45th Infantry Regiment (United States)

The 45th Infantry Regiment was a regiment of the United States Army that served in both World War I and World War II.

World War I:

The 45th Infantry Regiment was constituted on 15 May 1917 in the Regular Army. It was organized on 15 June 1917 at Camp Mills, Long Island, New York, from personnel of the 22nd Infantry Regiment and recruits. It was assigned to the 9th Infantry Brigade, 5th Division. The regiment arrived in France in May 1918. The 45th Infantry participated in the St. Mihiel Offensive and the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. After the Armistice, the regiment served with the Army of Occupation in Germany. The regiment returned to the United States in July 1919 and was demobilized in August 1919 at Camp Upton, Long Island, New York.

Interwar Period:

The regiment was reconstituted on 24 March 1923 in the Regular Army and assigned to the Panama Canal Department. It was activated on 1 July 1923 at Fort William Davis, Panama Canal Zone. During this time, the 45th Infantry served as a security force for the Panama Canal Zone.

World War II:

The 45th Infantry Regiment remained in Panama during World War II. It performed coastal defense duties and patrolled the Panama Canal Zone to prevent sabotage. The regiment also conducted jungle training to prepare for potential combat in the Pacific Theater. It was not deployed overseas during the war.

Post-World War II:

The 45th Infantry Regiment was inactivated on 15 February 1946 at Fort William Davis, Panama Canal Zone. The regiment was disbanded on 15 October 1948.

Distinctive Unit Insignia:

The regiment's distinctive unit insignia featured a coiled rattlesnake, reminiscent of the Gadsden flag, superimposed on a dark blue shield. The motto was "Strike Sure." This symbolized the regiment's readiness and vigilance.