100th Infantry Battalion (United States)
The 100th Infantry Battalion (Japanese: 第100歩兵大隊, Dai Hyaku Hohei Daitai) is the only infantry unit in the United States Army Reserve. In World War II, the then-primarily Nisei battalion was composed largely of former members of the Hawaii Army National Guard. The 100th saw heavy combat during World War II, starting in September 1943 and continuing after being attached as a battalion of the Nisei 442nd Regimental Combat Team in June 1944. The unit was unofficially nicknamed the Purple Heart Battalion, with the motto "Remember Pearl Harbor".
| 100th Infantry Battalion | |
|---|---|
Distinctive Unit Insignia of the 442nd Infantry Regiment | |
| Active | 1942–1946 1947–present |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Branch | United States Army |
| Type | Infantry battalion |
| Size | 5 Companies |
| Garrison/HQ | Fort Shafter |
| Nickname(s) | "Purple Heart Battalion" "One-Puka-Puka" |
| Motto(s) | Go for Broke Remember Pearl Harbor |
| Engagements | World War II Vietnam War Iraq War |
| Decorations | Presidential Unit Citation (Army) (5) Meritorious Unit Commendation (Army) (2) |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander | LTC Robert B. Kepa |
| Command Sergeant Major | CSM John I. Keawe |
| Insignia | |
| Coat of arms of the 442nd Infantry Regiment | |
| Shoulder sleeve insignia and combat service identification badge of the 100th Battalion, 442nd Infantry Regiment | |
Based at Fort Shafter, Honolulu, Hawaii, the 100th Battalion continues the legacy of the 442nd Infantry Regiment, officially designated as 100th Battalion/442nd Infantry Regiment. The 100th Battalion/442nd Infantry Regiment has maintained an alignment with the active 25th Infantry Division since a reorganization in 1972. This alignment has resulted in the 100th's mobilization for combat duty in the Vietnam War and the Iraq War. The 100th Infantry Battalion is staffed with reservists from Hawaii, American Samoa, Guam, Saipan and Washington.