About this Unit
The 2nd Battalion, 39th Infantry Regiment (2/39th Infantry) was first constituted in 1917 and has a distinguished service record in multiple conflicts. During World War II, the battalion fought as part of the 9th Infantry Division, participating in campaigns across North Africa, Sicily, and Northwest Europe, including Normandy and the Battle of the Bulge. In the Vietnam War, 2/39th Infantry was again part of the 9th Infantry Division, conducting extensive riverine and ground operations in the Mekong Delta. In recent decades, the battalion has served primarily as a basic training unit at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, preparing new generations of soldiers for service in the U.S. Army.
Historical Facts
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Unit Designation: 2nd Battalion, 39th Infantry Regiment (2/39th Infantry) is a unit of the United States Army, historically part of the 9th Infantry Division.
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World War II Service: The 39th Infantry Regiment fought valiantly in World War II, participating in campaigns in North Africa, Sicily, Normandy (D-Day), and the push into Germany.
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Normandy Landings: On June 10, 1944, just days after D-Day, the 39th Infantry Regiment landed on Utah Beach as part of the Normandy invasion.
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Nickname: The regiment is known as the "Fighting Falcons," and its motto is “D'une Vaillance Admirable” (Of an Admirable Valor).
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Vietnam War Service: The 2/39th Infantry was reactivated and deployed to Vietnam with the 9th Infantry Division in 1966, serving in the Mekong Delta and participating in major operations.
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Notable Engagements in Vietnam: The battalion played key roles in Operations Palm Tree, Coronado, and Giant Slingshot, among others, and conducted riverine operations with the Mobile Riverine Force.
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Medal of Honor Recipients: Several soldiers from the 39th Infantry Regiment, including from the 2nd Battalion, have received the Medal of Honor for heroism in World War II and Vietnam.
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Cold War and Post-Vietnam: After Vietnam, the 2/39th Infantry was inactivated, reactivated, and served in various training and support roles at installations such as Fort Jackson, South Carolina.
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Current Role: Today, the 2nd Battalion, 39th Infantry Regiment serves primarily as a Basic Combat Training unit at Fort Jackson, training thousands of new soldiers each year.
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Regimental Legacy: The 39th Infantry Regiment’s lineage traces back to 1917, and the unit’s history is celebrated for its adaptability, courage, and distinguished combat record across multiple conflicts.
