2nd Infantry Regiment (United States)

2nd Infantry Regiment (United States)
Unit name	2nd Infantry Regiment
Caption	Distinctive unit insignia
Dates	1808–present
Country	United States
Branch	United States Army
Type	Infantry
Role	Light infantry, mechanized infantry (varied)
Garrison	Fort Wayne (historical), Fort Meade, Fort Benning (historical)
Nickname	"Second to None"
Motto	"Noli Me Tangere"
Battles	War of 1812, Mexican–American War, American Civil War, Spanish–American War, Philippine–American War, World War I, World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, Global War on Terrorism

2nd Infantry Regiment (United States) is a regular infantry regiment of the United States Army with origins tracing to early 19th-century continental expansion and the War of 1812. The regiment served in landmark conflicts including the Mexican–American War, the American Civil War, both World Wars, and modern operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Throughout its service the regiment has been assigned to multiple divisions and posts such as the 3rd Infantry Division, 1st Infantry Division, Department of the East, and installations like Fort Benning and Fort Meade.

History

The regiment's antecedents began in 1808 under the reorganization directed by President Thomas Jefferson and the United States Congress prelude to the War of 1812. Elements fought at engagements tied to the Great Lakes theater and actions near Detroit, participating in campaigns associated with commanders like William Henry Harrison and Isaac Brock. During the Mexican–American War units were engaged in campaigns under Winfield Scott and Zachary Taylor, seeing combat at battles connected to Vera Cruz and the Battle of Cerro Gordo. In the American Civil War the regiment provided battalions that served in theaters associated with generals such as Ulysses S. Grant, George B. McClellan, and corps operating near Gettysburg and the Overland Campaign. Reorganizations after the Spanish–American War and during the Philippine insurrections placed elements in counterinsurgency operations connected to leaders like Emilio Aguinaldo and colonial-era governance of the Philippine Islands. In the 20th century the regiment's deployments intersected with John J. Pershing's era, service during World War II in campaigns linked to North Africa Campaign (1942–43), the Italian Campaign (World War II), and operations alongside units such as the 82nd Airborne Division and 45th Infantry Division. Cold War assignments included garrison and training roles at posts like Fort Stewart and participation in the Korean War and later Vietnam War theaters. In the 21st century battalions were mobilized for operations connected to Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

Lineage and Honors

The regiment's lineage reflects consolidations with numbered regiments created by acts of United States Congress in the 19th century, reassignments under the Army Reorganization Act (1920), and redesignations during the Pentomic and ROAD eras. Official honors include campaign participation credits tied to named campaigns such as New Orleans, Buena Vista, Shiloh, Antietam, Normandy, Anzio, Pusan Perimeter, Tet Offensive, and modern campaigns linked to Iraq War troop surge of 2007 and Operation Anaconda. Decorations awarded to elements include citations like the Presidential Unit Citation (United States), decorations associated with Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, unit awards connected to Meritorious Unit Commendation, and foreign honors presented by allied governments.

Organization and Structure

Historically organized as regimental headquarters with multiple battalions, the regiment has been assigned to formations including the 3rd Infantry Division (United States), 1st Infantry Division (United States), and separate brigade combat teams. Typical structure in the late 20th and early 21st centuries included battalions designated 1st Battalion, 2nd Battalion, and 3rd Battalion, each containing rifle companies, weapons companies, headquarters companies, and support elements aligned with doctrines developed at United States Army Infantry School at Fort Benning (now Fort Moore). Over time elements reorganized into mechanized infantry with vehicles such as the M2 Bradley and into light infantry employing doctrine promulgated by TRADOC.

Campaigns and Decorations

Campaign credits span the War of 1812 theaters, the Mexican–American War campaigns of Battle of Monterrey and Battle of Vera Cruz, Civil War engagements including Peninsula Campaign and Appomattox Campaign, World War I sectors, and major World War II operations like Operation Husky and the Italian Campaign. Korea credits include the Inchon Landing-related series and the UN May–June 1950 defensive actions. Vietnam credits reference operations during the Tet Offensive. Modern campaign credits record participation in Iraq and Afghanistan named campaigns. Unit citations include multiple Presidential Unit Citation (United States), Valorous Unit Award, and foreign awards such as the Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation.

Notable Engagements and Deployments

Notable actions feature early 19th-century frontier battles near Detroit and Lake Erie operations, assaults during the Mexican–American War at Cerro Gordo, sustained combat in Civil War campaigns tied to Antietam and Gettysburg sectors, amphibious and beachhead operations in World War II at Anzio and coastal assaults allied with Operation Torch elements, defensive stands during the Korean War including the Pusan Perimeter and counteroffensives associated with Inchon, and counterinsurgency and stability operations in Vietnam War provinces alongside units like the 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). 21st-century deployments include brigade rotations to Baghdad, operations in Fallujah, and partnered missions with NATO forces and multinational commands in Helmand Province and Kandahar.

Insignia and Traditions

The regiment's distinctive unit insignia and coat of arms incorporate symbols referencing service in campaigns like the War of 1812, Mexican–American War, and Civil War, and feature mottoes derived from classical phrases preserved in regimental heraldry governed by the Institute of Heraldry (U.S. Army). Traditions include regimental colors ceremonies observed in institutions such as United States Military Academy graduations and lineage commemorations during anniversaries linked to historic battles like Cerro Gordo and Gettysburg. The regiment maintains unit customs shared with infantry associations and lineage organizations including the Army Historical Foundation and participates in veteran commemorations with groups like the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Category:Infantry regiments of the United States Army Category:Military units and formations established in 1808