What is the 28th Infantry Division, and what is its historical significance within the U.S. Army?

The 28th Infantry Division, known as the 'Keystone' Division, is a unit of the United States Army National Guard. It holds the distinction of being the oldest division-sized unit in the Army, with some of its constituent units tracing their origins back to Benjamin Franklin's battalion, The Pennsylvania Associators, which existed from 1747 to 1777.

When was the 28th Infantry Division officially established and subsequently redesignated?

The 28th Infantry Division was officially established in 1879. It was later redesignated as the 28th Division in 1917, following America's entry into the First World War.

From which states do the units of the 28th Infantry Division currently originate?

Today, the 28th Infantry Division comprises units from Pennsylvania, Maryland, Ohio, and New Jersey.

What are the various nicknames associated with the 28th Infantry Division, and what is their origin?

The 28th Infantry Division was originally nicknamed the 'Keystone Division' because it was formed from units of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard, and Pennsylvania is known as the 'Keystone State.' During World War II, German forces gave it the nickname 'Bloody Bucket' due to the shape and color of its red keystone insignia. Currently, the division is known as the 'Iron Division,' a name bestowed upon it by General Pershing during World War I.

What unique military vehicle did the 28th Infantry Division become the first Army National Guard division to field?

The 28th Infantry Division was the first Army National Guard division to field the Stryker infantry fighting vehicle, as part of the Army's reorganization efforts in the early 2000s.

Who was the first Division commander of the National Guard of Pennsylvania, and when was he appointed?

Major General John F. Hartranft was appointed as the first Division commander of the National Guard of Pennsylvania on March 12, 1879, a significant step as Pennsylvania was the first state to structure its National Guard units at such a high tactical level in peacetime.

What was the significance of Camp Samuel W. Crawford in 1894 for the Pennsylvania National Guard?

From August 11 to 18, 1894, Camp Samuel W. Crawford served as the Division Encampment at Gettysburg for the Pennsylvania National Guard.

How did the 28th Division participate in the Spanish-American War?

The division was mustered into federal service for the Spanish-American War in 1898. Pennsylvania initially levied 10,800 men, and while 12,000 men were raised, only the 4th, 10th, and 16th Regiments, three artillery batteries, and three cavalry troops were deployed to Puerto Rico. The 10th Regiment was subsequently sent to the Philippines.

What domestic incidents did the 28th Division respond to in the late 19th and early 20th centuries?

The division was called up to respond to labor disturbances in both 1877 and 1900.

What was the 28th Division's designation and deployment during the Mexican border service in 1916?

In 1914, the division was designated the 7th Division as part of a National Guard reorganization. On June 29, 1916, it was mustered into federal service at Mount Gretna and deployed to El Paso, Texas, to serve along the Mexican border during the Pancho Villa Expedition. Major General Charles M. Clement commanded the division during this period.

Describe the conditions and reorganization of the 28th Division at Camp Hancock, Georgia, during World War I.

The 28th Division moved to Camp Hancock, Georgia, in April 1917, the same month the U.S. entered World War I. Conditions were poor, with men initially receiving only summer uniforms, inadequate blankets until January, and woeful training equipment, including wooden machine guns and only one 37-mm gun for the entire division. From May to October 11, 1917, the division was reorganized into a two-brigade, four-regiment square division, officially becoming the 28th Division.

When did the 28th Division arrive in Europe during World War I, and what was its first major engagement?

By May 1918, the 28th Division had arrived in Europe and began training with the British. Its first major engagement was the Battle of Chateau-Thierry on July 14, 1918, where it was committed to the second line of defense south of the Marne River and east of Château-Thierry, successfully repelling a fierce German artillery bombardment and assault.

How did the 28th Infantry Division earn its 'Iron Division' nickname during World War I?

After the 28th Division repelled a German assault during the Battle of Chateau-Thierry, General John Pershing, commander of the American Expeditionary Force, visited the battlefield and declared the 28th soldiers to be 'Men of Iron,' subsequently naming the 28th ID his 'Iron Division.'

What was the origin and official adoption date of the 28th Infantry Division's red keystone shoulder patch?

The 28th Infantry Division developed a red keystone-shaped shoulder patch, which was officially adopted on October 27, 1918, symbolizing its origin from Pennsylvania, the 'Keystone State.'

