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{{Use American English|date=September 2015}}
{{Infobox Military Unit
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2020}}
|unit_name=143rd Infantry Regiment
{{Infobox military unit
|image=]
|caption=143rd Infantry Regiment coat of arms | unit_name = 143rd Infantry Regiment
| image = 143rd Infantry Regiment Coat of Arms.svg
|dates=Constituted October 15, 1917<br />Restructured March 16, 1959<br />Reorganized March 1, 1963<br />Inactivated August 12, 2001<br />Reactivated September 9, 2008-Present.
| image_size = 150
|country=]
| caption = ]
|allegiance=]
| dates = Constituted 15 October 1917<br />Restructured 16 March 1959<br />Reorganized 1 March 1963<br />Inactivated 12 August 2001<br />Reactivated 1 September 2010–present
|branch=]
| country = ]
|type=Infantry
| branch = ]
|role=]
| type = Infantry
|size=
| role = ]
|command_structure=
| size =
|current_commander=
| command_structure =
|garrison=1st Battalion - ]
| current_commander =
|ceremonial_chief=
| garrison = 1st Battalion – ]
|colonel_of_the_regiment=
| ceremonial_chief =
|nickname=Third Texas
| colonel_of_the_regiment =
|patron=
| nickname = Third Texas
|motto=''Arms Secure Peace''
| patron =
|colors=
| motto = ''Arms Secure Peace''
|march=
| colors =
|mascot=
| march =
|battles=]<br />]<br />]<br /> ]<br />]
| mascot =
| battles = ]<br/>]<br/>]<br/> ]<br/>]
| identification_symbol = ]
| identification_symbol_label = ]
| identification_symbol_2 = ]
| identification_symbol_2_label = ] of 1st Battalion
}}
{{Military unit sidebar
| title = U.S. Infantry Regiments
| previous = ]
| next =]
}} }}
The '''143rd Infantry Regiment''' is a ] unit assigned to the ]. Currently, only one battalion of the regiment is active.


The '''143rd Infantry Regiment''' (Third Texas) is an airborne infantry formation in the ] and has one battalion active under the ].
*1st Battalion (Airborne) - 143rd Infantry.


==Service==
==Heraldic Information==
===Coat of Arms===
====Blazon====
*Shield: Azure, a bend wavy argent between an oak tree eradicated and a key fesswise or.
*Crest: On a wreath of the colors argent and azure a mullet argent encircled by a garland of live oak and olive proper.
*Motto: ''Arms Secure Peace''


====Symbolism==== ===Mexican Border Service===
In February 1913, ] was in a state of turmoil between two rival factions for power and this prevented commanders in Mexican border towns from paying their soldiers. Concern over this caused County Judge and Sheriff of ], to appeal to the ] for assistance. In response, ] sent Texas militia, consisting of two companies of the Third Texas Infantry from Corpus Christi and Houston and two companies of cavalry. They remained until June 1913.<ref name=Pierce78>{{cite book|last=Pierce|first=Frank Cushman|title=A Brief History of the Lower Rio Grande Valley|url=https://archive.org/details/abriefhistorylo00piergoog|year=1917|publisher=George Banta Publishing Company|location=Menasha, Wisconsin|pages=–79}}</ref> The situation got worse, with American citizens being executed in Mexico and various factions conducting cross-border raids into Texas. Some Federal troops were stationed on the border and in August 1913, Colquitt sent the entire Third Texas Infantry to ] along with a battery of light artillery from ]. These were relieved by Federal troops in 1914.<ref name=Pierce82>{{cite book|last=Pierce|first=Frank Cushman|title=A Brief History of the Lower Rio Grande Valley|url=https://archive.org/details/abriefhistorylo00piergoog|year=1917|publisher=George Banta Publishing Company|location=Menasha, Wisconsin|page=}}</ref> By 1916, the Third Texas was stationed at ] while in Federal service.<ref name=Pierce106>{{cite book|last=Pierce|first=Frank Cushman|title=A Brief History of the Lower Rio Grande Valley|url=https://archive.org/details/abriefhistorylo00piergoog|year=1917|publisher=George Banta Publishing Company|location=Menasha, Wisconsin|page=}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|author=Texas Adjutant General|title=Report of the Adjutant-General of the State of Texas|year=1916|publisher=State of Texas|location=Austin, Texas|page=136}}</ref>
#The shield is blue for infantry.
#The bend wavy represents the regiment's service on the Mexican boarder, along the ].
#It also represents the ] in ], where the unit served in ].
#The oak tree symbolizes the ] operation, also in World War I.
#The gold key represents service in the ].


====Background==== ===World War I===
In 1917, the 36th Infantry Division was formed from units in Texas and ]. The Third Texas and part of the Fifth Texas infantry regiments were organized as the 143d Infantry Regiment at Camp Bowie, Texas.<ref name=Garey247>{{cite book|last=Garey|first=Enoch Barton|title=American Guide Book to France and Its Battlefields|year=1920|publisher=Macmillan|location=New York|pages=247–49|author2=Ellis, Olin Oglesby|author3=Magoffin, Ralph Van Deman|name-list-style=amp}}</ref> The 143d was assigned to the 72d Infantry Brigade of the division.<ref name=Chastaine1>{{cite book|last=Chastaine|first=Ben-Hur|title=Story of the 36th: the experiences of the 36th division in the world war|url=https://archive.org/details/storythexperien00chasgoog|year=1920|publisher=Harlow Publishing Co.|location=Oklahoma City|pages=–14}}</ref> The 143d was then shipped to ] in 1918 with the rest of the division for final combat training and then to the front. In September 1918, the 36th Division was attached to the ].<ref name=Chastaine61>{{cite book|last=Chastaine|first=Ben-Hur|title=Story of the 36th: the experiences of the 36th division in the world war|url=https://archive.org/details/storythexperien00chasgoog|year=1920|publisher=Harlow Publishing Co.|location=Oklahoma City|page=}}</ref> The regiment participated in ] from 7–28 October 1918.<ref name=Garey247 /><ref name=Chastaine24>{{cite book|author=War Department|title=Battle participation of organizations of the American expeditionary forces in France, Belgium, and Italy. 1917–1918|year=1920|publisher=Government Printing Office|location=Washington, D.C.|page=24}}</ref>
*The coat of arms was approved on June 30, 1926.


==Lineage and Honors== ===Interwar period===
===Lineage===
The 143rd Infantry regiment was formed on October 15, 1917 from the units of the Third Texas Infantry and the Fifth Texas Infantry at ], Texas.


