175th Infantry Regiment (United States)

175th Infantry Regiment (United States)
United States Army · Public domain · source
Unit name	175th Infantry Regiment
Caption	Distinctive unit insignia
Dates	1884–present
Country	United States
Branch	United States Army
Type	Infantry
Role	Light infantry
Size	Regiment (organic elements)
Garrison	Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania
Nickname	"Fifth Regiment", "Garfield Regiment"
Motto	"Decus et Praesidium"
Battles	World War I, World War II, Vietnam War, Global War on Terrorism
Notable commanders	William S. Graves, James W. McAndrew
Identification symbol label	Distinctive unit insignia

175th Infantry Regiment (United States) is an infantry regiment of the United States Army with origins in the Pennsylvania National Guard dating to the 19th century. The regiment traces federal service from state militia roots through major 20th- and 21st-century campaigns, earning decorations for actions in World War I, World War II, and later deployments associated with the Global War on Terrorism and NATO commitments. Its lineage includes reorganizations, consolidations, and service as part of multiple divisions and brigade-level formations.

Formation and Early History

The regiment originated from volunteer militia units in northeastern Pennsylvania, with antecedents in militia companies formed in Luzerne County, Lackawanna County, and surrounding boroughs during the post‑Civil War era. By 1884 local companies coalesced into the Fifth Infantry Regiment of the Pennsylvania National Guard, drawing recruits from Wilkes-Barre, Scranton, Hazleton, Bloomsburg, and other communities. During the Spanish–American War period elements were mobilized for federal service, and the regiment's identity was shaped by civic ceremonies, state militia law under the Militia Act of 1903, and peacetime training alongside units of the Regular Army and other state guards.

World War I

With American entry into World War I the Fifth Infantry was federalized and redesignated to conform with the National Army organization, forming part of an infantry division structure intended for the Western Front. Soldiers trained at camps such as Camp Dix and Camp Meade and integrated with units from other states to serve in the American Expeditionary Forces under commanders like John J. Pershing. The regiment participated in major operations in 1918, including the St. Mihiel Offensive and the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, suffering casualties while earning campaign credits and individual awards from the United States Army and allied militaries. Post-armistice demobilization returned veterans to northeastern Pennsylvania where veterans' organizations such as the American Legion assisted reintegration.

Interwar Period and Reorganization

During the interwar years the regiment reverted to state status as the Fifth Infantry, Pennsylvania National Guard, while the National Guard system modernized under policies influenced by the National Defense Act of 1920. The unit underwent reorganizations aligned with peacetime tables of organization and equipment, maintained armories in Wilkes-Barre and Scranton, and participated in relief operations during labor unrest and natural disasters. Federal recognition changes, redesignations, and alignment with divisional structures reflected broader Army reforms led by figures such as John J. McAuley and planners at the United States War Department.

World War II

In the run-up to and during World War II the regiment was federalized, redesignated as the 175th Infantry Regiment, and assigned to a combat division that trained at installations including Fort Meade, Camp Shelby, and Fort Bragg. The 175th took part in the Mediterranean and European campaigns, participating in amphibious operations and continental offensives linked to operations around Sicily, the Italian Campaign, and later theaters. Elements engaged enemy forces entrenched along defensive lines, fought in urban and mountain warfare against Wehrmacht formations, and received unit commendations and individual decorations such as the Silver Star and Distinguished Service Cross for valorous actions. After V‑E Day the regiment served stabilization duties during occupation and returned to the United States for demobilization and National Guard reconstitution.

Cold War and Postwar Service

Reorganized under postwar National Guard structures, the 175th Infantry Regiment served as part of Pennsylvania's contribution to homeland defense and NATO reinforcement plans amid tensions with the Soviet Union. During the Korean War and crises such as the Berlin Crisis of 1961 elements were federalized for training and limited deployments. The regiment adapted to new doctrine including mechanized and airmobile concepts promoted by the Department of the Army; its companies participated in peacetime exercises with CONUS and NATO partners, civil support missions during domestic emergencies, and Cold War readiness activities.

Modern Deployments and Operations

From the late 20th century into the 21st, units of the 175th Infantry Regiment have deployed in support of operations connected to the Global War on Terrorism, including missions tied to Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. The regiment provided infantry companies for force protection, security, counterinsurgency, and stability tasks in theater environments, working alongside formations from the United States Marine Corps, United States Air Force, British Army, and coalition partners. Stateside, the regiment has supported responses to natural disasters in Pennsylvania and civil authorities under Title 32 and state active duty call-ups, while participating in multinational exercises such as Operation Atlantic Resolve and collaborations with NATO forces.

Lineage, Honors, and Insignia

Official lineage documents record the 175th's descent from the Fifth Infantry Regiment, Pennsylvania National Guard, with multiple federal service periods, redesignations, and consolidations. The regiment's honors include campaign streamers for major World War I and World War II operations and unit awards recognizing meritorious conduct. Its distinctive unit insignia and coat of arms incorporate regional symbolism from Pennsylvania heraldry and mottos reflecting esprit de corps. The regiment maintains ties to veterans' organizations, National Guard bureaus, and state military history institutions that preserve its colors, records, and decorations.

Category:Pennsylvania Army National Guard units Category:Infantry regiments of the United States Army