List the major World War I operations in which the 28th Division participated.

During World War I, the 28th Division was involved in the Meuse-Argonne, Champagne-Marne, Aisne-Marne (including the Battle of Fismes and Fismette), Oise-Aisne, and Ypres-Lys operations.

What were the total casualties and notable individual awards for the 28th Division during World War I?

The 28th Division sustained a total of 14,139 casualties during World War I, comprising 2,165 killed and 11,974 wounded. Two individuals, Sergeant James I. Mestrovitch and Major Joseph H. Thompson, were awarded the Medal of Honor.

When and where was the 28th Division demobilized after World War I?

The 28th Division headquarters arrived at the Port of Philadelphia on April 30, 1919, after twelve months of overseas service, and the division was demobilized on May 17, 1919, at Camp Dix, New Jersey.

How was the 28th Division structured and recognized during the interwar period, and where was its headquarters located?

In accordance with the National Defense Act of 1920, the 28th Division was allotted to the state of Pennsylvania and assigned to the III Corps in 1921. Its division headquarters was reorganized and federally recognized on December 22, 1921, at Philadelphia, and later relocated to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, on March 12, 1933.

What was the designated mobilization training center for the 'Keystone' Division during the interwar period?

The designated mobilization training center for the 'Keystone' Division during the interwar period was Camp Bullis, Texas.

What significant memorial was dedicated by an honor battalion of the 'Iron Division' in France during the interwar period?

An honor battalion of Pennsylvania National Guardsmen from the 'Iron Division' dedicated the Pennsylvania World War Memorial in Varennes-en-Argonne, France, in 1928.

What natural disaster did the 28th Division assist with during the interwar period?

The entire 28th Division was called up for flood relief duty in March and April 1936, when Pennsylvania rivers overflowed in one of the worst floods in the state's history.

When was the 28th Infantry Division called into federal service for World War II, and who was its commander at that time?

The 28th Infantry Division was called into federal service on February 17, 1941, during World War II, even before the U.S. officially entered the conflict. At that time, it was commanded by Major General Edward Martin.

What significant reorganization occurred for the 28th Division in February 1942 during World War II?

In February 1942, the 28th Division, then commanded by Major General James Ord, underwent a reorganization where its brigade headquarters were disbanded, and the 111th Infantry Regiment was detached and reorganized as a separate regimental combat team, initially tasked with guarding important Eastern Seaboard industrial facilities.

Who commanded the 28th Infantry Division during its training in various U.S. states prior to overseas deployment in World War II?

Major General Omar Nelson Bradley commanded the 28th Infantry Division during its training in the Carolinas, Virginia, Louisiana, Texas, and Florida.

When and where did the 28th Infantry Division land in Normandy, and what was its immediate involvement?

The 28th Infantry Division landed in Normandy on July 22, 1944, seven weeks after the initial D-Day landings, and was almost immediately involved in Operation Cobra, the Allied offensive to break out of the Normandy beachhead.

What honor was bestowed upon the 28th Infantry Division in Paris during World War II?

After pushing east through the Bocage region, the men of the 28th Infantry Division entered Paris and were given the honor of marching down the Champs-Élysées on August 29, 1944, as part of the hastily arranged Liberation of Paris parade.

Who became the commander of the 28th Infantry Division after its time in Paris during World War II?

After the Liberation of Paris, Brigadier General Norman Cota, who was formerly the Assistant Division Commander of the 29th Infantry Division, took command of the 28th Infantry Division.

What significant milestone did a patrol from the 109th Infantry achieve on the Siegfried Line?

A small night patrol of the 109th Infantry began the division's struggle on the Siegfried Line by crossing the Our River from Weiswampach, Luxembourg, into Sevenig (Our), Germany, making it the first of the Allied armies to reach German soil.

What was the outcome and significance of the 28th Infantry Division's involvement in the Battle of Hürtgen Forest?

The 28th Infantry Division suffered extremely heavy casualties in the costly and ill-conceived Battle of Hürtgen Forest, fought from September 19 to December 16, 1944. The divisional history acknowledged that the division 'accomplished little' in this battle, which was the longest continuous battle the U.S. Army fought in World War II.