The 143rd Infantry arrived at the port of ], ] on 2 June 1919 on the troopship ] and was demobilized on 3 July 1919 at Camp Travis, ]. Per the ], it was reconstituted in the National Guard on 3 December 1920, assigned to the 36th Division, and allotted to the state of Texas. The regimental headquarters was reorganized and federally recognized on 21 July 1922 at ]. The headquarters was successively relocated to Houston in 1923 and to ] on 6 February 1931. The regiment, or elements thereof, was called up to perform the following state duties: riot control during a workers’ strike on the ] at ], in 1923; flood relief duties along the ] at Waco in September 1936. Conducted annual summer training most years at ], Austin, Texas, from 1922–25, and ], ], from 1926–39.<ref>{{cite book|last=Clay|first=Steven E.|date=2010|title=U.S. Army Order of Battle, 1919-1941, Volume 1. The Arms: Major Commands and Infantry Organizations, 1919-41|location=Fort Leavenworth, KS|publisher=Combat Studies Institute Press|pages=427}}{{source-attribution}}</ref>
The lineage of subordinate units is as follows:
*'''Company A (Rusk)''' - Originally formed as Company A, Seventh Cavalry (Confederate Army); Rusk Militia 1883-1895; Company F, Third Texas Infantry 1903-1914. "ALSACE" Distinguished Unit Streamer.
*'''Company B (Mexia)''' - Originally formed as Company B, Third Infantry, Texas Volunteer Guard, 1879; Company C, Second Texas, United States Volunteers (Spanish-American War); Mexican Border Service, 1916-1917. "ALSACE" Streamer.
*'''Company D''' - Independent Blues Militia, 1859; Company K, First Texas Cavalry (Confederate Army); Company A, First Texas, United States Volunteers (Spanish-American War)


===World War II===
The 36th Infantry Division, including the 143rd Infantry, was mobilized on 25 November 1940, and moved to Camp Bowie, where it arrived on 5 January 1941. It was shipped to ] in early 1943.


====Salerno & Liri Valley, Italy====
The 143d participated in the landing at ], ] and continued to fight in Italy during the campaign in the Liri Valley from September 1943 to early 1944. Significant engagements included the ] and the ].


====Anzio====
], Italy, 9 June 1944]]
The regiment, now commanded by Colonel ], was landed to reinforce the ] on 19 May 1944. It then participated in the breakout and movement to ] where they were halted by orders to allow other units to catch up.


====Southern France====
As part of the 36th Division, the 143d landed in Southern France in August 1944. The 22, the IIIrd Battalion releases Grenoble "Capital of the Alps". Moving forward with the ], the regiment was part of the bottleneck that formed the ]. This resulted in the destruction of the ].


====Vosges, France and Germany====
On March 3, 1791, Congress added to the Army "The Second Regiment of Infantry" of which today's First Infantry draws its heritage. In September of that year, elements of it and the original 1st Infantry Regiment (today’s ]), with sizable militia complements, all under command of General ], were sent against the ] Indians. St. Clair served as a Major General in the Revolutionary Army and was now appointed "General in Chief," superseding the first commander of the Regiment, Josiah Hamar. Fighting against the Miamis, St. Clair's Soldiers were untrained, ill equipped, underfed, and sickly. This resulted in a disastrous defeat, at the ], in which the entire U.S. Army suffered a loss in killed and wounded of nearly 900 out of a total strength of 1400. It was (and remains) the greatest defeat in the history of the U.S. Army.
The 143d concluded its combat with actions in ], France and southern Germany. There was a significant battle near ], ]. The regiment then breached the ] and moved forward as far as the ].
], Afghanistan, July 10, 2012]]


===Afghanistan===
==Legion of the United States==
The 143d was mobilized the day after Thanksgiving in 2011. It conducted mobilization training at Camp Atterbury, Indiana, and deployed to Afghanistan in February 2012. The primary mission of the 143d was service as security forces for ]s (PRTs) throughout the country. Headquarters and Headquarters Company was assigned to the capital city, Kabul, helping to secure and manage the operation of multiple bases in the area.


===War on Drugs/Southern Border Operations===
In 1792, Congress created the ], which was a combined Arms Force of Infantry, Cavalry, and Artillery under the Command of Major General ]. MG Wayne had become a hero of the Revolutionary War when he led a small force against a larger British Force to regain control of ], a crucial point on the ] just south of ]. This Legion in which the Second Infantry became the "Infantry of the Second Sub-Legion," crushed the Miami Nation during 1792 to 1795, and finally defeated the Indians in a decisive manner at ] in the Old Northwest (]) on August 20, 1794.
The 143rd's LRS teams participated in southern border operations on active duty as part of Texas Task Force 1, Operation Unity, and Operation Plus-Up. The 143rd also rapidly responded to the call for ], a controversial and ongoing border security mission. The 143rd spearheaded the major plus up in October, 2021. Within two weeks of the initial call to orders, nearly the entire battalion would be on the border and conducting operations.


==War of 1812== === Kosovo 2023 ===
In April, 2023 HHC 1-143rd INF (A) deployed to Kosovo in support of Operation Joint Guardian as part of the ] (KFOR) mission, in accordance with ]. The force was split between a security forces (SECFOR) company, stationed in the north, a Liaison Monitoring Team (LMT) company station in the south, and HHC being stationed near the capital, Pristina. The main goal of the SECFOR's mission was ensure the Safe and Secure Environment and Freedom of Movement of all people within the border of Kosovo, doing so by conducting presence patrols and assisting both ] (KSF) and Kosovo Police (KP). The LMTs had a similar overall mission, but were more focused on community outreach. Known as the finger on the pulse of Kosovo, the LMTs were there to be a part of the community and report back on atmospherics and trends. During the time of the unit's deployment, SECFOR would respond to a large shooting in the northwest region of the country. In the south, there were instances of violent crime, rioting and protests that the LMTs responded to. The LMTs, both the American and the partner forces, are arguably the decisive operation the majority of the time. Their feedback and reporting reaches the highest levels of KFOR and the Institutions of Kosovo having the biggest impact on the mission as a whole.


==Heraldic information==
In the ] the ] as well as the 7th and 44th Infantry Regiments, fought in the southern theater to include the ] with General ].


==First Indian War Period== ===Coat of arms===
The 2nd Infantry was Consolidated May-October 1815 with the 3rd and 7th Infantry (both constituted 12 April 1808), and 44th Infantry (constituted 29 January 1813) to form the 1st Infantry Regiment. In the ensuing years the Regiment was primarily concerned with Indian conflicts and the 1st was involved in the ] of 1832 and the ] from 1839 to 1842. During this time the Regiment was commanded by one of its most famous commanders - Colonel ], who would later become the 12th ].


==War With Mexico== ====Blazon====
* Shield: Azure, a bend wavy argent between an oak tree eradicated and a key fesswise or.
* Crest: On a wreath of the colors argent and azure a mullet argent encircled by a garland of live oak and olive proper.
* Motto: ''Arms Secure Peace''


====Symbolism====
When War broke out with Mexico in 1846 the 1st Infantry Regiment was sent across the border with General ]'s Army and participated in the storming of ] where the Regiment fought house to house in savage hand to hand combat. From Monterrey the Regiment was transferred to General ]'s command and participated in the first modern amphibious landing in American history at ] in 1847.
# The shield is blue for infantry, while the bend wavy represents the regiment's service on the Mexican border, along the ]; iIt also represents the ] in ], where the unit served in ]. The oak tree symbolizes the ] operation, also in World War I, while the gold key represents service in the ].


====Background====
==Second Indian War Period==
* The coat of arms was approved on 30 June 1926


==Lineage and honors==
Following the ], the Regiment campaigned in the ] area against the ] until the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861.


