2:293rd Infantry

• Lineage: The 2nd Battalion, 293rd Infantry Regiment (2/293rd Infantry) is a unit of the Army National Guard, historically associated with the state of Indiana. • World War II Service: The 293rd Infantry Regiment was activated during World War II as part of the 66th Infantry Division, serving primarily in the European Theater. • Battle of the Bulge: The 66th Division, including elements of the 293rd, played a critical role in containing German forces in Brittany, following the Battle of the Bulge. • Tragic Loss: En route to France, the 66th Infantry Division suffered a major tragedy when the troopship SS Leopoldville was torpedoed on Christmas Eve, 1944, resulting in the deaths of over 700 men, including members of the 293rd. • Post-War National Guard: After WWII, the 293rd Infantry was reorganized as part of the Indiana Army National Guard, and the 2nd Battalion became a key component. • Cold War Duties: Throughout the Cold War, the 2/293rd Infantry trained for both federal mobilization and state emergencies, ready to respond to crises at home and abroad. • Disaster Response: Members of the 2/293rd have participated in state emergency responses, including flood relief and disaster recovery efforts in Indiana. • Modern Deployments: In the 21st century, the 2/293rd Infantry has deployed soldiers in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, contributing to missions overseas. • Community Ties: The battalion maintains strong ties with Indiana communities, participating in parades, memorial ceremonies, and veterans’ events. • Transformation: In recent years, as part of Army transformation, the 2/293rd Infantry was reorganized into new modular units, with its lineage and honors carried forward into the modern Indiana Army National Guard structure.