How did the 28th Infantry Division respond to the Ardennes Offensive, also known as the Battle of the Bulge?

The 28th Infantry Division, despite having sustained heavy casualties in previous fighting, fought tenaciously along its entire front against the 5th Panzer Army during the Ardennes Offensive. Using all available personnel, they disrupted the enemy's timetable before withdrawing to Neufchâteau on December 22 for reorganization due to severe losses.

What role did the 28th Infantry Division play in the reduction of the Colmar Pocket?

The 28th Infantry Division was assigned to the 6th Army Group to help eliminate the German 'Colmar Pocket' in Alsace. Despite being deemed capable of only limited offensive action due to prior heavy fighting, the division went into action on January 19, 1945, in the Kaysersberg Valley, supporting the 3rd Infantry Division. They advanced westward, reducing the pocket by half in less than 10 days, leading to a partial German retreat and the eventual clearing of Colmar's surrounding areas by February 2.

Which regiment of the 28th Infantry Division received the French Croix de guerre during World War II?

The 109th Infantry Regiment received the French Croix de guerre from Charles de Gaulle for its actions during World War II.

What was the total number of combat days for the 28th Infantry Division in World War II, and what were some of the notable awards received?

The 28th Infantry Division was on the front line for 196 days of combat during World War II. Notable awards included the Medal of Honor for Francis J. Clark, 29 Distinguished Service Crosses, 435 Silver Stars, 27 Legions of Merit, and 2,312 Bronze Star Medals.

What were the total battle casualties for the 28th Infantry Division during World War II, broken down by type?

The 28th Infantry Division incurred a total of 16,762 battle casualties during World War II, which included 2,316 killed in action, 9,609 wounded in action, 884 missing in action, and 3,953 prisoners of war.

Who was Edward Donald Slovik, and what is his historical significance related to the 28th Infantry Division?

Edward Donald Slovik was a private in the 109th Infantry Regiment of the 28th Infantry Division during World War II. He is historically significant as the only American soldier to be executed for cowardice since the American Civil War, despite over 21,000 soldiers receiving varying sentences for desertion during World War II.

When was the 28th Infantry Division reorganized and returned to the Pennsylvania Army National Guard after World War II?

After being inactivated as part of the Army on December 13, 1945, the 28th Infantry Division was reorganized on November 20, 1946, and returned to the Pennsylvania Army National Guard at Harrisburg.

What was the 28th Division's role during the Korean War?

Following the outbreak of the Korean War, the 28th Division was ordered into active federal service on September 5, 1950. It reopened Camp Atterbury, Indiana, for training and was subsequently sent to Germany to augment NATO forces, defending Western Europe from the threat of Soviet attack until May 22, 1954.

How was the 28th Division reorganized in 1959, and what was its reported strength?

On June 1, 1959, the 28th Division was reorganized under the Pentomic structures. It consisted of various battalions and squadrons, including the 1st Reconnaissance Squadron, 103rd Armor, 28th Signal Battalion, 28th Aviation Battalion, and several infantry and field artillery battalions, with a reported strength of 10,408 personnel as of June 5, 1959.

Did the 28th Division participate in the Vietnam War or Operation Desert Storm in force?

The 28th Division was not mobilized in force during the Vietnam War, though it was selected as a Selective Reserve Force division in 1965. Similarly, it was not mobilized in force for Operation Desert Storm in 1991, although its 121st Transportation Company served in Saudi Arabia and individual volunteers were deployed overseas.

What peacekeeping missions did elements of the 28th Division undertake in the late 1990s and early 2000s?

After the Dayton Agreement in 1996, some units of the 28th Division's artillery were called up for peacekeeping in Bosnia. In 2002, the 28th Division headquarters took command of the Northern Brigade Task Force (Task Force Eagle) as part of the NATO peacekeeping mission SFOR 12 in Bosnia. In 2003, the division again led KFOR, the NATO peacekeeping mission in Kosovo, for a 9-month rotation, and elements returned in 2005 for a year-long rotation.

What was the role of D Troop 2/104th CAV in the Iraq War, and what was notable about their deployment?