==Civil War== ===Lineage===
* Organized 15 October 1917 in ], Texas, from the Third Texas Infantry and the ] and assigned to the 72d Infantry Brigade, 36th Infantry Division
* Called to federal service, October 1917
* Returned to state control, June 1919
* Activated (state) for ] disaster relief, Nueces, San Patricio and Aransas Counties, September 1919
* Activated (state) for the ], March 1937
* Mobilized (federal) at ], 25 November 1940
* Inactivated at ], Virginia, 22 December 1945
* Reactivated under state control and assigned to the 36th Infantry Division, 23 October 1946
* Reorganized as 1st and 2d Battle Groups, 143d Infantry (under the ] system), 1959
* Reorganized as the 143d Infantry, 1 March 1963, with the 2d and 3d Battalions assigned to the 3d Brigade, 36th Division; and the 1st Battalion inactivated
* 3d Battalion relieved from assignment to the 36th Division and assigned to the ], 1 November 1965
* 1st Battalion reactivated, 2d Battalion relieved from assignment to the 36th Division, 3d Battalion relieved from assignment to 36th Infantry Brigade (Separate)15 Dec 1967;<ref>{{Cite news |date=December 12, 1967 |title=Texas National Guard Reorganization Goes Into Effect Friday; Units Listed |url=https://archive.org/details/amarillo-globe-times-december-12-1967-p-8 |work=Amarillo Globe Times |pages=8}}</ref> all battalions assigned to the ] (Separate), 30 July 1968<ref>{{Cite news |last=Castlebury |first=Glen |date=July 18, 1968 |title=71st Infantry Brigade Stages Ft. Hood Jump |url=https://archive.org/details/the-waco-news-tribune-1968-07-18-page-16-b |work=The Waco News Tribune |pages=16B}}</ref>
* 1st and 2d Battalions assigned to the 36th Airborne Brigade (redesignated from the 71st); 3d Battalion inactivated and its personnel and equipment used to form the 1st Squadron, ] in 1973<ref>{{Cite news |last=Browne |first=Rich |date=May 5, 1978 |title=Guardsman train for parachute duty |url=https://archive.org/details/bryan-college-station-eagle-1978-05-07-page-55 |work=The Eagle Bryan/College Station |pages=E1}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Daemmrich |first=Bob |date=July 7, 1978 |title=Adventure Training |url=https://archive.org/details/bryan-college-station-eagle-1978-07-24-page-11 |work=The Eagle Bryan/College Station |pages=A1}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Browne |first=Rich |date=October 23, 1978 |title=Airborne Operation |url=https://archive.org/details/bryan-college-station-eagle-1978-10-23-page-1-b |pages=1B}}</ref>
* 1st Battalion inactivated, 2d Battalion inactivated (less company A); assets from Company A, 2nd Battalion, 143d Infantry used to form Company G (]) 143d Infantry, 21 April 1980.<ref>{{Cite news |date=April 12, 1980 |title=Texas Army National Guard reorganizes |url=https://archive.org/details/bryan-college-station-eagle-1980-04-12-page-1 |work=The Eagle Bryan/College Station |pages=1}}</ref>
* Company G (Ranger) 143d Infantry was redesignated as Company G (]), 143d Infantry in 1988.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lemmer |first=Paul |date= |title=The Houston Light Guard, A Narrative |url=http://members.aol.com/cog143in/Narrative.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021022023125/http://members.aol.com/cog143in/Narrative.html |archive-date=October 22, 2002 |website=Co. G 143rd LRS}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Faulkner |first=Michael |date=September 23, 2001 |title=Co. G 143d Infantry (LRS) |url=http://www.geocities.com/Pentagon/3143/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20011221142458/http://www.geocities.com/Pentagon/3143/ |archive-date=December 21, 2001 |website=Unofficial Unit Page for Co. G 143d Infantry (LRS)}}</ref>
* Company G (Long Range Surveillance), 143d Infantry, a corps-level unit, was inactivated in September 2001;<ref>{{Cite news |last=Jacobs |first=Janet |date=August 13, 2001 |title=Paratroopers mark retirement of unit with one last jump |url=https://archive.org/details/g-co-disband/page/n1/mode/1up |work=Austin American~Statesman |pages=B1, B5}}</ref><ref name=":0" /> the division-level 143d Infantry Detachment (Long Range Surveillance), a separate unit with no lineage connection to the 143d Infantry Regiment,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Noble |first=Chris |date=January 28, 2000 |title=Welcome To the 143d Infantry Detachment (LRS) History Page |url=http://web2.airmail.net/raven6/history.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010407201107/http://web2.airmail.net/raven6/history.htm |archive-date=April 7, 2001 |website=143d Infantry Detachment (LRS), Camp Mabry, Austin, TX Unofficial Home Page}}</ref> remained active.
* 143d Infantry Detachment (LRS) was inactivated in 2008; personnel and equipment were used to form Troop C (LRS), 3d Squadron, 124th Cavalry Regiment of the 71st Battlefield Surveillance Brigade.
* 1st Battalion activated as 1st Battalion (Airborne), 143d Infantry Regiment, 2010. HHC, Company A, Company D, and Forward Support Company (FSC) activated in Texas; Company B activated in the Alaska Army National Guard; Company C activated in the Rhode Island Army National Guard from the personnel and equipment of the 173d Infantry Detachment (LRS). In 2016 Company B was inactivated and reflagged as a unit of the 1st Battalion, 297th Infantry Regiment, AK ARNG.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.dvidshub.net/image/2777038/bravo-company-1st-battalion-airborne-143rd-infantry-regiment-deactivation|title=Bravo Company, 1st Battalion (Airborne), 143rd Infantry Regiment Deactivation|website=DVIDS}}</ref>
* In 2017, the Battalion was assigned under the 173rd IBCT (A) as part of the Associated Unit Pilot to establish a precedent of using Reserve Component units to plus up low density Active Component units. The AUP ended in 2020, however, the 173rd retained control of the 143rd until their deployment to Kosovo in 2023. They have since been released back to full control of the Texas Military Department.


