US 164th Infantry Regiment

US 164th Infantry Regiment
Unit name	164th Infantry Regiment (United States)
Dates	1898–present
Country	United States of America
Branch	United States Army
Type	Infantry
Role	Light infantry, National Guard
Size	Regiment
Garrison	Arizona
Motto	"Let's Go"
Battles	Spanish–American War; Philippine–American War; World War I; World War II; Pacific campaigns
Decorations	Presidential Unit Citation; Philippine Presidential Unit Citation
Notable commanders	William O. Davis; Clarence Tinker; George V. Loughlin

US 164th Infantry Regiment

The US 164th Infantry Regiment is a United States Army infantry regiment with roots in territorial militia units and a lineage spanning the Spanish–American War, the Philippine–American War, World War I, and World War II. Originating in the late 19th century, the regiment evolved through National Guard reorganizations and served in major Pacific operations, earning unit citations and state distinctions. Its history intersects with notable figures, federal mobilizations, and campaigns across the Pacific and American Southwest.

Formation and Early History

The regiment traces origins to Arizona militia formations constituted during the Spanish–American War era, drawing personnel from the Arizona Territorial National Guard, Prescott militia, Tucson volunteers, and Phoenix civic units. Early service included deployment to the Philippines during the Philippine–American War, where leadership interactions involved figures associated with the Spanish–American War and governance by officials linked to William McKinley and Theodore Roosevelt. The regiment's early years saw integration with federal forces such as the United States Volunteers and coordination with expeditionary operations under commanders who participated in the Philippine Insurrection and counterinsurgency campaigns in Luzon and Mindanao.

World War I Service

Federalization during World War I placed the regiment within a broader mobilization that connected to formations like the American Expeditionary Forces and theater commands operating under generals who reported to leaders such as John J. Pershing and allied liaison figures tied to the Treaty of Versailles negotiations. Although not all National Guard infantry regiments deployed as complete regimental organizations to Europe, personnel and cadre from the regiment were redistributed to units that fought in engagements associated with the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, the Second Battle of the Marne, and other major operations that shaped American participation in 1918. The regiment's wartime service included training at stateside encampments aligned with facilities used by the War Department and tactical doctrines influenced by leaders from the Chief of Staff of the United States Army.

Interwar Period and Reorganization

In the interwar era the regiment underwent reorganization and federal recognition as part of the National Guard system, aligning with National Guard Bureau policies and directives influenced by the Militia Act of 1903 and later defense legislation. State-level adjutants general in Arizona coordinated mobilization planning that linked the regiment to training exchanges with units such as the 10th Cavalry Regiment and maneuvers that reflected doctrine from the United States Army War College. Officers attended staff courses with ties to institutions like the Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, shaping leadership that later commanded the regiment in World War II.

World War II and Pacific Campaigns

Mobilized for World War II, the regiment served in the Pacific Theater, participating in campaigns associated with island-hopping operations that tied into broader strategies led by commanders operating under the South West Pacific Area and commanders connected to Douglas MacArthur and Chester W. Nimitz. The unit fought in amphibious and jungle operations on islands where engagements intersected with battles such as campaigns reminiscent of Guadalcanal and Leyte, operating alongside formations including the 1st Marine Division, 25th Infantry Division, and allied Australian units from the Australian Army. Actions during these campaigns led to recognition by U.S. decorations like the Presidential Unit Citation and international awards such as the Philippine Republic Presidential Unit Citation for liberation efforts. Logistics and support came through staging areas like Pearl Harbor, with transits involving transport vessels and coordination with United States Army Forces Pacific commands.

Postwar Service and National Guard Role

After World War II the regiment demobilized and was reorganized within the Arizona National Guard, participating in state and federal missions, civil support tasks during domestic emergencies tied to state governors and coordination with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and training exchanges with other National Guard units including the California Army National Guard. Cold War-era reassignments reflected broader Army realignments influenced by the National Defense Act amendments and integration into readiness programs associated with United States Readiness Command concepts. The regiment continued to provide trained infantry battalions for federal service and maintained community ties with veterans' organizations such as the Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion.

Lineage, Honors, and Insignia

The regiment's official lineage records document activations, federal recognitions, and reorganizations through orders issued by the National Guard Bureau and the United States Army Center of Military History. Honors include citations for World War II Pacific campaigns and foreign unit awards tied to the Philippine Commonwealth liberation. The distinctive unit insignia and coat of arms reflect territorial symbols associated with Arizona history, connecting to heraldic practices codified by the Institute of Heraldry and referencing regional emblems tied to the Arizona Territorial Flag and state seals.

Notable Commanders and Personnel

Prominent leaders associated with the regiment include commanders who later served in higher staff and command roles connected to institutions like the War Department General Staff and theaters of operation under leaders such as Douglas MacArthur. Other personnel went on to serve in federal agencies and state government offices, maintaining links to public figures who intersected with 20th-century American political and military institutions, including connections to governors of Arizona and federal lawmakers involved in defense appropriations.

Category:Infantry regiments of the United States Army Category:Military units and formations established in 1898