ABOUT 1:13th Infantry
- Long Heritage: The 1st Battalion, 13th Infantry Regiment (1/13th Infantry) was originally constituted on May 3, 1861, serving in the American Civil War as part of the Regular Army.
- Civil War Service: During the Civil War, the 13th Infantry fought in notable battles such as Shiloh, Vicksburg, and Chattanooga, earning multiple campaign streamers.
- World War II: The regiment was assigned to the 8th Infantry Division and saw combat in Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, and Central Europe, playing a key role in liberating French villages.
- Normandy Landings: 1/13th Infantry landed at Utah Beach during D-Day operations in June 1944, supporting the breakout from the Normandy beachhead.
- “First at Vicksburg” Motto: The unit’s motto, "First at Vicksburg," commemorates their leading role in storming the defenses during the pivotal siege of Vicksburg in 1863.
- Cold War Service: After WWII, the battalion was stationed in Germany as part of the U.S. Army’s commitment to NATO, helping deter Soviet aggression during the Cold War.
- Vietnam War: Elements of the 13th Infantry Regiment were deployed to Vietnam, where they participated in multiple operations and earned the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry.
- Training New Soldiers: In modern times, 1/13th Infantry operates at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, as a Basic Combat Training unit, helping transform civilians into U.S. Army soldiers.
- Decorations: The battalion and its parent regiment have been awarded numerous unit citations, including the Presidential Unit Citation and the French Croix de Guerre.
- Regimental Legacy: The 13th Infantry Regiment is one of the oldest active regiments in the U.S. Army, with a lineage that spans over 160 years of service to the nation.