The lineage of subordinate units is as follows:
After escaping from rebel forces in Texas the Regiment returned to the Mid-west and fought in the ] area of operations. The Regiment fought in one of the first battles of the Civil War at ], in August 1861. The 1st Infantry then campaigned with General Grant against ] in 1863. The end of the War found the Regiment ] ].
* '''Headquarters Company, 143d Infantry Regiment (Waco)'''
* '''Heavy Mortar Company (Clifton)'''
* '''Medical Company (Houston)'''
* '''Service Company (Houston)'''
* '''Tank Company (Marlin)'''
* '''Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion (College Station)''' – First formed in Clifton 6 June 1922 as part of the 141st Infantry. Transferred to the 143d Infantry 1924. World War II. "ALSACE" Distinguished Unit Streamer. Reformed in Palestine, Texas, on 12 May 1947; moved to College Station 10 January 1954.
* '''Company A (Rusk)''' – Originally formed as Company A, Seventh Cavalry (Confederate Army); Rusk Militia 1883–1895; Company F, Third Texas Infantry 1903–1914; World War II. "ALSACE" Distinguished Unit Streamer.
* '''Company B (Mexia)''' – Originally formed as Company B, Third Infantry, Texas Volunteer Guard, 1879; Company C, Second Texas, United States Volunteers (Spanish–American War); Mexican Border Service, 1916–1917; World War II. "ALSACE" Streamer.
* '''Company C (Beaumont)''' – Organized in 1926; World War II. "ALSACE" Streamer. Stationed in Palestine, Texas 1947.
* '''Company D (Corsicana)''' – Independent Blues Militia, 1859; Company K, First Texas Cavalry (Confederate Army); Company A, First Texas, United States Volunteers (Spanish–American War); World War II. "ALSACE" Distinguished Unit Streamer.
* '''Headquarters Company, 2d Battalion (Houston)''' – Originally formed in Moody, then moved to Hillsboro 18 February 1930. World War II. "COLMAR POCKET" Distinguished Unit Streamer. Reorganized in Houston, 2 December 1946.
* '''Company E (Caldwell)''' – Organized in 1939; assault unit at Salerno, Rapido River. "COLMAR POCKET" Streamer. Reorganized in Baytown, 1947.
* '''Company F (Huntsville)''' – Formed from volunteers in ] and the Tom Hamilton Guards of the 1870s. Company F, First Texas, United States Volunteers (Spanish–American War). World War II. "COLMAR POCKET" Distinguished Unit Streamer.
* '''Company G (Houston)''' – Formed from the ]. World War II. "COLMAR POCKET" Streamer. Reorganized into Company G (]), 143d Infantry in 1980. Redesignated G co 143rd Infantry ] in 1987
* '''Company H (Beaumont)''' – First formed 22 February 1922 in Somerville. World War II. "COLMAR POCKET" Streamer. Reorganized and activated 3 October 1947 in Beaumont.
* '''Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion (Waco)''' – First formed in Itasca as Company K, 143d Infantry in 1922. Redesignated as Headquarters Company, 3d Battalion in 1924. World War II. "MAGRANON RIDGE," and "RIBBEAUVILLE" Distinguished Unit Streamers. Reformed in Waco on 5 February 1947.
* '''Company I (Belton)''' – Formed from the Miller Rifles (later Belton Rifles), 1886.
* '''Company K (Waco)''' – Formed as the Waco Greys, 1876. Company K, ], 1898. World War II. "MAGRANON RIDGE," "RIBBEAUVILLE," and "BITSCHOFFEN" Distinguished Unit Streamers. Pfc. Donald K. Kimbrough was awarded a Presidential Citation for Heroism, Gallantry in Action and Outstanding Achievement in Company K on 15 March 1945. Company K was assigned the mission of attacking at night over exposed terrain, to capture the town of Bitschoffen, France. The town was well defended and surrounded by extensive minefields. Company K attacked twice, each time suffering heavy losses from mines and defensive fires, though each time, reorganized for another assault. On the third assault, elements of the company attacking up and through a mine field succeeded in entering the town, overwhelming the German troops in the village. They then attacked from the rear, and engaged those enemy forces with the remainder of Company K. By dawn, Bittschoffen, France had fallen, an undetermined number of the enemy was killed and 66 prisoners were captured. Pfc. Donald K. Kimbrough retired from the Armed Forces as Master Sgt. in 1946.
* '''Company L (Hillsboro)''' – Originally Company M, Second Texas Infantry, 1900. World War II. "RIBBEAUVILLE" and "MAGRANON RIDGE" Distinguished Unit Streamers.
* '''Company M (Waco)''' – First formed in Killeen 1922, moved to Waco 1 July 1931. World War II. "RIBBEAUVILLE" and "MAGRANON RIDGE" Distinguished Unit Streamers.


===Honors===
==Third Indian War Period==


====Campaign participation credit====
After the Civil War the Regiment was sent West to fight the Indians once again. The 1st Infantry was Consolidated in April 1869 with the 43d Infantry Regiment, Veteran Reserve Corps (constituted September 21, 1865) and consolidated unit designated as the 1st Infantry Regiment. 1st Infantry Regiment campaigned against the ] in the 1870s and 1890s and against the ], led by ], from 1882 to 1886.
* Mexican Border Service:
* World War I:
:#Meuse-Argonne
* World War II:
:#Naples-Foggia with Arrowhead;
:#Anzio;
:#Rome-Arno;
:#Southern France with Arrowhead (Liberation of ], ])
:#Rhineland;
:#Ardennes-Alsace;
:#Central Europe
* Global War on Terror:
:#Afghanistan


====Unit decorations====
One member of the regiment was awarded the ] for service during this period:
* ] (Army) for:
* 1st Lt. ], 11 January 1886, Sierra Madre Mountains, Mexico
:#2–6 December 1944 (3d Battalion and Cannon Company) – COLMAR POCKET
:#6–9 December 1944 (2d Battalion) – COLMAR POCKET
:#26–29 August 1944 (3d Battalion) – SOUTHERN FRANCE
:#15 March 1945 (Company K, 2d Battalion) – CENTRAL EUROPE
:#15–17 March 1945 (1st Battalion) – CENTRAL EUROPE
* ] for:
:#Vosges
* Meritorious Unit Commendation for:
:#Italy, 1943
:#Italy-France, 1944
:#8 December 2011 – 1 October 2012 (Detachment, 1st Battalion, 143rd Infantry Regiment) – AFGHANISTAN


===Notable individual awards/commendations===
==California Labor Disputes==


====Medal of Honor====
After the end of the Indian wars the Regiment was occupied with quelling ] in ].
* ] ], Company L, 3d Battalion, was awarded the ] for actions near ] on 13 September 1943 during World War II.
* ] ], Company F, 2d Battalion, was awarded the Medal of Honor for actions near ] on 13 September 1943 during the Rapido River crossing in World War II.
* ] ], Company L, 3d Battalion, was awarded the Medal of Honor for actions near ] on 27 August 1944 during World War II.<ref name=Brokaw82>{{cite book|last=Brokaw|first=Tom|title=Medal of Honor|year=2011|publisher=Artisan Books|location=New York|isbn=9781579654627|page=82|author2=Williams, Brian|author3=Hanson, Victor Davis}}</ref>


====Distinguished Service Cross====
==Spanish-American War==
The following unit members were awarded the ]:
* ] Jack G. Berry, September, 1943.
* ] Charles E. Wheeler, September, 1943.
* Private First Class Chester M. Dotson, Company I, 2d Battalion, 9 December 1943.
* Sergeant Robert L. Chudej, Company D, 1st Battalion, 13 December 1943.
* Private First Class Romeo A. Leclair, 21 January 1944.
* ] Thomas E. Vierheller, 22 January 1944.
* ] James Frank Skells, 3d Battalion, 12 February 1944.
* Private First Class Morgan R. Tompkins, Company F, 2d Battalion, 28 May 1944.
* ] Melvin Richard Clemens, 29 August 1944.
* Private First Class Elmer E. Kopp, Company F, 2d Battalion, 29 September 1944.
* Sergeant Edwin G. Masching, 4 October 1944.
* Staff Sergeant Charley A. Holm, Company I, 2d Battalion, 20 November 1944.
* ] Eric C. Anderson, Company G, 2d Battalion, 22 November 1944.
* First Lieutenant Richard J. Grousset, Company G, 2d Battalion, 22 November 1944.
* ] Charles W. Holecek, Company C, 1st Battalion, 6 December 1944.
* Sergeant Charles E. Hickman, Company M, 3d Battalion, 7 December 1944.
* Technical Sergeant John J. Wehling, Cannon Company, 8 December 1944.
* Staff Sergeant ], Combany K, 2d Battalion, 12 December 1944.
* Corporal John Kotkovetz, Anti-Tank Company, 12 December 1944.
* Private First Class Charles Sciortino, Anti-Tank Company, 12 December 1944.
* Private First Class Wayne H. Brooks, Company L, 3d Battalion, 13–14 December 1944.
* Private First Class Gerald S. Gordon, Company L, 3d Battalion, 13–14 December 1944.
* Staff Sergeant David G. Blewett, Company A, 1st Battalion, 14 December 1944.
* Private First Class Rudolph J. Szafraniec, Company M, 3d Battalion, 15 December 1944.
* ] Donald N. Winters, Company M, 3d Battalion, 15 December 1945.
* Sergeant Gurney R. Shields, Company G, 2d Battalion, 17 December 1944.
* Sergeant Thomas A. Voltero, Company G, 2d Battalion, 17–18 December 1944.
* Private First Class Santo J. DiSalvo, Company G, 2d Battalion, 18 December 1944.
* Sergeant Paul W. Oligny, Company C, 1st Battalion, 18 December 1944.
* ] Marion P. Bowden, 2d Battalion, 19–21 January 1945.
* First Lieutenant Elmer S. Ward, 2–3 February 1945.
* Staff Sergeant Albert V. Martinez, Company F, 2d Battalion, 10 February 1945.
* Private Theodore F. Reynolds, Company C, 1st Battalion, 10–11 February 1945.
* Sergeant Michael Antosky, Company K, 2d Battalion, 15 March 1945.
* Private First Class Charles H. Sinclair, Company L, 3d Battalion, 15 March 1945.
* First Lieutenant Malcolm G. Smith Jr., 15 March 1945.
* Private First Class Charles E. Hooker, Company F, 2d Battalion, 16 March 1945.
* Captain Kermit H. Selvig, Company C, 1st Battalion, 22 March 1945.
* First Lieutenant Garland B. Taylor, 23 March 1945.


