3rd Infantry Division History

Introduction to the 3rd Infantry Division

The 3rd Infantry Division is a unit of the United States Army that has a rich and storied history dating back to 1917. The division was originally activated on November 21, 1917, at Camp Greene, North Carolina, and has since become one of the most decorated and respected divisions in the US military. With a long history of service in both World War I and World War II, as well as the Korean and Vietnam Wars, the 3rd Infantry Division has earned a reputation for its bravery, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to duty.

World War I and the Interwar Period

During World War I, the 3rd Infantry Division played a significant role in several key battles, including the Aisne-Marne Offensive and the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. The division’s bravery and sacrifices during these battles earned it several awards and decorations, including the French Croix de Guerre. After the war, the division was inactivated on July 15, 1919, but was reactivated on October 15, 1935, at Fort Lewis, Washington. During the interwar period, the division underwent significant training and modernization, preparing it for the challenges of World War II.

World War II

The 3rd Infantry Division played a major role in World War II, participating in several key campaigns, including North Africa, Sicily, Italy, and France. The division’s most notable battles during this period included the Battle of Anzio and the Battle of the Bulge. The division’s bravery and sacrifices during these battles earned it numerous awards and decorations, including the Presidential Unit Citation and the Belgian Fourragere. The division’s service during World War II was marked by significant losses, with over 15,000 soldiers killed or wounded in action.

Korean War and the Cold War

During the Korean War, the 3rd Infantry Division played a significant role in several key battles, including the Battle of Chosin Reservoir and the Battle of Heartbreak Ridge. The division’s bravery and sacrifices during these battles earned it numerous awards and decorations, including the Presidential Unit Citation and the Korean Presidential Unit Citation. After the Korean War, the division underwent significant modernization and training, preparing it for the challenges of the Cold War. The division was stationed in Germany during the 1950s and 1960s, serving as a deterrent to Soviet aggression in Europe.

Vietnam War and the Post-Vietnam Era

During the Vietnam War, the 3rd Infantry Division did not serve as a complete division, but several of its units were deployed to Vietnam, including the 1st Brigade and the 2nd Brigade. These units played a significant role in several key battles, including the Battle of Firebase Ripcord and the Battle of Firebase Illingworth. After the Vietnam War, the division underwent significant modernization and training, preparing it for the challenges of the post-Vietnam era. The division was stationed in Germany during the 1970s and 1980s, serving as a deterrent to Soviet aggression in Europe.

Gulf War and the War on Terror

During the Gulf War, the 3rd Infantry Division played a significant role in the Liberation of Kuwait, participating in several key battles, including the Battle of 73 Easting and the Battle of Medina Ridge. The division’s bravery and sacrifices during these battles earned it numerous awards and decorations, including the Presidential Unit Citation and the Kuwait Liberation Medal. After the Gulf War, the division underwent significant modernization and training, preparing it for the challenges of the War on Terror. The division has since served in several key deployments, including Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

Modernization and Training

Today, the 3rd Infantry Division is a modern, highly trained, and equipped division, with a focus on combined arms warfare and expeditionary operations. The division is composed of several key units, including the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, and the 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team. The division is stationed at Fort Stewart, Georgia, and is trained to deploy rapidly in response to a variety of scenarios, from humanitarian assistance to high-intensity combat.

💡 Note: The 3rd Infantry Division has a long and storied history, with a reputation for bravery, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to duty. The division's service has been marked by significant losses, but also by numerous awards and decorations, including the Presidential Unit Citation and the Belgian Fourragere.

Key Statistics and Awards

The 3rd Infantry Division has received numerous awards and decorations throughout its history, including: * Presidential Unit Citation * Belgian Fourragere * French Croix de Guerre * Korean Presidential Unit Citation * Kuwait Liberation Medal The division has also suffered significant losses, with over 15,000 soldiers killed or wounded in action during World War II alone.

War	Killed in Action	Wounded in Action
World War I	2,600	12,000
World War II	15,000	40,000
Korean War	2,500	10,000
Vietnam War	1,000	5,000
Gulf War	100	500

In summary, the 3rd Infantry Division has a long and storied history, with a reputation for bravery, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to duty. The division’s service has been marked by significant losses, but also by numerous awards and decorations, including the Presidential Unit Citation and the Belgian Fourragere. Today, the division is a modern, highly trained, and equipped force, with a focus on combined arms warfare and expeditionary operations.