38th Infantry Regiment (United States) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids 38th Infantry Regiment |
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Coat of arms of the 38th Infantry Regiment
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| Active | 1917-present |
| Country |  United States |
| Branch |  United States Army |
| Type | Infantry |
| Nickname(s) | Rock of the Marne (special designation) |
| Engagements | World War I World War II Korean War Iraq War War in Afghanistan |
| Commanders | |
| Battalion Commander | LTC Daniel Leard |
| Command Sergeant Major | CSM John S. Ugarte |
| Notable commanders |
Henry C. Merriam Ulysses G. McAlexander Olinto M. Barsanti |
| Insignia | |
| Distinctive unit insignia |  |
The 38th Infantry Regiment is a famous unit in the United States Army. It is also known by its special nickname, the "Rock of the Marne." This name comes from a very important battle in World War I.
Contents
Early History of the 38th Infantry Regiment
The 38th Infantry Regiment has a long history. The first unit with this name was the 38th United States Colored Infantry Regiment. It served from January 1864 to January 1867.
A second 38th Infantry Regiment was created on July 28, 1866. This was after the American Civil War. It was one of six new regiments made up of all African-American soldiers. These units were part of the regular U.S. Army. The 38th Infantry was formed in Missouri in October 1866. It was stationed in New Mexico and helped protect the transcontinental railroad as it was being built.
An amazing person named Cathay Williams served with this regiment. She was the first African-American woman known to serve in the U.S. Army. She did this by pretending to be a man! In 1869, this 38th Regiment joined with another unit and became the 24th Infantry Regiment.
The Modern 38th Infantry Regiment
The current 38th Infantry Regiment was officially started on May 15, 1917. It was first organized in New York on June 1, 1917.
The "Rock of the Marne" Nickname
The regiment earned its famous nickname, "Rock of the Marne," during World War I. This happened on July 15, 1918, during the Second Battle of the Marne in France. The 38th Infantry Regiment held its ground firmly against a strong German attack. They were like a rock that would not move, stopping the enemy advance. This brave stand helped the Allied forces win the battle.
Key Moments in the Regiment's History
Over the years, the 38th Infantry Regiment has been part of many important events.
- It was assigned to the 3rd Division in 1917.
- In 1939, it joined the 2nd Division, which later became the 2nd Infantry Division.
- The unit was reorganized several times, changing its name and structure.
- By 1972, the 1st Battalion of the 38th was stationed in South Korea.
- In 2006, it became part of the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division.
- Since March 2014, the 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, has been part of the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, in Colorado.
Heroes of the Korean War
During the Korean War, five brave members of the 38th Infantry Regiment received the Medal of Honor. This is the highest award for bravery in the U.S. military.
- First Lieutenant Frederick F. Henry: For actions on September 1, 1950.
- Sergeant First Class Tony K. Burris: For actions on October 8–9, 1951.
- Sergeant Charles R. Long: For actions on February 12, 1951.
- Corporal Ronald E. Rosser: For actions on January 12, 1952.
- Private Miguel Vera: For actions on September 21, 1952.
Battles and Campaigns
The 38th Infantry Regiment has fought in many major conflicts.
- World War I: They fought in key battles like Aisne, Champagne-Marne, and Meuse-Argonne.
- World War II: The regiment was involved in important campaigns such as Normandy, Northern France, and the Battle of the Bulge (Ardennes-Alsace).
- Korean War: They participated in many phases, including the UN Defensive and Counteroffensives.
- Operation Iraqi Freedom: The regiment served in Iraq during 2007-2008 and 2009-2010.
- Operation Enduring Freedom: They were deployed to Afghanistan in 2012-2013.
- Operation Freedom Sentinel: They served in Afghanistan again in 2018-2019.
- Operation Inherent Resolve: The unit was part of operations in 2021-2022.
Awards and Honors
The 38th Infantry Regiment has received many awards for its bravery and service.
- French Croix de Guerre with Palm: Awarded for their actions at the Marne River in World War I.
- French Croix de Guerre with Silver-Gilt Star: Received for their service in Brest during World War II.
- Belgian Fourragere 1940: This is a special braided cord worn on the uniform.
- They were honored by the Belgian Army for their actions in the Ardennes and at Elsenborn Crest.
Unit Decorations
These are awards given to the entire unit for outstanding performance.
| Ribbon | Award | Year | Notes |
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Presidential Unit Citation (United States) (Army) | 08/22/1944–08/23/1944 | for service for HILL 154, BREST |
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Presidential Unit Citation (United States) (Army) | 12/10/1944–12/20/1944 | for service for KRINKELT |
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Presidential Unit Citation (United States) (Army) | 05/16/1951–06/02/1951 | for service for HONGCHON |
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Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation (Army) | 1950 | for service for NAKTON RIVER LINE |
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Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation (Army) | 1950–1952 | for service in Korea |
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Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation (Army) | 1950–1953 | for service in Korea |
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Meritorious Unit Commendation (Army) | 4/2007–6/2008 | for service in Operation Iraqi Freedom |
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Meritorious Unit Commendation (Army) | 09/2009–09/2010 | for service in Operation Iraqi Freedom |
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Meritorious Unit Commendation (Army) | 11/24/2012–07/25/2013 | for service in Operation Enduring Freedom |
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Meritorious Unit Commendation (Army) | 04/2018–02/2019 | For Service in Operation Freedom Sentinel |
