5:18th Infantry

• Origins in World War I: The 5th Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment (5/18th Infantry) traces its lineage back to the formation of the 18th Infantry Regiment in 1861, which later provided elements for the 5th Battalion during various reorganizations. • Service in World War II: Elements of the 18th Infantry Regiment, including the 5th Battalion, participated in major campaigns such as the North African landings (Operation Torch), Sicily, Normandy, and the push into Germany. • D-Day Landings: The 18th Infantry Regiment landed at Omaha Beach on June 6, 1944. Members of the 5/18th played a crucial role in breaking through German defenses. • Cold War Duty: The 5/18th Infantry was stationed in West Germany as part of NATO’s defense posture during the Cold War, helping to deter Soviet aggression. • Vietnam War Deployment: The 18th Infantry Regiment, including its 5th Battalion, saw action in Vietnam, conducting search-and-destroy missions and engaging in jungle warfare. • Decorations and Honors: The 5/18th Infantry and its parent regiment have received numerous awards including Presidential Unit Citations, Valorous Unit Awards, and the French Croix de Guerre. • Distinctive Unit Insignia: The regiment’s insignia features a blue shield with a silver bend, symbolizing its long-standing infantry heritage. • Post-9/11 Operations: The 5/18th Infantry has participated in operations in Iraq and Afghanistan as part of the Global War on Terrorism, conducting patrols, raids, and training missions. • Notable Members: Several Medal of Honor recipients, such as Staff Sergeant Walter Ehlers, served in the 18th Infantry Regiment during its storied history. • Modern Training and Readiness: Today, the 5/18th Infantry continues its tradition of rigorous training, preparing soldiers for rapid deployment and a variety of mission sets around the globe.