D Troop 2/104th CAV, a Reconnaissance, Surveillance, and Target Acquisition (RSTA) unit, was activated in January 2003 and deployed to Iraq in September 2003 as a UAV platoon with elements from the Maryland National Guard. They were notable as the first National Guard Units to fly the Shadow UAV.

What was the mission and accomplishments of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team (2/28 BCT) during its deployment to Iraq in 2005?

The 2nd Brigade Combat Team (2/28 BCT) was mobilized in January 2005 and deployed to the Al Anbar Governorate in July 2005. Its mission was to neutralize the insurgency and develop Iraqi Armed Forces and Police to create stable conditions. The brigade completed millions of dollars in humanitarian assistance projects, detained or killed over 3,000 insurgents and terrorists, ensured successful referendums and elections, trained approximately 5,000 Iraqi soldiers, seized hundreds of tons of explosives, recruited over 1,000 Iraqi Police, established outposts in former insurgent strongholds, and discovered over 1,100 roadside bombs.

What award did the 2nd Brigade Combat Team receive for its service in Iraq?

The 2nd Brigade Combat Team (2/28 BCT) was awarded the Navy Unit Commendation as part of the I Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward) for its service from February 28, 2006, until the transition of authority to the 1st Armored Division.

Where did the 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team (SBCT) train and deploy for Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2008-2009?

The 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team trained at Camp Shelby, Mississippi, and the Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC) in Fort Polk, Louisiana, in 2008. It then moved to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in December 2008 before deploying to Camp Buehring, Kuwait, in January 2009, and subsequently conducted operations in the northern Baghdad Governorate from January to September 2009.

What is the current modular structure of the 28th Infantry Division?

As a modular division, the 28th Infantry Division currently consists of a headquarters battalion, one infantry brigade combat team, one Stryker brigade combat team, the Division Artillery, one combat aviation brigade, a sustainment brigade, a regional support group, and an attached maneuver enhancement brigade.

Where is the 28th Infantry Division's headquarters located?

The 28th Infantry Division's headquarters is located in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

What is the significance of the 28th Division Shrine, and where is it located?

A shrine dedicated to the 28th Infantry Division is located on the grounds of the Pennsylvania Military Museum in Boalsburg, Pennsylvania. It originated from a monument erected in 1919 by soldiers of the Boal Troop to honor their fallen comrades from World War I, and later became a site for memorials to most units of the 28th that served in World War I, with a World War II memorial dedicated in 1997. Members of the division have gathered there for a memorial service every third Sunday in May since 1919.

What is the symbolism behind the 28th Infantry Division's shoulder sleeve insignia?

The shoulder sleeve insignia of the 28th Infantry Division is a red Keystone. This symbol alludes to the division's nickname, 'Keystone,' which refers to its formation from units of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard, as Pennsylvania is known as the 'Keystone State.'

What is the symbolism and background of the 28th Infantry Division's distinctive unit insignia?

The distinctive unit insignia features the crest from the National Guard of the State of Pennsylvania on a gold disk divided into red, silver, and blue. The device is purportedly designed by Benjamin Franklin, who inspired the people of Philadelphia. The shield on the device is that of William Penn, and the red and white colors of the wreath signify the predominantly English origin of the early settlements. This insignia was originally authorized for the 28th Infantry Division Headquarters and related detachments on February 6, 1929, and later redesignated for non-color bearing units on July 10, 1968.

What is the title and origin of the 28th Infantry Division's song?

The 28th Infantry Division's song is titled 'Roll On!' and was written by Sergeant Emil Raab around 1944.

In what popular culture works has the 28th Infantry Division been portrayed or referenced?

The 28th Infantry Division has been portrayed or referenced in several popular culture works, including the 1998 HBO film When Trumpets Fade, the 1919 silent film J'accuse, the 1968 film The Subject Was Roses, the 1974 TV movie The Execution of Private Slovik, the 1978 film Dawn of the Dead, the 2008 film The Happening, the miniseries Band of Brothers, and the book Company Commander by Charles Brown MacDonald.

