20th Infantry Regiment (United States)

The 20th Infantry Regiment is a United States Army infantry regiment with a long and distinguished history dating back to the American Civil War. Constituted in 1861 as the 11th Infantry Regiment, it was redesignated as the 20th Infantry Regiment in 1869.

The regiment has participated in numerous major conflicts, including the Civil War, the Indian Wars, the Spanish-American War, the Philippine-American War, World War I, World War II, and the Korean War. Throughout its history, it has earned numerous battle streamers and unit citations for valor and distinguished service.

During the American Civil War as the 11th Infantry, the regiment saw action in key battles such as Gettysburg and Chickamauga. Following the Civil War, the regiment served on the Western frontier, participating in campaigns against Native American tribes.

In World War I, the 20th Infantry fought in France as part of the 79th Infantry Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, participating in major offensives such as the Meuse-Argonne.

During World War II, the regiment was part of the 6th Infantry Division and saw extensive combat in the Pacific Theater, including campaigns in New Guinea and the Philippines. They fought against formidable Japanese resistance, contributing significantly to the Allied victory.

The 20th Infantry Regiment also served with distinction in the Korean War, where it participated in several key battles and earned further accolades for its combat performance.

Following the Korean War, the regiment was reorganized and elements served in various capacities. While the regiment itself may not always have been actively deployed in its entirety, its lineage and honors have been maintained, and its constituent battalions have continued to serve within the U.S. Army.

The 20th Infantry Regiment represents a significant part of the history of the United States Army and is a symbol of the dedication and sacrifice of American soldiers throughout the years. The regiment's motto is "Lead the Way."