About this Unit
The 2nd Division, Company D, 38th Regiment, has a distinguished lineage within the United States Army. Originally constituted during World War I as part of the 2nd Infantry Division, the 38th Regiment participated in key campaigns such as the Aisne-Marne and Meuse-Argonne offensives. During World War II, Company D fought valiantly in the European Theater, notably in the Normandy landings and the Battle of the Bulge. In subsequent years, the unit continued to serve with honor in conflicts such as the Korean and Vietnam Wars, earning numerous commendations for bravery and unit cohesion.
Historical Facts
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Origins: Company D, 38th Infantry Regiment is a component that has served under the 2nd Infantry Division (2nd Div), one of the oldest and most storied U.S. Army divisions, originally activated in France during World War I in 1917.
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World War I Service: The 38th Infantry Regiment, including Company D, played key roles in major battles such as the Aisne-Marne, St. Mihiel, and Meuse-Argonne offensives.
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"Rock of the Marne": While the 38th Infantry Regiment is not the origin of the "Rock of the Marne" nickname (that is the 38th Infantry Division), the regiment itself gained renown for its steadfast defense during WWI.
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World War II: Company D of the 38th Infantry Regiment landed with the 2nd Division at Omaha Beach on D-Day plus 1, June 7, 1944, and fought through Normandy, the Siegfried Line, and the Battle of the Bulge.
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Korean War Heroics: The 38th Infantry Regiment, including Company D, was among the first U.S. units to reach the Pusan Perimeter in 1950 and later participated in the breakout and advance into North Korea.
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Battle of Old Baldy: The regiment earned the nickname "The Rock of the Han" for its defense of the Han River line and its fierce fighting at battles like Old Baldy.
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Decorations: The 38th Infantry Regiment and its subordinate companies have received multiple Presidential Unit Citations and foreign decorations for bravery and valor in WWII and Korea.
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Vietnam and Beyond: While the regiment was not deployed as a whole to Vietnam, elements of the 2nd Infantry Division, including the 38th, have played key roles in later conflicts and in maintaining peace on the Korean DMZ.
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Distinctive Insignia: The regiment's crest features a bayonet, symbolizing its infantry heritage, and the motto "Rock of the Marne," which speaks to its tenacity in battle.
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Modern Legacy: Company D, 38th Infantry Regiment continues to serve as part of the 2nd Infantry Division, now stationed in Korea, helping to deter aggression and maintain stability on the Korean Peninsula.
