Nicknamed “Red Bull” because of the distinctive red-black-gold Shoulder Sleeve Insignia / Combat Service Identification Badge (CSIB), the 34th Infantry Division was originally formed from in the National Guard with troops from Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota in July 1917. Although the Division was deployed to France in October 1918, it did not see combat as a unit, but instead sent some of its Soldiers as replacements to other units, earning it a campaign streamer but without an inscription of any particular campaign.
The 34th was redesignated as an Infantry Division in 1942, and during World War II it earned official credit for participation in six campaigns against the Germans: Tunisia, Naples-Foggia, Anzio, Rome-Arno, North Apennines, and Po Valley. It was also honored with a French Croix de Guerre with Palm (embroidered Belvedere), and it was during these actions that the unit acquired its motto of “Attack, Attack, Attack!”
During the first dozen years of the War on Terrorism, numerous units of various sizes from the 34th Infantry Division were deployed in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, earning the Division a Meritorious Unit Commendation for its actions during the Iraqi Sovereignty campaign.
Related Items
34th Infantry Division Patch (SSI)
34th Infantry Division Unit Crest (DUI)