24th Infantry Division (United States)

24th Infantry Division (United States) is a division of the United States Army that was established on February 1, 1921, at Fort Douglas, Utah, as the Hawaiian Division. The division was formed from the 19th Infantry Brigade and the 20th Infantry Brigade, with the 19th Infantry Regiment, 21st Infantry Regiment, 13th Field Artillery Regiment, and the 11th Engineer Regiment as its initial components. The division was later redesignated as the 24th Infantry Division on October 1, 1921, and was composed of troops from the Hawaiian Islands, California, Oregon, and Washington (state). The division's first commander was Major General Charles G. Morton, who played a significant role in shaping the division's early years, including its participation in the Louisiana Maneuvers.

● History

The 24th Infantry Division has a rich and diverse history, with its roots dating back to the early 20th century. The division was initially composed of troops from the Hawaiian Islands, California, Oregon, and Washington (state), and was formed from the 19th Infantry Brigade and the 20th Infantry Brigade. During World War II, the division was stationed in Hawaii and was tasked with defending the islands against potential Japanese attacks, working closely with the United States Navy and the United States Air Force. The division's commander, Major General Durward S. Wilson, played a key role in preparing the division for combat, including its participation in the Battle of Leyte and the Battle of Mindoro. The division later saw action in the Korean War, where it was commanded by Lieutenant General Matthew B. Ridgway and fought in several key battles, including the Battle of Chosin Reservoir and the Battle of Heartbreak Ridge, alongside the 1st Marine Division and the 7th Infantry Division. The division was also stationed in Germany during the Cold War, where it was tasked with defending against potential Soviet attacks, working closely with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and the United States Army Europe.

● Organization

The 24th Infantry Division is composed of several brigades and regiments, including the 19th Infantry Brigade, the 20th Infantry Brigade, the 13th Field Artillery Regiment, and the 11th Engineer Regiment. The division is also supported by several other units, including the 24th Signal Battalion, the 24th Military Intelligence Battalion, and the 24th Military Police Battalion. The division's organization has changed over the years, with the addition of new units and the deactivation of others, including the 1st Battalion, 19th Infantry Regiment and the 2nd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment. The division has also been supported by several other branches of the military, including the United States Air Force and the United States Navy, as well as coalition forces from countries such as Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

● Operations

The 24th Infantry Division has participated in several major operations throughout its history, including World War II, the Korean War, and the Gulf War. During World War II, the division saw action in several key battles, including the Battle of Leyte and the Battle of Mindoro, alongside the 1st Cavalry Division and the 11th Airborne Division. The division later saw action in the Korean War, where it fought in several key battles, including the Battle of Chosin Reservoir and the Battle of Heartbreak Ridge, alongside the 1st Marine Division and the 7th Infantry Division. The division was also stationed in Germany during the Cold War, where it was tasked with defending against potential Soviet attacks, working closely with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and the United States Army Europe. In recent years, the division has participated in several operations in the Middle East, including Operation Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom, alongside the 3rd Infantry Division and the 101st Airborne Division.

● Notable Commanders

The 24th Infantry Division has had several notable commanders throughout its history, including Major General Charles G. Morton, Major General Durward S. Wilson, and Lieutenant General Matthew B. Ridgway. Other notable commanders include General Creighton Abrams, who later became the Chief of Staff of the United States Army, and General Norman Schwarzkopf Jr., who later became the commander of United States Central Command during the Gulf War. The division has also been commanded by several other notable officers, including Lieutenant General John W. Foss and Major General Barry R. McCaffrey, who played key roles in shaping the division's history and operations, including its participation in the Battle of the Bulge and the Battle of Inchon.

● Decorations

The 24th Infantry Division has received several decorations and awards throughout its history, including the Presidential Unit Citation, the Valorous Unit Award, and the Meritorious Unit Commendation. The division has also received several foreign awards, including the Philippine Presidential Unit Citation and the Korean Presidential Unit Citation, as well as the French Croix de Guerre and the Belgian Fourragère. The division's soldiers have also received several individual awards, including the Medal of Honor, the Distinguished Service Cross, and the Silver Star, as well as the Bronze Star Medal and the Purple Heart. The division's decorations and awards are a testament to its bravery and sacrifice, and its commitment to defending the United States and its allies, including NATO and the United Nations.

Category:Infantry divisions of the United States Army