28th Infantry Division United States Wiki: The Iron Division: A Legacy Forged in Conflict

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Foundations of a Legacy

America's Oldest Division

The 28th Infantry Division holds the distinction of being the oldest division-sized unit in the United States Army.^[2] Its lineage is exceptionally deep, with some constituent units tracing their origins to the Pennsylvania Associators, a volunteer militia battalion founded by Benjamin Franklin in 1747.^[3] Officially established as the National Guard of Pennsylvania on March 12, 1879, under Major General John F. Hartranft, it was the first state to organize its guard units at a divisional level during peacetime.^[7]

A Trio of Nicknames

The division is known by several powerful nicknames earned throughout its history:

"Keystone Division": Its original designation, reflecting its formation from Pennsylvania National Guard units. Pennsylvania is famously known as the "Keystone State."^[4]
"Bloody Bucket": A grim moniker given by German forces during World War II, referring to the red keystone-shaped insignia and the division's fierce, costly fighting.^[5]
"Iron Division": A title of respect bestowed by General John J. Pershing during World War I, after witnessing the division's tenacity in repelling a major German offensive.^[7]

Early Federal Service

Before its legendary service in the World Wars, the division was mustered into federal service for several critical campaigns. In 1898, it was mobilized for the Spanish–American War, with several regiments deploying to Puerto Rico and the Philippines.^[11] In 1916, designated as the 7th Division, it was deployed to El Paso, Texas, to secure the U.S.-Mexico border during the Pancho Villa Expedition, gaining valuable federal experience that would prove crucial just a year later.^[7][13]

Forged in the Great War

Federalization and Training

With America's entry into World War I in April 1917, the division was drafted into federal service and redesignated as the 28th Division. It relocated to Camp Hancock, Georgia, for reorganization and training. Conditions were dismal, with soldiers facing shortages of winter uniforms, blankets, and modern training equipment like bayonets and machine guns.^[15] Despite these challenges, the division prepared for its deployment to the Western Front, integrating thousands of National Army draftees to reach full strength.

"Men of Iron" in France

Arriving in Europe in May 1918, the 28th was thrust into the crucible of the Second Battle of the Marne. Positioned east of Château-Thierry, the division met a ferocious German offensive with bitter, hand-to-hand combat. Their resolute defense decisively repelled the German assault. After the battle, General John Pershing, commander of the American Expeditionary Forces, toured the battlefield and famously declared the soldiers "Men of Iron," cementing the "Iron Division" as their enduring identity.^[7][16] The iconic red keystone shoulder patch was officially adopted on October 27, 1918.

Campaigns and Cost

The 28th Division participated in some of the most significant American campaigns of the war, including the Meuse-Argonne, Champagne-Marne, and Oise-Aisne offensives. This service came at a high cost, with the division suffering 14,139 total casualties, including 2,165 killed in action.^[17] For their extraordinary bravery, two soldiers—Sergeant James I. Mestrovitch and Major Joseph H. Thompson—were awarded the Medal of Honor.^[17]

The division was organized as a "square division" with two infantry brigades and an artillery brigade.^[19]

55th Infantry Brigade: 109th & 110th Infantry Regiments, 108th Machine Gun Battalion
56th Infantry Brigade: 111th & 112th Infantry Regiments, 109th Machine Gun Battalion
53rd Field Artillery Brigade: 107th, 108th, & 109th Field Artillery Regiments
Divisional Troops: 107th Machine Gun Battalion, 103rd Engineer Regiment, 103rd Field Signal Battalion, and support trains.

The "Bloody Bucket" in Europe

Mobilization and Deployment

The division was called into federal service on February 17, 1941, months before the attack on Pearl Harbor. It underwent extensive training across the United States, notably under the command of future General of the Army Omar N. Bradley.^[23] Reorganized into a "triangular" division with three infantry regiments (109th, 110th, 112th), it departed for Europe in October 1943. After training in South Wales, the 28th landed in Normandy on July 22, 1944, and was immediately committed to the breakout offensive, Operation Cobra.