== See also ==
War was declared with ] in 1898 following the sinking of the ]. The First was quickly sent to ] where it embarked on ships and was sent to ]. While in Cuba the Regiment took part in the storming of the ] and the capture of ].


* ]
==Philippine-American War==


== External links ==
In 1900, following occupation duty in Cuba, the Regiment was preparing for shipment to ] to participate in the ]. Instead, the Regiment was detoured to deal with the rebellion on the ] which had also been captured by the United States in the Spanish-American War. The Regiment would fight in this guerrilla war in the Philippines from 1900-1902 and again from 1906-1908.


*
Subsequently the Regiment was redeployed to garrison duties in ], ].
* ]
*


==World War I== ==References==
{{Reflist}}


1st Infantry Regiment was Assigned on September 11, 1918 to the ] at ]. 13th ID never left Fort Lewis, and demobilized there on March 8, 1919. 1st IR was Relieved on March 8, 1919 from assignment to the 13th Division. and resumed Separate Regiment status. The regiment was again Assigned July 27, 1921, this time to the ], which was headquartered at ], and assigned to the ].

==World War II==

The regiment was stationed at ], ], where it was relieved October 16, 1939 from assignment to the 2nd Division and assigned to the ]. The 6th Division arrived at Fort Jackson on 1939-11-09, and the 1st IR traveled with the division from that point forward. The 1st IR moved to ], ] on 1940-04-09 to prepare for a series of maneuvers. The 1st IR participated in the ] – ] Maneuver on 1940-05-09. They then moved to ], ] on 1940-06-03, and then to ], ] on 1941-04-02, followed by ], ] on 1941-05-20. They then moved to ] to participate in maneuvers there. This was followed by a training cycle at the Desert Training Center, while billeted at the ] billeting area from 1942-12-10. The regiment then staged at ], ] on 1943-03-23.

The Regiment departed from the ] Port of Embarkation on 1943-09-19, and arrived in ] on 1943-09-26.

The 1st IR departed Hawaii on 1944-01-26, and arrived at ], ] on 1944-02-07 to participate in the ].

1st IR departed Milne Bay on 1944-06-01, and arrived at ] on 1944-06-14.

1st IR Assaulted ] on 1944-07-30, and left New Guinea on 1944-12-26 with the end of the New Guinea Campaign taking place on 1944-12-31.

The 1st IR won a ] for its action at ].

1st IR Assaulted ] on the Philippine Island of ] on 1945-01-09 to participate in the ].

1st IR moved to Sixth Army Reserve status from 1945-02-10 to 1945-02-23, when they returned to the ].

1st IR Attached to ] from 1945-04-28 to 1945-05-01, and then was attached to the ] from 1945-06-10 to 1945-06-25, when they returned to 6th Infantry Division Control.

The Luzon Campaign concluded on 1945-07-04.

1st IR was located at ], ] on 1945-08-14. They then moved to ] on 1945-10-24, which they Occupied through 1949.

==Korean War and Reactivation==

On January 10, 1949 1st IR was inactivated in Korea, and then was reactivated on October 4, 1950 at ], ] as a training regiment for units being sent to the fight in Korea. On April 3, 1956, the Regiment was Relieved from Assignment to the 6th Infantry Division, and then was Assigned on May 15, 1956 to the ] at ]. On May 15, 1958 the Regiment was reorganized under the Combat Arms Regimental System as HHC, 1st Battle Group, 1st Infantry Regiment.

In 1960, the 1st Battle Group, 1st Infantry was reorganized under a concept that provided sufficient tactics instructors in the permanent party for continuity, but called for outside augmentation for the summer training program. This left the Battle Group with a Headquarters, Headquarters and Training Company, Service Company, Airborne Detachment, the ], the USMA Band, Detachment 1 and 2 United States Army Hospital, and saw the attachment of the ] (Construction) and the ]. The old Military Police Detachment personnel formed the nucleus of the newly attached 57th Military Police Company.
On May 16. 1961, the mission of providing tactical instruction for the Corps of Cadets along with the personnel involved, was transferred to a newly created Office of Military Instruction in the Department of Tactics. All enlisted personnel remained assigned to the Battle Group. On February 1, 1962, Service Company was eliminated and its personnel absorbed into Headquarters Company.

On January 1, 1965, the 1st Battle Group, 1st Infantry was redesigned as the 1st Battalion, 1st Infantry." With the exception of transferring tactical instruction to the Office of Military Instruction (now DMI) in 1961. The 2nd Battalion was then assigned to ], Georgia.

==Vietnam War==

In 1966, 2nd Battalion was deployed to Vietnam with the ]. The following year, 3rd Battalion was activated at ], ] as part of the ]. After the 11th Brigade arrived in Vietnam, both became components of the ]. The two battalions earned fourteen campaign streamers for the regiment.

The 11th Brigade returned home in 1971, at which time 3rd Battalion was deactivated. The 196th Brigade was the last combat brigade to leave Vietnam in June 1972.

Following its tour of duty in Vietnam the 2nd Battalion was sent to ], ], where it became part of the ]. In January 1991 the battalion became part of the ] at ], Louisiana, where it remained until inactivation in 1994.

Two 1st Infantry soldiers were awarded the Medal of Honor for service in Vietnam:
* ] ], Company A, 2nd Battalion, 19 January 1969, Quang Tin Province (posthumous)
* ] ], HQ & HQ Company, 3rd Battalion, 13 May 1970 (posthumous)

==Reactivation==

On 16 December 16, 1995 the 2nd Battalion was reactivated at ] as part of the 6th Infantry Division (Light), which was redesignated as the ] (Separate) in April 1998.

