About this Unit
The 40th Infantry Regiment was constituted on 15 May 1917 in the Regular Army of the United States during the build-up for World War I. Organized at Fort Snelling, Minnesota, the unit did not see combat during the Great War but served as a training and replacement regiment. After the war, the 40th Infantry was stationed at various posts before being inactivated in 1921 at Fort Snelling. Though reactivated briefly during World War II, it was ultimately disbanded in 1944 as the Army reorganized its forces for the changing needs of the conflict.
Historical Facts
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Origins in World War I: The 40th Infantry Division, nicknamed the "Sunburst Division," was formed in August 1917 as part of the National Guard and saw its early service during World War I, though it mainly performed replacement and training duties in France.
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Distinctive Shoulder Patch: The division’s shoulder sleeve insignia, a gold sunburst on a blue background, represents the sunny climate of California, its home state.
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Pacific Campaign in World War II: During WWII, the 40th Infantry Division fought bravely in the Pacific Theater, participating in the liberation of the Philippines and the Battle of Luzon.
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Korean War Service: The division was mobilized for the Korean War, serving from 1952 to 1953, and was involved in significant combat operations, including the battles for Heartbreak Ridge and Sandbag Castle.
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National Guard Roots: The 40th Infantry Division is primarily composed of National Guard units from California, but throughout its history, it has included personnel from other states such as Nevada and Utah.
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Post-Korean War Reorganization: After returning from Korea, the division was reorganized as part of the Army National Guard and has since been called upon for both state and federal missions.
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Disaster Response: The 40th Infantry Division has played a crucial role in responding to natural disasters, including earthquakes, floods, and wildfires in California.
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Modern Deployments: In recent decades, elements of the division have deployed to Bosnia, Kosovo, Afghanistan, and Iraq, contributing to peacekeeping and combat operations.
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Decorated Unit: The division and its soldiers have received numerous awards, including Presidential Unit Citations and individual medals for valor.
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Notable Members: Several prominent figures have served with the 40th Infantry Division, including Medal of Honor recipients and high-ranking military leaders.
