About this Unit
A Company, 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment ("A CO, 1-21 IN"), traces its lineage to the original 21st Infantry Regiment, constituted in 1861. The unit has served with distinction in major conflicts including the Indian Wars, World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, earning numerous campaign streamers and unit citations. During the Vietnam War, A Company was engaged in intense combat operations as part of the 11th Infantry Brigade, Americal Division. In recent decades, the unit has continued its legacy as part of the 25th Infantry Division, participating in operations in the Pacific and supporting missions in the Global War on Terrorism.
Historical Facts
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Origins in the Civil War: The 21st Infantry Regiment traces its lineage back to the 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry, organized in 1861 during the American Civil War.
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Indian Wars Service: After the Civil War, the regiment saw extensive service in the Indian Wars, operating in the western United States and earning a reputation for toughness in harsh frontier conditions.
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Nickname "Gimlet": The 21st Infantry Regiment is known as the "Gimlet Regiment." The term "gimlet" refers to a small hand tool used for boring holes, symbolizing the unit’s ability to penetrate enemy lines.
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Spanish-American War: The regiment fought in the Philippines during the Spanish-American War and later in the Philippine-American War, showcasing its expeditionary capability.
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World War II Service: As part of the 24th Infantry Division, the 21st saw heavy combat in the Pacific, including battles in New Guinea, Leyte, Mindoro, and Luzon.
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Korean War First Engagement: The 21st Infantry Regiment ("Task Force Smith") was the first U.S. Army unit to engage North Korean forces at the Battle of Osan in July 1950, marking America's entry into the Korean War.
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Vietnam War Deployments: The 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry, served in Vietnam with the 196th Light Infantry Brigade, participating in major operations such as Operation Attleboro and Operation Wheeler/Wallowa.
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Hawaiian Home Base: In recent decades, 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry ("Gimlets") has been based at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, as part of the 25th Infantry Division.
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Humanitarian Missions: The unit has participated in humanitarian missions in the Pacific, including disaster relief in the Philippines and other regional support operations.
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Modern Deployments: In the 21st century, A Company, 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry has deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, continuing its legacy of combat service and earning unit commendations for valor and professionalism.
