The 2nd Infantry Division's Unit Crest, or Distinctive Unit Insignia (DUI), is considerably more stylized than its unit patch (Shoulder Sleeve Insignia) and its metallic-badge equivalent for the Army Service/Dress Uniform, the Combat Service Identification Badge (CSIB). Blue and white are Infantry colors, while the Indian head from the unit patch/CSIB has been replaced with a tomahawk emblazoned with a fleur-de-lis, signifying France as the location of the unit’s first combat action. Three feathers stand for the three major conflicts—WWI, WWI, and Korea—in which the unit had fought at the time of the insignia's approval, and its motto, "Second to None," is inscribed on a scroll encircling the tomahawk.
Distinctive Unit Insignias are worn by all Soldiers (except General Officers) in units that have been authorized to be issued the device. Guidance on wear of the DUI is found in DA Pamphlet 670-1, Section 21-22, "Distinctive unit insignia" and 21–3(d) and (e), "Beret" and "Garrison Cap," respectively.
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The 2nd Infantry Division played a critical role during the Korean War, becoming the first unit to break out of the "Pusan Perimeter," a last-stand defensive line set up some 325 miles southeast of the South Korean capitol of Seoul. After the breakout, the 2nd Infantry and the Eighth Army not only pushed the North Korean invaders out of South Korea (thanks in no small part to the landings at Inchon) but advanced almost to the Manchurian border before a force of 150,000 Chinese soldiers of the People's Volunteer Army launched a counterattack that threatened to encircle and destroy or capture Eighth Army at the Battle of the Ch'ongch'on River.
The 2nd Infantry Division was able to capture the small village of Kunu-Ri, where they were able to protect Eighth Army's right flank as it withdrew, but the delay in executing their own retreat allowed the Chinese to set up a six-mile roadblock that was dubbed "The Gauntlet." The Division suffered substantial casualties and eventually were forced to leave the roadway and make their way south through the hills. Before it completely escaped, the Division had lost most of its artillery, nearly half its signal equipment and crew-served weapons, and had more than 4,000 casualties, but its courage in slowing the Chinese advance saved untold numbers of Americans.
You can read more about the history of the 2nd Infantry Division by clicking the links below.
As of Autumn 2023, the 2nd Infantry Division/Republic of Korea-US Combined Division is the only permanently forward-stationed division in the U.S. Army. It is also the only U.S. Army division that is made up partially of South Korean soldiers, called Korean Augmentation to the United States Army.
Related Items
2nd Infantry Division Patch (SSI)
2nd Infantry Division Combat Service ID Badge (CSIB)