The 1st Infantry Division, known as “The Big Red One,” is the U.S. Army’s oldest continuously serving division. From World War I trenches to modern deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan, the division has led from the front in nearly every major American conflict of the last century. Airborne Apparel Company is proud to offer reproductions and unique designs that celebrate the legacy of the 1st Infantry Division.
Constituted in 1917, the 1st Infantry Division was the first American division organized in France during World War I, earning its nickname “The Big Red One” from its iconic shoulder patch. It fought at Cantigny, the first major American battle of the war, and later at Soissons, St. Mihiel, and in the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. Its aggressive performance established the division as a premier U.S. fighting force.
World War II
In World War II, the division stormed the beaches of North Africa in Operation Torch, fought at Kasserine Pass, and then moved on to Sicily in Operation Husky. On D-Day, June 6, 1944, the 1st Infantry Division’s 16th Infantry Regiment spearheaded the assault on Omaha Beach, facing some of the heaviest resistance of the invasion. The division went on to fight through Normandy, the Battle of the Bulge, and into Germany, cementing its reputation as a hard-fighting formation.
Post-War & Vietnam
After occupation duty in Germany, the division returned stateside but remained heavily involved in the Cold War era. In Vietnam, the Big Red One deployed in 1965 and conducted large-scale operations against Viet Cong and North Vietnamese regular forces, earning honors for its effectiveness in both offensive sweeps and defensive operations around Saigon.
Desert Storm & Modern Deployments
The 1st Infantry Division was heavily involved in Operation Desert Storm in 1991, leading the armored spearhead that cut through Iraqi defenses during the “left hook” maneuver. Following the 9/11 attacks, the division deployed multiple times to both Iraq and Afghanistan, where it carried out combat, stability, and advisory missions. Its Soldiers remain on the front lines of American overseas operations, demonstrating adaptability in both conventional and counterinsurgency warfare.
Structure & Modern Role
Today, the division is based at Fort Riley, Kansas, with brigade combat teams specializing in armor, infantry, aviation, and sustainment. It is a key component of U.S. Army readiness for large-scale operations in Europe, the Middle East, and beyond.
Identity & Honors
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Nickname: “The Big Red One”
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Motto: “No Mission Too Difficult. No Sacrifice Too Great. Duty First!”
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Symbol: Large red numeral “1” on a green background.
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Decorations: Multiple Presidential Unit Citations, foreign unit awards from France, Belgium, and Vietnam.
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Notable Figures & Honors:
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General Terry de la Mesa Allen, Sr. – famed WWII commander.
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COL George Taylor – led at Omaha Beach on D-Day.
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Medal of Honor recipients across both world wars, Vietnam, and the Global War on Terror, including SGT Candelario Garcia (Vietnam, 1968) and SSG James McCloughan (Vietnam, 1969).
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Airborne Apparel Company is proud to offer reproductions and unique designs that celebrate the legacy of the 1st Infantry Division.