The oldest continuous division in the US Army has a storied, bloody lineage

Cultures · Published 30 September 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: From the trenches of World War I to the modern era, the 1st Infantry Division has been a constant in American military history. Known as 'The Big Red One,' this unit has survived decades of global conflict, earning nicknames that reflect the heavy price of its service.

Organized in June 1917 under Brigadier General William L. Sobert, the division—originally called the First Expeditionary Division—was built from units serving on the US-Mexico border and various domestic posts. Its early structure was massive, with an authorized strength of 18,919 men. By August 1917, a 'square' reorganization expanded this force to 27,120 officers and enlisted men, including infantry brigades, engineers, and artillery.

The division's combat history is marked by significant milestones and heavy casualties. During World War I, it achieved its first American victory at Cantigny in April 1918, where the 28th Infantry Regiment captured the town in just 45 minutes. However, the cost of war was immense; by the end of the conflict, the division reported 4,964 killed in action and over 17,000 wounded. The division's service has spanned from the forests of the Meuse-Argonne to the campaigns of the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Beyond the battlefield, the division's identity is shaped by legendary figures and even a famous mascot. George S. Patton helped oversee the division's movement to France, while Colonel George C. Marshall served as its deputy chief of staff during the pivotal Saint-Mihiel operation. Even the division's mascot, a terrier named Rags, became a celebrity after delivering a vital message during the Argonne campaign despite being gassed and bombed. Today, the division remains a cornerstone of the Regular Army, based at Fort Riley, Kansas.

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