoma territorial heritage, with colors and symbols referencing Native American influences and prairie iconography. Traditions emphasize infantry skills, marksmanship competitions associated with the Civilian Marksmanship Program, and annual observances tied to state holidays and memorial events at installations and veteran memorials such as the Oklahoma City National Memorial. Unit ceremonies honor campaign streamers and maintain a regimental roll of honor for those killed in action or who received valor decorations.
In the contemporary era, battalions and companies from the regiment train at state ranges and federal facilities including the National Training Center and participate in joint exercises with United States Army Reserve and active-duty units. Deployments focus on infantry tasks, security operations, and support to civil authorities under state active duty. The regiment continues to supply trained infantry forces for brigade combat teams, multinational operations, and homeland defense missions, sustaining readiness through the Army National Guard Professional Education Center and state-directed pre-mobilization programs.
Category:Infantry regiments of the United States Army Category:Military units and formations in Oklahoma