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For 100 years, the Soldiers of 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team,
1st Infantry Division have been at the forefront of service to the
United States, participating in nearly every campaign since the
First World War.
Serving under America’s first division,
America’s first brigade was initially organized on May 24, 1917
under the newly formed First Expeditionary Force in preparation for
combat operations in Europe during World War I. Soon after, the
brigade arrived in France, where it saw some of the toughest battles
of the war.
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July 4, 1917 - Soldiers from the 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st
Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, march through the streets of Paris
on their way to the Picpus Cemetery. (Photo courtesy of the U.S.
Army)
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The brigade was involved in “hard fighting in three of the most
difficult and important American campaigns of World War I,” said
Paul Herbert, the executive director of the First Division Museum at
Cantigny Park.
Those battles included Soisson, St. Mihiel and
the Meuse Argonne. The Meuse Argonne, also known as the Battle of
the Argonne Forest, was the largest and bloodiest battle of World
War I, lasting 47 days and claiming the lives of more than 50,000
Soldiers on both sides of the front.
During World War II,
elements of the First Brigade distinguished themselves during the
D-Day invasion of Europe when Soldiers of the 16th Infantry Regiment
assaulted Omaha Beach, and, after a very vicious battle, broke
through enemy defenses and established a foothold for follow on
units to land and move through.
Later in its history, the
brigade would also distinguish itself during service in Vietnam,
most notably with the defense of Firebases Julie and Rita in October
1968. In recognition of the brigade’s contribution in Vietnam, the
unit received two Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm
and the Republic of Vietnam Civil Action Honor Medal.
Thereafter, the brigade would continue to answer the nation’s call,
serving in Desert Storm where the brigade was responsible for the
destruction of the Tawakalna Division of the Iraqi Republican Guard,
conducting counter insurgency operations during Operation Iraqi
Freedom, organizing and training military transition teams for
Operation Enduring Freedom, conducting bilateral security
cooperation support for Operation Spartan Shield in Kuwait, and most
recently deploying for nine months to South Korea as the rotational
brigade combat team assigned to the 2nd Infantry Division/ROK-U.S.
Combined Division.
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January 1, 1969 - A M48 Patton tank from 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry
Regiment, 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division conducts a patrol while
serving in Vietnam. (Photo courtesy of the U.S. Army)
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“The First Brigade has been a key component of the compelling
history of the 1st Infantry Division since 1917,” Herbert said.
For the “Devil” brigade Soldiers, being a part of America’s
oldest brigade is a point of pride.
“It’s awesome being a part of America’s oldest brigade,” said Spc.
Joseph Proscia, an infantryman with 1st ABCT. “There’s a lot of
history in the First Brigade and there’s a lot of stuff people don’t
know about the brigade. You want to know who you’re fighting with
and what your unit represents – it’s a mark of pride.”
Proscia wants to learn more about his brigade’s history and share
his knowledge with the Soldiers he serves with.
“We have
patches on our shoulders that show the pride we have in our units,”
he said. “It’s important to have that history and show that the
First Brigade and the 1st Inf. Div. are as awesome that we’re known
to be.”
Herbert believes it’s important for Soldiers to not
only remember their history, but celebrate it as well.
“Every
Soldier wants to be part of something bigger than himself,” Herbert
said. “Knowing that he or she is part of an important unit with a
distinguished history and legacy adds to the satisfaction of being a
Soldier and is a combat multiplier. People will work hard to uphold
the honor of something they’re proud of.”
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May 5, 2017 - Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 34th Armor Regiment, 1st
Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, conduct counter
weapons of mass destruction training during exercise Warrior Strike
7 at the Rodriguez Live Fire Complex in Pochoen, South Korea. (Photo
by Capt. Jonathan Camire, 1st ABCT Public Affairs)
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And it’s not only the Soldiers of 1st Brigade that take
pride in their legacy and value the importance of honoring
their history; it’s the senior leaders as well.
"The
Devil brigade has had a long and rich history of service to
the 1st Infantry Division and to the nation," said Col.
Timothy Hayden, the brigade's commander. "The strength of
the brigade comes from its Soldiers, and over the past 100
years they have embodied what it means to be a Big Red One
Soldier by living the motto of 'No mission too difficult. No
sacrifice too great. Duty first!'"
The brigade’s
Soldiers continue to make history as they near the end of
their current mission in South Korea. During their time in
South Korea, the “Devil” brigade has participated in
multiple training exercises designed to strengthen the U.S.
and South Korea alliance while enhancing security on the
Korean peninsula.
By U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Warren Wright
Provided
through DVIDS
Copyright 2017
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