1st Battalion, 175th Infantry Regiment

1st Battalion, 175th Infantry Regiment
Unit name	1st Battalion, 175th Infantry Regiment
Dates	1947–present
Country	United States
Branch	Army National Guard
Type	Infantry
Size	Battalion
Command structure	28th Infantry Division
Garrison	Allentown, Pennsylvania
Motto	"Decisive"
Battles	World War I, World War II, Vietnam War, War in Afghanistan (2001–2021), Iraq War
Decorations	Presidential Unit Citation (United States), Valorous Unit Award, Meritorious Unit Commendation

1st Battalion, 175th Infantry Regiment is an infantry battalion of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard with lineage tracing to militia units that served in the American Revolutionary War, War of 1812, and the Civil War (American). The battalion is subordinate to the 28th Infantry Division and is headquartered in Allentown, Pennsylvania, providing state and federal missions including domestic response, overseas deployments to Iraq War and War in Afghanistan (2001–2021), and participation in joint exercises with U.S. Army Europe and NATO partners.

History

The unit traces heritage to colonial militia companies that fought under commanders such as George Washington in the Philadelphia campaign and later served in the Mexican–American War and the Spanish–American War. During World War I elements were federalized into the 28th Division (United States), participating on the Western Front in operations alongside the American Expeditionary Forces, the British Expeditionary Force, and the French Army during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. In World War II the regiment fought in the European Theater, linking actions with units like the 101st Airborne Division and the 1st Infantry Division in campaigns including the Normandy landings, the Battle of the Bulge, and the push into Germany. Postwar reorganizations under the National Guard Bureau and the Pentomic reorganization led to modern designation as 1st Battalion, 175th Infantry Regiment; Cold War service included training exchanges with U.S. Army Europe and mobilizations during crises such as the Berlin Crisis of 1961. In the 21st century the battalion mobilized for deployments to Iraq War provinces and provided trainers and security forces for operations in Afghanistan, cooperating with coalition formations including ISAF and Operation Enduring Freedom task forces.

Organization and Structure

The battalion is organized under a headquarters company and maneuver companies consistent with U.S. Army infantry battalion tables of organization, linking command relationships with the 28th Infantry Division and the Pennsylvania National Guard. Subordinate elements include Alpha, Bravo, and Charlie Companies, a Support Company aligned with Combat Service Support structures, and attached military intelligence and reconnaissance detachments that coordinate with U.S. Army Regimental System guidelines. The battalion trains on small-unit tactics, combined arms coordination with Armor Branch and Field Artillery Branch units, and interoperability with NATO allies during joint multinational exercises such as those run by USAREUR and the Allied Rapid Reaction Corps.

Insignia and Traditions

The unit's distinctive unit insignia incorporates symbols reflecting service in conflicts from the American Revolution through modern operations, referencing heraldic devices used by the 28th Infantry Division and Pennsylvania militia heraldry. Traditions include annual ceremonies honoring veterans of the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, commemorations on Memorial Day (United States), and regimental association gatherings linked to the National Guard Association of the United States. Unit customs reflect links to regional institutions such as Lehigh University and community events in Allentown, Pennsylvania and surrounding counties.

Campaigns and Deployments

Campaign credits span major 20th-century and 21st-century conflicts: service in World War I offensives including the Meuse-Argonne Offensive; operations in World War II across the Western Front (World War II) including participation in the Normandy landings and battles that intersected with the Siegfried Line operations and the Battle of the Bulge; 20th-century domestic activations during the Berlin Crisis of 1961; 21st-century deployments to Iraq War theaters supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom and security operations in provinces that coordinated with Multi-National Force – Iraq elements; and deployments to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and ISAF stabilization efforts. The battalion has also taken part in multinational exercises with NATO partners in Europe and disaster relief missions within Pennsylvania under state active duty orders.

Honors and Decorations

Elements of the battalion and antecedent units have been awarded unit citations including the Presidential Unit Citation (United States), Valorous Unit Award, and state-level awards administered by the Adjutant General of Pennsylvania. Campaign streamers represent participation in major campaigns from World War I to Operation Enduring Freedom. Soldiers have also been individually recognized with awards such as the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, and the Meritorious Service Medal for actions during federal deployments.

Notable Personnel

Notable members and commanders from the battalion's lineage include officers and enlisted leaders who later served in state and federal positions: veterans who became senior leaders in the Pennsylvania National Guard, legislators in the Pennsylvania General Assembly, and recipients of national awards who served with coalition headquarters such as Multinational Corps elements. Alumni have included decorated combat leaders who later attended institutions like the United States Army War College and contributed to defense policy through roles at the National Guard Bureau and the Department of Defense.

Category:Pennsylvania National Guard Category:United States Army battalions