==Iraq War==

In August 2005 2nd battalion was deployed, along with the ], to ] Iraq in support of ]. The battalion conducted counter insurgency operations aimed at securing the city of Mosul from an insurgency headed by the terrorist organization Al Qaida in Iraq. After 12 months in Mosul 2nd battalion was preparing to return to home station at ] Alaska when their deployment was unexpectedly extended by Secretary of Defense ]. The 2nd battalion along with the entire 172nd Stryker Brigade were subsequently sent to ] Iraq to quell rising sectarian violence. The 2nd battalion returned home in December 2006 after 16 months in Iraq.

==Notable Awards / Commendations==

] Stephen Sanford, Company C, 2nd Battalion, was awarded the ] for actions in Mosul Iraq during the unit's deployment.

] Peter Lara, Company C, 2nd Battalion, was awarded the ] for actions in Mosul Iraq during the unit's deployment.

==Lineage==

*Constituted 1791-03-03 in the Regular Army as the 2d Infantry
*Organized in March 1791 in ]
*Redesignated in 1792 as the Infantry of the 2d Sub-Legion
*Redesignated 1796-10-31 as the 2d Infantry
*Consolidated May-October 1815 with the 3d and 7th Infantry (both constituted 1808-04-12)<br />and the 44th Infantry (constituted 1813-01-29) to form the 1st Infantry.
*Consolidated in April 1869 with the 43d Infantry, Veteran Reserve Corps (constituted 1866-09-21),<br />and consolidated unit designated as the 1st Infantry
*Assigned 1918-09-11 to the ]
*Relieved 1919-03-08 from assignment to the 13th Division
*Assigned 1921-07-27 to the ]
*Relieved 1939-10-16 from assignment to the 2d Division<br />and assigned to the 6th Division (later redesignated as the ])
*Inactivated 1949-01-10 in ]
*Activated 1950-10-04 at ], California
*Relieved 1956-04-03 from assignment to the 6th Infantry Division
*Assigned 1956-05-15 to the ]
*Relieved 1958-05-15 from assignment to the United States Military Academy<br />and reorganized as a parent regiment under the ]
*Withdrawn 1985-03-16 from the Combat Arms Regimental System<br />and reorganized under the ]
*Redesignated 2005-10-01 as the 1st Infantry Regiment

==Honors==
===Campaign Participation Credit===

*War of 1812:
#Canada;
#Lundy's Lane;
#New Orleans;
#Alabama 1814;
#Florida 1814;
#Alabama 1815;
#Louisiana 1815

*Mexican-American War:
#Monterey;
#Vera Cruz

*Civil War:
#Mississippi River;
#Vicksburg;
#Missouri 1861;
#Texas 1861;
#Mississippi 1862

*Indian Wars:
#Miami;
#Creeks;
#Seminoles;
#Black Hawk;
#Apaches;
#Pine Ridge;
#Texas 1850

*Spanish-American War:
#Santiago

*Philippine-American War:
#Samar 1901

*World War II:
#New Guinea (with arrowhead);
#Luzon (with arrowhead)

*Vietnam:
#Counteroffensive, Phase II;
#Counteroffensive, Phase III;
#Tet Counteroffensive;
#Counteroffensive, Phase IV;
#Counteroffensive, Phase V;
#Counteroffensive, Phase VI;
#Tet 69/Counteroffensive;
#Summer-Fall 1969;
#Winter-Spring 1970;
#Sanctuary Counteroffensive;
#Counteroffensive, Phase VII;
#Consolidation I;
#Consolidation II;
#Cease-Fire

*War on Terrorism:
#Iraq

===Decorations===
*] (Army) for MAFFIN BAY
*] for 17 OCTOBER 1944 TO 4 JULY 1945
*]
#for QUANG TIN PROVINCE
#for IRAQ 15 AUGUST 2005 TO 15 DECEMBER 2006

==References==
:{{ACMH}} :{{ACMH}}
{{cite web | title = Medal of Honor Citations | publisher = United States Army Center of Military History | url = http://www.history.army.mil/moh.html | accessdate = 2008-10-29}}

{{cite web | title = Private Stephen Sanford receives DSC | publisher = United States Army | url = http://www.army.mil/-news/2007/02/26/1966-pvt-stephen-c-sanford-receives-distinguished-service-cross/ | accessdate = 2009-09-10|author=Linda D. Kozaryn <!-- BOT GENERATED AUTHOR -->|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5jjpJiHCS|archivedate=2009-09-12|deadurl=no}}


] ]
] ]
] ]
] ]
]

Latest revision as of 12:19, 5 December 2024

143rd Infantry Regiment
Coat of arms
ActiveConstituted 15 October 1917
Restructured 16 March 1959
Reorganized 1 March 1963
Inactivated 12 August 2001
Reactivated 1 September 2010–present
CountryUSA
BranchUnited States Army
TypeInfantry
RoleAirborne infantry
Garrison/HQ1st Battalion – Texas
Nickname(s)Third Texas
Motto(s)Arms Secure Peace
EngagementsSpanish–American War
Mexican Border Service
World War I
World War II
War in Afghanistan (2001-2021)
Insignia
Distinctive unit insignia
Beret flash of 1st Battalion
Military unit
U.S. Infantry Regiments
Previous Next
142d Infantry Regiment 144th Infantry Regiment

The 143rd Infantry Regiment (Third Texas) is an airborne infantry formation in the Army National Guard and has one battalion active under the Texas Army National Guard.

Service

Mexican Border Service

In February 1913, Mexico was in a state of turmoil between two rival factions for power and this prevented commanders in Mexican border towns from paying their soldiers. Concern over this caused County Judge and Sheriff of Cameron County, Texas, to appeal to the governor for assistance. In response, Governor Oscar Colquitt sent Texas militia, consisting of two companies of the Third Texas Infantry from Corpus Christi and Houston and two companies of cavalry. They remained until June 1913. The situation got worse, with American citizens being executed in Mexico and various factions conducting cross-border raids into Texas. Some Federal troops were stationed on the border and in August 1913, Colquitt sent the entire Third Texas Infantry to Fort Brown along with a battery of light artillery from Dallas. These were relieved by Federal troops in 1914. By 1916, the Third Texas was stationed at Harlingen while in Federal service.

World War I

In 1917, the 36th Infantry Division was formed from units in Texas and Oklahoma. The Third Texas and part of the Fifth Texas infantry regiments were organized as the 143d Infantry Regiment at Camp Bowie, Texas. The 143d was assigned to the 72d Infantry Brigade of the division. The 143d was then shipped to France in 1918 with the rest of the division for final combat training and then to the front. In September 1918, the 36th Division was attached to the French Fifth Army. The regiment participated in Meuse-Argonne Offensive from 7–28 October 1918.

Interwar period

The 143rd Infantry arrived at the port of Newport News, Virginia on 2 June 1919 on the troopship USS Finland and was demobilized on 3 July 1919 at Camp Travis, San Antonio, Texas. Per the National Defense Act of 1920, it was reconstituted in the National Guard on 3 December 1920, assigned to the 36th Division, and allotted to the state of Texas. The regimental headquarters was reorganized and federally recognized on 21 July 1922 at Taylor, Texas. The headquarters was successively relocated to Houston in 1923 and to Waco on 6 February 1931. The regiment, or elements thereof, was called up to perform the following state duties: riot control during a workers’ strike on the Missouri–Kansas–Texas Railroad at Denison, Texas, in 1923; flood relief duties along the Brazos River at Waco in September 1936. Conducted annual summer training most years at Camp Mabry, Austin, Texas, from 1922–25, and Camp Hulen, Palacios, Texas, from 1926–39.

