About this Unit
The 2nd Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment (2/31 Inf), known as the "Polar Bears," was originally constituted in 1916 and first organized at Fort William McKinley, Philippines in 1916. The unit gained distinction during World War II, fighting in the Philippines and enduring the Bataan Death March after the fall of Bataan in 1942. Reactivated for the Korean War, the 2/31 Inf played a key role in several major campaigns, including the defense of the Pusan Perimeter and the advance into North Korea. In subsequent decades, the battalion has served in various capacities, including deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan as part of the Global War on Terrorism, upholding its proud legacy of service and sacrifice.
Historical Facts
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Origins in 1916: The 2nd Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment ("2/31 Inf") was constituted on August 1, 1916, and organized at Fort William McKinley, Philippine Islands, in 1916, making it one of the few U.S. Army infantry regiments formed overseas.
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Polar Bear Regiment: The 31st Infantry earned the nickname "Polar Bears" after serving in the Russian Civil War (1918–1920) as part of the American Expeditionary Force Siberia, conducting operations in harsh arctic conditions.
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Philippine Defense and Bataan: During World War II, the 2/31 Inf played a key role in the defense of the Philippines, fighting valiantly on the Bataan Peninsula until its surrender in April 1942.
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Bataan Death March: Many soldiers from 2/31 Inf became prisoners of war and endured the notorious Bataan Death March, with countless members suffering and perishing during captivity.
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Korean War Heroism: The battalion participated in some of the fiercest fighting during the Korean War, including the Battle of Chosin Reservoir, earning multiple citations for bravery and resilience.
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Vietnam War Actions: 2/31 Inf was deployed to Vietnam as part of the 196th Light Infantry Brigade, seeing extensive combat operations in the I Corps Tactical Zone, including Operation Wheeler/Wallowa.
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Decorations and Honors: Over its history, the battalion has been awarded numerous decorations, including Presidential Unit Citations, Valorous Unit Awards, and foreign honors such as the Philippine Presidential Unit Citation.
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Operation Iraqi Freedom: 2/31 Inf was deployed to Iraq in the early 2000s as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom, conducting counterinsurgency and stability operations.
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Current Assignment: As of the 2020s, the battalion is assigned to the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, stationed at Fort Drum, New York, specializing in light infantry and mountain warfare.
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Regimental Motto: The unit’s motto is "Pro Patria" (For Country), reflecting its long-standing tradition of service and sacrifice for the United States.
