The 32nd Infantry Division, nicknamed the ‘Red Arrow Division,’ has a storied history dating back to World War I. Formed in July 1917, the division saw combat in the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, suffering heavy casualties. In World War II, the division fought in the Pacific Theater, participating in the New Guinea, Leyte, and Luzon campaigns. It earned numerous decorations for its valor and was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation for its actions at Buna-Gona.
In the postwar era, the 32nd Infantry Division was reorganized as a National Guard unit, with headquarters in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. During the Cold War, the division trained extensively for potential combat against the Soviet Union. In 1990, the division was activated for Operation Desert Shield and later participated in Operation Desert Storm, where it served as part of the XVIII Airborne Corps.
In the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, the 32nd Infantry Division was again activated for combat in Iraq. The division served in Iraq from 2004 to 2005 and 2008 to 2009, conducting counterinsurgency operations. In 2010, the division was reorganized as the 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT), a modular unit designed for rapid deployment.
The 32nd IBCT has since deployed to Afghanistan, where it served from 2012 to 2013 and 2014 to 2015. The brigade also participated in the NATO-led Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan from 2016 to 2017. Throughout its history, the 32nd Infantry Division and Brigade has consistently demonstrated its readiness and ability to meet the challenges of war. The division’s distinguished record of service and its unwavering commitment to excellence have earned it the respect of both its allies and its adversaries.
