The 157th Infantry Brigade was originally constituted as the 158th Infantry Brigade and assigned to the 79th Infantry Division on 5 August 1917 and was organized three weeks later at Camp Meade in Maryland. Serving with the 79th Division in World War I, the Brigade was credited with participation in two campaigns, Meuse-Argonne and Lorraine 1918.
During World War II, the unit was against assigned to the 79th Division (later 79th Infantry Division) and was designated as 79th Reconnaissance Troop, Mechanized. Deployed to the European Theater, the unit distinguished itself not only by taking part in five campaigns, but also by being honored with two French Croix de Guerre with Palm (one embroidered PARROY FOREST, the other with NORMANDY TO PARIS), but also a French Fourragere, putting true meaning to the unit motto “Vigilance And Valor.”
It wasn’t until 5 November 1962 that the unit was designated as the 157th Infantry Brigade. Following a series of inactivations and reactivations, the Brigade was assigned to First Army Division East in 2006 and tasked with the training of Army Reserve and National Guard units.
Related Items157th Infantry Brigade Unit Crest (DUI)Because they are in a subordinate element of First Army, current members of the 157th Infantry Brigade wear the First Army Shoulder Sleeve Insignia on the left shoulder to indicate current unit, but those who served in the unit before the 2006 reassignment may wear it on the right shoulder of the ACU indicating Former Wartime Service. Retired personnel may wear the color version on the left or right shoulder, depending on their service history, on the Class A Green Service uniform.