World War II

The 36th Infantry Division, including the 143rd Infantry, was mobilized on 25 November 1940, and moved to Camp Bowie, where it arrived on 5 January 1941. It was shipped to Algeria in early 1943.

Salerno & Liri Valley, Italy

The 143d participated in the landing at Salerno, Italy and continued to fight in Italy during the campaign in the Liri Valley from September 1943 to early 1944. Significant engagements included the Battle of San Pietro and the Rapido River crossing.

Anzio

Troops of the 143rd Infantry Regiment, marching out of Tarquinia, Italy, 9 June 1944

The regiment, now commanded by Colonel Paul D. Adams, was landed to reinforce the Fifth Army on 19 May 1944. It then participated in the breakout and movement to Rome where they were halted by orders to allow other units to catch up.

Southern France

As part of the 36th Division, the 143d landed in Southern France in August 1944. The 22, the IIIrd Battalion releases Grenoble "Capital of the Alps". Moving forward with the 141st Infantry, the regiment was part of the bottleneck that formed the Colmar Pocket. This resulted in the destruction of the German 19th Army.

Vosges, France and Germany

The 143d concluded its combat with actions in Vosges, France and southern Germany. There was a significant battle near Weikersheim, Germany. The regiment then breached the Siegfried Line and moved forward as far as the Rhine river.

Sgt. Timothy Stewart, with Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 143rd Infantry Regiment provides security along the Whatapur Canal in Kunar Province, Afghanistan, July 10, 2012

Afghanistan

The 143d was mobilized the day after Thanksgiving in 2011. It conducted mobilization training at Camp Atterbury, Indiana, and deployed to Afghanistan in February 2012. The primary mission of the 143d was service as security forces for Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRTs) throughout the country. Headquarters and Headquarters Company was assigned to the capital city, Kabul, helping to secure and manage the operation of multiple bases in the area.

War on Drugs/Southern Border Operations

The 143rd's LRS teams participated in southern border operations on active duty as part of Texas Task Force 1, Operation Unity, and Operation Plus-Up. The 143rd also rapidly responded to the call for Operation Lone Star, a controversial and ongoing border security mission. The 143rd spearheaded the major plus up in October, 2021. Within two weeks of the initial call to orders, nearly the entire battalion would be on the border and conducting operations.

Kosovo 2023

In April, 2023 HHC 1-143rd INF (A) deployed to Kosovo in support of Operation Joint Guardian as part of the Kosovo Force (KFOR) mission, in accordance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244. The force was split between a security forces (SECFOR) company, stationed in the north, a Liaison Monitoring Team (LMT) company station in the south, and HHC being stationed near the capital, Pristina. The main goal of the SECFOR's mission was ensure the Safe and Secure Environment and Freedom of Movement of all people within the border of Kosovo, doing so by conducting presence patrols and assisting both Kosovo Security Force (KSF) and Kosovo Police (KP). The LMTs had a similar overall mission, but were more focused on community outreach. Known as the finger on the pulse of Kosovo, the LMTs were there to be a part of the community and report back on atmospherics and trends. During the time of the unit's deployment, SECFOR would respond to a large shooting in the northwest region of the country. In the south, there were instances of violent crime, rioting and protests that the LMTs responded to. The LMTs, both the American and the partner forces, are arguably the decisive operation the majority of the time. Their feedback and reporting reaches the highest levels of KFOR and the Institutions of Kosovo having the biggest impact on the mission as a whole.

Heraldic information

Coat of arms

Blazon

  • Shield: Azure, a bend wavy argent between an oak tree eradicated and a key fesswise or.
  • Crest: On a wreath of the colors argent and azure a mullet argent encircled by a garland of live oak and olive proper.
  • Motto: Arms Secure Peace

Symbolism

  1. The shield is blue for infantry, while the bend wavy represents the regiment's service on the Mexican border, along the Rio Grande; iIt also represents the Aisne River in France, where the unit served in World War I. The oak tree symbolizes the Meuse-Argonne operation, also in World War I, while the gold key represents service in the Spanish–American War.

Background

  • The coat of arms was approved on 30 June 1926

Lineage and honors

Lineage

  • Organized 15 October 1917 in Camp Bowie, Texas, from the Third Texas Infantry and the Fifth Texas Infantry and assigned to the 72d Infantry Brigade, 36th Infantry Division
  • Called to federal service, October 1917
  • Returned to state control, June 1919
  • Activated (state) for hurricane disaster relief, Nueces, San Patricio and Aransas Counties, September 1919
  • Activated (state) for the New London School explosion, March 1937
  • Mobilized (federal) at Brownwood, Texas, 25 November 1940
  • Inactivated at Camp Patrick Henry, Virginia, 22 December 1945
  • Reactivated under state control and assigned to the 36th Infantry Division, 23 October 1946
  • Reorganized as 1st and 2d Battle Groups, 143d Infantry (under the Pentomic Division system), 1959
  • Reorganized as the 143d Infantry, 1 March 1963, with the 2d and 3d Battalions assigned to the 3d Brigade, 36th Division; and the 1st Battalion inactivated
  • 3d Battalion relieved from assignment to the 36th Division and assigned to the 36th Infantry Brigade (Separate), 1 November 1965
  • 1st Battalion reactivated, 2d Battalion relieved from assignment to the 36th Division, 3d Battalion relieved from assignment to 36th Infantry Brigade (Separate)15 Dec 1967; all battalions assigned to the 71st Airborne Brigade (Separate), 30 July 1968
  • 1st and 2d Battalions assigned to the 36th Airborne Brigade (redesignated from the 71st); 3d Battalion inactivated and its personnel and equipment used to form the 1st Squadron, 124th Cavalry Regiment in 1973
  • 1st Battalion inactivated, 2d Battalion inactivated (less company A); assets from Company A, 2nd Battalion, 143d Infantry used to form Company G (Ranger) 143d Infantry, 21 April 1980.
  • Company G (Ranger) 143d Infantry was redesignated as Company G (Long Range Surveillance), 143d Infantry in 1988.
  • Company G (Long Range Surveillance), 143d Infantry, a corps-level unit, was inactivated in September 2001; the division-level 143d Infantry Detachment (Long Range Surveillance), a separate unit with no lineage connection to the 143d Infantry Regiment, remained active.
  • 143d Infantry Detachment (LRS) was inactivated in 2008; personnel and equipment were used to form Troop C (LRS), 3d Squadron, 124th Cavalry Regiment of the 71st Battlefield Surveillance Brigade.
  • 1st Battalion activated as 1st Battalion (Airborne), 143d Infantry Regiment, 2010. HHC, Company A, Company D, and Forward Support Company (FSC) activated in Texas; Company B activated in the Alaska Army National Guard; Company C activated in the Rhode Island Army National Guard from the personnel and equipment of the 173d Infantry Detachment (LRS). In 2016 Company B was inactivated and reflagged as a unit of the 1st Battalion, 297th Infantry Regiment, AK ARNG.
  • In 2017, the Battalion was assigned under the 173rd IBCT (A) as part of the Associated Unit Pilot to establish a precedent of using Reserve Component units to plus up low density Active Component units. The AUP ended in 2020, however, the 173rd retained control of the 143rd until their deployment to Kosovo in 2023. They have since been released back to full control of the Texas Military Department.

