About this Unit
Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC), 42nd Infantry Division, known as the “Rainbow Division,” traces its origins to World War I, when it was formed in 1917 from National Guard units across the United States. HHC provided essential command, control, and administrative support to the division during major engagements in both World Wars, including the Meuse-Argonne Offensive and the liberation of Dachau concentration camp. After periods of inactivation, the unit was reactivated and has since participated in domestic support missions and overseas deployments, including Operation Iraqi Freedom. Today, HHC 42nd Infantry Division remains a vital element of the New York Army National Guard, continuing its legacy of leadership and service.
Historical Facts
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Rainbow Division Origins: The 42nd Infantry Division, nicknamed the “Rainbow Division,” was formed in 1917 from National Guard units across 26 states and the District of Columbia. The idea was to create a division that represented the entire nation—like a “rainbow.”
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HHC Role: The Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC) serves as the command and administrative hub for the division, providing support, planning, and leadership to subordinate units.
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World War I Service: The 42nd Infantry Division, including its HHC, was among the first U.S. divisions to arrive in France during World War I and participated in major operations such as Champagne-Marne, Aisne-Marne, and Meuse-Argonne.
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World War II Achievements: Reactivated for World War II, the 42nd Infantry Division landed in France in 1944, participated in the Rhineland and Central Europe campaigns, and helped liberate the Dachau concentration camp.
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Dachau Liberation: Soldiers from the 42nd Infantry Division, including members of HHC, played a key role in liberating over 30,000 prisoners at the Dachau concentration camp in April 1945.
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Cold War Reactivation: The division was reactivated in the National Guard during the Cold War, ensuring readiness for potential conflicts and supporting domestic missions.
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9/11 Response: After the September 11, 2001 attacks, HHC 42nd Infantry Division and its soldiers supported the emergency response and recovery efforts at Ground Zero in New York City.
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Iraq War Leadership: In 2004-2005, the 42nd Infantry Division, with HHC at the helm, commanded Multi-National Division North Central during Operation Iraqi Freedom, overseeing security operations in a volatile region.
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Symbolism of the Patch: The division's distinctive shoulder patch—a half-arc rainbow—symbolizes the unit's origins and its nationwide composition. Members of HHC wear this patch with pride.
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Civil Support Missions: HHC 42nd Infantry Division has supported numerous state and federal missions, including disaster relief during hurricanes, blizzards, floods, and the COVID-19 pandemic response.
