About this Unit
The 2nd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division (2nd BDE, 2nd ID), known as the "Strike Brigade," has a distinguished history dating back to World War I, where the division fought valiantly in France. In World War II, the brigade’s parent division was among the first U.S. units to engage in combat in Europe, landing at Omaha Beach on D-Day and advancing across France and into Germany. During the Korean War, the 2nd Brigade played a crucial role in the defense of the Pusan Perimeter and the subsequent push north. In recent decades, the brigade has deployed in support of operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, continuing its legacy of readiness and service.
Historical Facts
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Origin and Nickname: The 2nd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division is part of the famous "Indianhead" Division, which was activated in France during World War I in 1917. Its shoulder patch features a star and an Indian head.
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World War I Combat: The 2nd Brigade’s parent division saw fierce combat in major WWI campaigns, including the Battle of Belleau Wood, Château-Thierry, and the Meuse-Argonne Offensive.
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Korean War Heroics: The 2nd Infantry Division was the first unit to reach Korea directly from the United States, and the 2nd Brigade played a key role in the defense of the Pusan Perimeter and the breakout from the Naktong River line.
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Cold War Service: Throughout the Cold War, the 2nd Brigade served as a front-line unit in South Korea, tasked with defending against potential North Korean aggression along the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ).
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Operation Iraqi Freedom: The 2nd Brigade was deployed to Iraq in 2004, where it operated in the dangerous region of Ramadi, conducting counterinsurgency and stabilization operations.
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Transformation and Stryker Brigade: The 2nd Brigade became one of the Army’s first Stryker Brigade Combat Teams, introducing the highly mobile, armored Stryker vehicles to the unit’s arsenal.
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Joint Operations: The brigade has regularly conducted joint exercises with Republic of Korea (ROK) Army units, strengthening the US-ROK alliance and interoperability.
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Distinctive Insignia: The brigade's insignia and that of its parent division are among the most recognizable in the US Army, symbolizing a proud heritage and warrior spirit.
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Humanitarian Missions: In addition to combat, the 2nd Brigade has participated in humanitarian operations, including disaster response and assistance in both Korea and the United States.
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Modern Deployments: The brigade continues to serve as a vital part of America’s forward defense in Korea, maintaining readiness and conducting regular rotational deployments as part of the US commitment to regional security.