The lineage of subordinate units is as follows:

  • Headquarters Company, 143d Infantry Regiment (Waco)
  • Heavy Mortar Company (Clifton)
  • Medical Company (Houston)
  • Service Company (Houston)
  • Tank Company (Marlin)
  • Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion (College Station) – First formed in Clifton 6 June 1922 as part of the 141st Infantry. Transferred to the 143d Infantry 1924. World War II. "ALSACE" Distinguished Unit Streamer. Reformed in Palestine, Texas, on 12 May 1947; moved to College Station 10 January 1954.
  • Company A (Rusk) – Originally formed as Company A, Seventh Cavalry (Confederate Army); Rusk Militia 1883–1895; Company F, Third Texas Infantry 1903–1914; World War II. "ALSACE" Distinguished Unit Streamer.
  • Company B (Mexia) – Originally formed as Company B, Third Infantry, Texas Volunteer Guard, 1879; Company C, Second Texas, United States Volunteers (Spanish–American War); Mexican Border Service, 1916–1917; World War II. "ALSACE" Streamer.
  • Company C (Beaumont) – Organized in 1926; World War II. "ALSACE" Streamer. Stationed in Palestine, Texas 1947.
  • Company D (Corsicana) – Independent Blues Militia, 1859; Company K, First Texas Cavalry (Confederate Army); Company A, First Texas, United States Volunteers (Spanish–American War); World War II. "ALSACE" Distinguished Unit Streamer.
  • Headquarters Company, 2d Battalion (Houston) – Originally formed in Moody, then moved to Hillsboro 18 February 1930. World War II. "COLMAR POCKET" Distinguished Unit Streamer. Reorganized in Houston, 2 December 1946.
  • Company E (Caldwell) – Organized in 1939; assault unit at Salerno, Rapido River. "COLMAR POCKET" Streamer. Reorganized in Baytown, 1947.
  • Company F (Huntsville) – Formed from volunteers in Hood's Brigade (Confederate Army) and the Tom Hamilton Guards of the 1870s. Company F, First Texas, United States Volunteers (Spanish–American War). World War II. "COLMAR POCKET" Distinguished Unit Streamer.
  • Company G (Houston) – Formed from the Houston Light Guard. World War II. "COLMAR POCKET" Streamer. Reorganized into Company G (Ranger), 143d Infantry in 1980. Redesignated G co 143rd Infantry LRS in 1987
  • Company H (Beaumont) – First formed 22 February 1922 in Somerville. World War II. "COLMAR POCKET" Streamer. Reorganized and activated 3 October 1947 in Beaumont.
  • Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion (Waco) – First formed in Itasca as Company K, 143d Infantry in 1922. Redesignated as Headquarters Company, 3d Battalion in 1924. World War II. "MAGRANON RIDGE," and "RIBBEAUVILLE" Distinguished Unit Streamers. Reformed in Waco on 5 February 1947.
  • Company I (Belton) – Formed from the Miller Rifles (later Belton Rifles), 1886.
  • Company K (Waco) – Formed as the Waco Greys, 1876. Company K, Second Texas Infantry, 1898. World War II. "MAGRANON RIDGE," "RIBBEAUVILLE," and "BITSCHOFFEN" Distinguished Unit Streamers. Pfc. Donald K. Kimbrough was awarded a Presidential Citation for Heroism, Gallantry in Action and Outstanding Achievement in Company K on 15 March 1945. Company K was assigned the mission of attacking at night over exposed terrain, to capture the town of Bitschoffen, France. The town was well defended and surrounded by extensive minefields. Company K attacked twice, each time suffering heavy losses from mines and defensive fires, though each time, reorganized for another assault. On the third assault, elements of the company attacking up and through a mine field succeeded in entering the town, overwhelming the German troops in the village. They then attacked from the rear, and engaged those enemy forces with the remainder of Company K. By dawn, Bittschoffen, France had fallen, an undetermined number of the enemy was killed and 66 prisoners were captured. Pfc. Donald K. Kimbrough retired from the Armed Forces as Master Sgt. in 1946.
  • Company L (Hillsboro) – Originally Company M, Second Texas Infantry, 1900. World War II. "RIBBEAUVILLE" and "MAGRANON RIDGE" Distinguished Unit Streamers.
  • Company M (Waco) – First formed in Killeen 1922, moved to Waco 1 July 1931. World War II. "RIBBEAUVILLE" and "MAGRANON RIDGE" Distinguished Unit Streamers.

Honors

Campaign participation credit

  • Mexican Border Service:
  • World War I:
  1. Meuse-Argonne
  • World War II:
  1. Naples-Foggia with Arrowhead;
  2. Anzio;
  3. Rome-Arno;
  4. Southern France with Arrowhead (Liberation of Alps, Grenoble)
  5. Rhineland;
  6. Ardennes-Alsace;
  7. Central Europe
  • Global War on Terror:
  1. Afghanistan

Unit decorations

  1. 2–6 December 1944 (3d Battalion and Cannon Company) – COLMAR POCKET
  2. 6–9 December 1944 (2d Battalion) – COLMAR POCKET
  3. 26–29 August 1944 (3d Battalion) – SOUTHERN FRANCE
  4. 15 March 1945 (Company K, 2d Battalion) – CENTRAL EUROPE
  5. 15–17 March 1945 (1st Battalion) – CENTRAL EUROPE
  1. Vosges
  • Meritorious Unit Commendation for:
  1. Italy, 1943
  2. Italy-France, 1944
  3. 8 December 2011 – 1 October 2012 (Detachment, 1st Battalion, 143rd Infantry Regiment) – AFGHANISTAN

Notable individual awards/commendations

Medal of Honor

Distinguished Service Cross

The following unit members were awarded the Distinguished Service Cross:

  • Sergeant Jack G. Berry, September, 1943.
  • Private First Class Charles E. Wheeler, September, 1943.
  • Private First Class Chester M. Dotson, Company I, 2d Battalion, 9 December 1943.
  • Sergeant Robert L. Chudej, Company D, 1st Battalion, 13 December 1943.
  • Private First Class Romeo A. Leclair, 21 January 1944.
  • Second Lieutenant Thomas E. Vierheller, 22 January 1944.
  • Major James Frank Skells, 3d Battalion, 12 February 1944.
  • Private First Class Morgan R. Tompkins, Company F, 2d Battalion, 28 May 1944.
  • First Lieutenant Melvin Richard Clemens, 29 August 1944.
  • Private First Class Elmer E. Kopp, Company F, 2d Battalion, 29 September 1944.
  • Sergeant Edwin G. Masching, 4 October 1944.
  • Staff Sergeant Charley A. Holm, Company I, 2d Battalion, 20 November 1944.
  • Captain Eric C. Anderson, Company G, 2d Battalion, 22 November 1944.
  • First Lieutenant Richard J. Grousset, Company G, 2d Battalion, 22 November 1944.
  • First Sergeant Charles W. Holecek, Company C, 1st Battalion, 6 December 1944.
  • Sergeant Charles E. Hickman, Company M, 3d Battalion, 7 December 1944.
  • