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The 25th Infantry Division, known as the “Tropic Lightning” Division, is one of the U.S. Army’s most storied combat formations. Headquartered at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, it has fought in World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan and remains a major U.S. Army force in the Indo-Pacific.
The 25th Infantry Division was activated on 1 October 1941 at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. Soon after the attack on Pearl Harbor, the division deployed to the Pacific Theater and fought at Guadalcanal, New Georgia, and Luzon.
Korean War
In July 1950, the 25th deployed to Korea and fought from the Pusan Perimeter through later campaigns of the war. Its Soldiers earned numerous decorations for valor.
Vietnam War
The 25th Infantry Division deployed to Vietnam in 1966 and remained in combat for five years, primarily in III Corps Tactical Zone. Its units fought in the Tet Offensive and numerous operations around Củ Chi, Tây Ninh, and other areas of South Vietnam. Twenty-one Soldiers associated with the division received the Medal of Honor for actions during the Vietnam War.
Post-Vietnam & Modernization
After Vietnam, the division returned to Hawaii and later supported missions in the Sinai, Somalia, Bosnia, and Kosovo before restructuring into modular brigade combat teams.
Global War on Terror
During the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, brigades and other elements of the 25th Infantry Division conducted repeated combat deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.
Current Role & Indo-Pacific Focus
Today, the 25th Infantry Division remains headquartered at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii and focuses on operations and partnerships across the Indo-Pacific. The former Alaska-based brigades that once belonged to the 25th were reorganized under the 11th Airborne Division in 2022 and are no longer part of the 25th Infantry Division.
Identity & Legacy
- Nickname: “Tropic Lightning”
- Motto: “Ready to Strike, Anytime, Anywhere”
- Distinctive Insignia: The division’s well-known taro leaf and lightning-bolt imagery reflects its Hawaiian roots and Tropic Lightning identity.
Enduring Significance
From the Pacific in World War II to Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan, and today’s Indo-Pacific mission, the 25th Infantry Division has remained one of the Army’s enduring combat formations.
Airborne Apparel Company is proud to offer reproductions and unique designs that celebrate the legacy of the 25th Infantry Division.