From Paris to the Westwall

After pushing through the brutal bocage country of Normandy, the 28th Infantry Division was given the distinct honor of marching down the Champs-Élysées on August 29, 1944, during the victory parade for the Liberation of Paris. Following this, the division, now under the command of the famed Major General Norman "Dutch" Cota, advanced toward Germany. On September 11, a patrol from the 109th Infantry crossed the Our River into Germany, becoming one of the first Allied units to enter German territory.^[24]

The Hürtgen and the Bulge

The division's advance met unimaginable resistance in the Battle of Hürtgen Forest, one of the longest and bloodiest battles fought by the U.S. Army in the war. The 28th suffered immense casualties for little strategic gain.^[25] After being withdrawn to a supposedly quiet sector along the Our River to refit, the division found itself directly in the path of the massive German Ardennes Offensive—the Battle of the Bulge. Though badly mauled and forced to withdraw, the division's dogged defense significantly disrupted the German timetable, buying crucial time for Allied reinforcements.^[28]

Colmar and Victory

Despite being severely depleted, the 28th was committed to the fight to reduce the Colmar Pocket in the Alsace region in January 1945. Alongside French and other American units, they battled in bitterly cold conditions to eliminate this last major German holdout on French soil.^[30][31] The division fought for 196 days in combat, suffering 16,762 battle casualties.^[34] Its valor was recognized with numerous awards, including a Medal of Honor for Technical Sergeant Francis J. Clark.^[35]

Cold War and 21st Century Service

The Cold War

Following World War II, the division was reactivated in the Pennsylvania National Guard. In 1950, at the outset of the Korean War, the 28th was mobilized and deployed not to Korea, but to West Germany. It served as a key component of the NATO force, providing a credible deterrent against a potential Soviet invasion of Western Europe. The division remained on federal service in Germany until 1954. It was later reorganized under the "Pentomic" structure in 1959, adapting to the new realities of the nuclear battlefield.^[37]

Peacekeeping Operations

In the post-Cold War era, the 28th Division transitioned to a new role as a peacekeeping force. In 1996, elements were deployed to Bosnia as part of the NATO-led Stabilization Force (SFOR) following the Dayton Agreement. The division headquarters commanded the multinational Task Force Eagle in Bosnia in 2002.^[7] It continued this mission in Kosovo, leading the Kosovo Force (KFOR) rotations in 2003 and 2005, becoming the first reserve component division to command these multinational missions.^[7]

Global War on Terror

Since the September 11th attacks, thousands of soldiers from the 28th Infantry Division have served in the War in Afghanistan and the Iraq War. The division's brigades, including the 2nd Brigade Combat Team and the 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, have completed multiple year-long rotations in Iraq, conducting counterinsurgency operations, training Iraqi security forces, and securing key areas like Ramadi and Baghdad.^[40] The division's Combat Aviation Brigade also served with distinction in Iraq, demonstrating the modern, modular capabilities of this historic unit.

Current Organization

Division Headquarters

The 28th Infantry Division is a modular force of the Army National Guard, headquartered in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Its structure allows for flexible deployment of its subordinate brigades. The division headquarters and headquarters battalion provides command and control for its assigned and attached units, which are drawn from Pennsylvania, Maryland, Ohio, and New Jersey.^[7]

Brigade Combat Teams

The division's primary combat power resides in its two Brigade Combat Teams (BCTs):

2nd Infantry BCT: A traditional light infantry brigade based in Washington, PA, composed of infantry, cavalry, artillery, engineer, and support battalions.
56th Stryker BCT: Based in Horsham, PA, this brigade is equipped with the versatile Stryker infantry combat vehicle, providing a unique blend of mobility, protection, and firepower. It is the first National Guard BCT to field the Stryker.

Support & Aviation Brigades

Essential support is provided by several specialized brigades:

Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade: Headquartered at Fort Indiantown Gap, this brigade provides assault, general support, and security aviation assets.
28th Infantry Division Artillery (DIVARTY): Provides command and control for field artillery battalions.
Sustainment and Support Units: Including the 28th ID Sustainment Brigade, 371st Sustainment Brigade (OH NG), and the 213th Regional Support Group, which provide logistical, financial, and transportation support to the entire division.

Honors and Legacy

The Division Shrine

A dedicated shrine to the 28th Infantry Division is located at the Pennsylvania Military Museum in Boalsburg, PA. The site originated in 1919 when returning soldiers from a local machine gun unit, the Boal Troop, erected a monument to their fallen comrades on the estate of their founder, Colonel Theodore Davis Boal. Over the decades, other divisional units added their own memorials, creating a unique outdoor tribute. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania acquired the site in 1931, and it remains a place of remembrance, with an annual memorial service held each May.

