34th Infantry Division (United States)
The 34th Infantry Division is an infantry division of the United States Army, part of the National Guard, that participated in World War I, World War II and multiple current conflicts. It was the first American division deployed to Europe in World War II, where it fought with great distinction in the Italian Campaign.
| 34th Infantry Division | |
|---|---|
34th Infantry Division's shoulder sleeve insignia | |
| Active | 1917–1919 1924–1963 1991–present |
| Country | United States |
| Branch | United States Army |
| Type | Infantry |
| Size | Division |
| Garrison/HQ | Arden Hills, Minnesota |
| Nickname(s) | "Red Bull" "The Sandstorm Division" |
| Motto(s) | "Attack, Attack, Attack!" |
| March | "March of the Red Bull Legions" ⓘ |
| Engagements |
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| Commanders | |
| Current commander | Major General Charles Kemper |
| Notable commanders | Charles W. Ryder Charles L. Bolte Michael Wickman |
| Insignia | |
| Distinctive unit insignia | |
The division was deactivated in 1945, and the 47th "Viking" Infantry Division was later created in the division's former area. In 1991 the 47th Division was redesignated the 34th. Since 2001, division soldiers have served on homeland security duties in the continental United States, in Afghanistan, and in Iraq. The 34th has also been deployed to support peacekeeping efforts in the former Yugoslavia and elsewhere.
The division continues to serve today, with most of the division part of the Minnesota and Iowa National Guard. In 2011, it was staffed by roughly 6,500 soldiers from the Minnesota National Guard, 2,900 from the Iowa National Guard, about 300 from the Nebraska National Guard, and about 100 from other states.