19th Infantry Regiment

19th Infantry Regiment
Unit name	19th Infantry Regiment
Dates	Established 1861
Country	United States
Branch	United States Army
Type	Infantry
Role	Light infantry, garrison, expeditionary
Size	Regiment
Nickname	"The Rock of Chickamauga", "Mission Command"
Motto	"We're the Regulars"
Battles	American Civil War; War of the Pacific; Spanish–American War; Philippine–American War; World War I; World War II; Korean War; Vietnam War; Global War on Terrorism
Decorations	Distinguished Unit Citation; French Croix de Guerre 1914–1918
Notable commanders	William Tecumseh Sherman; George H. Thomas; Douglas MacArthur

19th Infantry Regiment The 19th Infantry Regiment is a historic unit of the United States Army formed during the American Civil War and subsequently engaged in major campaigns including the Spanish–American War, World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the Global War on Terrorism. The regiment has served under formations such as the Army of the Cumberland, Eighth United States Army, United States Army Pacific, and various infantry divisions, earning unit citations and individual awards from the Congress of the United States and allied governments. Its lineage intersects with figures and institutions including William Tecumseh Sherman, George H. Thomas, Douglas MacArthur, Fort Leavenworth, and West Point cadre.

History

The regiment traces origins to federal expansions in 1861 during the American Civil War, when the unit was organized and assigned to the Army of the Cumberland participating in campaigns such as the Battle of Chickamauga, the Chattanooga Campaign, and the Atlanta Campaign. Postbellum service included deployments to posts associated with the Indian Wars, garrison duty at Fort Leavenworth, and operations in the Spanish–American War theaters including Cuba and the Philippines during the Philippine–American War. In the early 20th century the regiment served in Panama Canal Zone security and expeditionary missions tied to the Banana Wars and Mexican Expedition. In World War I the regiment integrated into American Expeditionary Forces formations engaged on the Western Front and received foreign decorations including the French Croix de Guerre 1914–1918. During World War II the regiment fought in North Africa, the Sicily campaign, and the Italian Campaign, operating alongside formations like the II Corps (United States Army) and the Fifth Army (United States). In the Korean War the regiment was attached to Eighth United States Army units, participating in major battles such as the Pusan Perimeter defense and the Battle of the Ch'ongch'on River. During the Vietnam War the regiment served in counterinsurgency and conventional operations alongside units from I Field Force, Vietnam and Americal Division. In the 21st century elements deployed in support of operations in Iraq and Afghanistan during the Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom campaigns.

Organization and Heraldry

Regimental organization followed traditional U.S. Army infantry structures including company, battalion, and regimental echelons aligning with doctrines from TRADOC, U.S. Army Forces Command, and historical tables of organization such as those used by the 25th Infantry Division and 1st Cavalry Division. The coat of arms and distinctive unit insignia reference campaigns and decorations recognized by the Institute of Heraldry (United States Army), incorporating symbols tied to the Battle of Chickamauga, the Philippine Insurrection, and European campaign streamers. Regimental lineage and honors are recorded with the Center of Military History (United States Army), and the unit has undergone reorganizations under systems such as the Combat Arms Regimental System and the U.S. Army Regimental System. Elements of the regiment have been designated as light infantry, mechanized infantry, and garrison units at posts including Fort Bragg, Fort Lewis, Fort Campbell, and Schofield Barracks.

Operational Deployments

The regiment’s deployments span theaters from continental campaigns like the Chickamauga Campaign to expeditionary operations in the Caribbean and the Philippines, multinational campaigns in North Africa and Italy, and Cold War and post‑Cold War missions in Korea, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. Notable operational attachments included service with the XV Corps (Union Army), the II Corps (United States Army), 1st Infantry Division (United States), and multinational forces under United Nations Command (Korea). Deployments frequently required coordination with services and agencies such as the Naval Forces, Air Force, Marine Corps, Department of Defense, and allied militaries from France, United Kingdom, Republic of Korea, and Australia.

Notable Engagements and Awards

Engagements include the Battle of Chickamauga, Chattanooga Campaign, Battle of the Bulge theater actions’ counterparts, Sicily campaign, Naples-Foggia, Anzio, Korean War battles including Pusan Perimeter, and Vietnam operations in provinces such as Quang Tri and Binh Dinh. Decorations awarded to regimental elements include the Distinguished Unit Citation, Presidential Unit Citation (United States), foreign awards such as the French Croix de Guerre 1914–1918, and campaign streamers authorized by the Secretary of the Army. Individual soldiers from the regiment have received honors including the Medal of Honor, the Silver Star, the Bronze Star Medal, and the Purple Heart for actions during named battles.

Commanders and Notable Personnel

Commanders and notable personnel associated with the regiment span historical leaders and modern commanders, with connections to figures such as William Tecumseh Sherman, George H. Thomas, and Douglas MacArthur through career intersections, along with commanders who later served in higher echelons of the United States Army and joint commands. The regiment’s ranks have included officers and enlisted leaders recognized by institutions such as United States Military Academy, Command and General Staff College, and Army War College. Distinguished alumni have served in wartime staffs, diplomatic posts with the Department of State, and veterans’ organizations such as the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Regimental Traditions and Culture

Traditions include regimental colors, ceremonies tied to campaign anniversaries such as Chickamauga commemorations, and customs preserved in regimental histories archived by the Army Heritage and Education Center. The unit maintains esprit de corps through rituals informed by infantry doctrine from Field Manual 3-21 predecessors, unit marches influenced by military bands associated with U.S. Army Bands, and commemorative observances coordinated with veteran organizations and local communities around posts like Fort Benning and Fort Riley.

Category:Regiments of the United States Army