In Popular Culture

The division's dramatic history has been featured in film and television. The 1998 HBO film When Trumpets Fade depicts the 28th's brutal experience in the Battle of Hürtgen Forest. The division is also mentioned in the acclaimed HBO miniseries Band of Brothers, and its iconic keystone patch appears in films such as The Subject Was Roses and George A. Romero's Dawn of the Dead, reflecting its deep connection to Pennsylvania culture.^{[62][63][64][66]}

Campaign Honors

The 28th Infantry Division and its subordinate units are among the most decorated in the U.S. Army. Their campaign streamers span from the Civil War to the modern era.

World War I: Champagne-Marne, Aisne-Marne, Oise-Aisne, Meuse-Argonne
World War II: Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes-Alsace, Central Europe
Iraq War: Iraqi Governance, National Resolution, Iraqi Sovereignty

The division has also received numerous unit decorations, including the Presidential Unit Citation for its defense during the Battle of the Bulge and the French Croix de Guerre with Palm for its actions at Colmar.^[58][59]

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References

Pennsylvania National Guard (published 19 September 2012), "28th Infantry Division Change-of-Command Ceremony", minute 1:10/3:53

Armies, Corps, Divisions, and Separate Brigades, 28th Div

28th Infantry (Keystone) Division (Mechanized), p. 26.

28th Infantry (Keystone) Division (Mechanized), p. 27.

28th Infantry (Keystone) Division (Mechanized), p. 29.

Army Battle Casualties and Nonbattle Deaths, Final Report (Statistical and Accounting Branch Office of the Adjutant General, 1 June 1953)

28th Infantry (Keystone) Division (Mechanized), p. 56.

28th Infantry (Keystone) Division (Mechanized), pp. 84â86.

28th Quartermaster Company cited; Headquarters, 28th Infantry Division also entitled. GO 11, 28th Infantry Division, 1945.

Headquarters, 28th Infantry Division, 28th Cavalry Reconnaissance Troop, 28th Quartermaster Company, 109th Infantry, and 110th Infantry cited; DA GO 43, 1950.

J'accuse 1919 Film Retrieved 10 February 2011.

The Subject Was Roses (1968) Retrieved 11 March 2018.

Dawn of The Dead (1978) Retrieved 12 November 2016.

The Happening, 2008 Retrieved 12 November 2016

Band of Brothers Retrieved 12 November 2016.

A full list of references for this article are available at the 28th Infantry Division (United States) Wikipedia page

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This is not official military information. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for official U.S. Army or Department of Defense publications. For official information, please consult authorized military sources. Never disregard professional military or historical guidance because of something you have read on this website.

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The Iron Division

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Foundations of a Legacy 🏛️

📜 America's Oldest Division

📛 A Trio of Nicknames

⚔️ Early Federal Service

Forged in the Great War 🎖️

🇺🇸 Federalization and Training

🇫🇷 "Men of Iron" in France

📊 Campaigns and Cost

The "Bloody Bucket" in Europe 🌍

✈️ Mobilization and Deployment

🏆 From Paris to the Westwall

🌲 The Hürtgen and the Bulge

🎖️ Colmar and Victory

Cold War and 21st Century Service 🌐

🛡️ The Cold War

🕊️ Peacekeeping Operations

💥 Global War on Terror

Current Organization 🧩

🏢 Division Headquarters

⚔️ Brigade Combat Teams

🚁 Support & Aviation Brigades

Honors and Legacy 🎖️

🌳 The Division Shrine

🎬 In Popular Culture

📜 Campaign Honors

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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References

📜 References

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Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Foundations of a Legacy

America's Oldest Division

A Trio of Nicknames

Early Federal Service

Forged in the Great War

Federalization and Training

"Men of Iron" in France

Campaigns and Cost

The "Bloody Bucket" in Europe

Mobilization and Deployment

From Paris to the Westwall

The Hürtgen and the Bulge

Colmar and Victory

Cold War and 21st Century Service

The Cold War

Peacekeeping Operations

Global War on Terror

Current Organization

Division Headquarters

Brigade Combat Teams

Support & Aviation Brigades

Honors and Legacy

The Division Shrine

In Popular Culture

Campaign Honors

Teacher's Corner

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