Inactivated in 1971, the 23rd Division has several distinctions that set it apart from other infantry units. For one thing, it was the only division to be formed outside U.S. territory during not one, but two wars: World War II and the Vietnam War. Second, it was given its nickname of “Americal” (which also served as its motto) before it received a numerical designation. Even after receiving the designation as the 23rd Infantry Division, however, the unit continued to be called by its nickname, which was suggested to Major General Alexander Patch by a soldier under his command.
“Americal” is a portmanteau of the words “American” and New Caledonia,” the latter being the location where three regiments were brought together to form the division. In addition to action there, the division also fought at Guadalcanal, the Fiji Islands, Bougainville, Leyte, and Samar. After inactivation following the conclusion of the war, the unit was reactivated in 1954 and served in the Panama Canal Zone until 1956 and the start of another period of inactivation.
In 1967, the Americal Division was reactivated and assumed command and control of the 11th, 198th, and 199th Infantry Brigades (and associated support troops). The first two were withdrawn from Vietnam in November 1971 and the division was inactivated; the 199th was reconstituted as a standalone brigade and remained in Vietnam until June of the next year, making it the last major combat unit to leave the country.
Simply designed, the Combat Service Identification Badge features four white stars symbolizing the Southern Cross under which the division served for over twenty-five years.
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23rd Infantry Division Unit Patch (SSI)
23rd Infantry Division Unit Crest (DUI)