291st Infantry Regiment (United States)
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| 291st Infantry Regiment | |
|---|---|
 Regimental Distinctive Unit Insignia | |
| Active | 1942–1945 1952–present |
| Country |  USA |
| Branch | U.S. Army |
| Role | Infantry |
| Size | Regiment |
| Part of | First Army |
| Motto(s) | "Altaha Abilia" (Always Ready) |
| Anniversaries | Constituted 24 December 1942 in the National Army |
| Decorations | Army Superior Unit Award |
| Battle honours | World War II |
| U.S. Infantry Regiments | ||||
|
The 291st Infantry Regiment was a National Army Infantry Regiment first organized for service in World War II as part of the 75th Infantry Division in Europe. Since 1952 it has served as a training Regiment, both in the Reserve Component and Active Component.[1]
World War II
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The regiment was ordered into active military service 15 April 1943 and reorganized at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.[2] The regiment participated in the Louisiana Maneuvers in January 1944. The regiment departed Camp Shanks on 22 October 1944 through the New York Port of Embarkation. The regiment fought across France and Germany, entering Germany on 10 March 1945. In July 1943, the regiment was organized with 3,256 officers and enlisted men:[3]
- Headquarters & Headquarters Company- 111
- Service Company- 114
- Anti-Tank Company- 165
- Cannon Company- 118
- Medical Detachment- 135
- Infantry Battalion (x3)- 871
- Headquarters & Headquarters Company- 126
- Rifle Company (x3)- 193
- Weapons Company- 156
Returning Home
The regiment departed France and arrived at Camp Patrick Henry and the Hampton Roads Port of Embarkation on 23 November 1945, and inactivated on the same date.[5]
Welcome Home, Camp Patrick Henry
Post War Service
From 1 March 1952, until 15 April 1997, the regiment served as a training unit under the 95th Training Division working with other units of the Army Reserve.
Current Assignment
The 1st Battalion is a Regular Army unit assigned to the 181st Infantry Brigade at Fort McCoy, Wisconsin with a mission to train Brigade Support Battalions.
The 2nd Battalion is a Regular Army unit assigned to the 166th Aviation Brigade at Fort Hood, Texas with a mission to train Aviation Battalions.
Campaign streamers
| Conflict | Streamer | Year(s) |
|---|---|---|
World War II   |
Rhineland | 1944-1945 |
| Ardennes-Alsace | 1944-1945 | |
| Central Europe | 1945 |
Decorations
| Ribbon | Award | Year | Unit | Orders |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Meritorious Unit Commendation | 2021-2022 | 1st Battalion |  |
 |
Army Superior Unit Award | 2008-2011 | 1st Battalion |  |
| None | Secretary of the Army Superior Unit Certificate | 1961-1962 | B Company, 1st Battalion |  |
| None | Secretary of the Army Superior Unit Certificate | 1962-1963 | M Company, 3rd Battalion |  |
Shoulder sleeve insignia
- Description: On a background equally divided horizontally white and red, 3+1⁄4 inches (83 mm) high and 2+1⁄2 inches (64 mm) wide at the base and 2+1⁄8 inches (54 mm) wide at top, a black block letter "A", 2+3⁄4 inches (70 mm) high, 2 inches (51 mm) wide at the base and 1+5⁄8 inches (41 mm) wide at top, all members 7⁄16 inch (11 mm) wide, all enclosed within a 1⁄8 inch (3.2 mm) Army Green border.
- Symbolism:
- The red and white of the background are the colors used in flags for Armies.
- The letter "A" represents "Army" and is also the first letter of the alphabet suggesting "First Army."
- Background:
- A black letter "A" was approved as the authorized insignia by the Commanding General, American Expeditionary Force, on 16 November 1918 and approved by the War Department on 5 May 1922.
- The background was added on 17 November 1950.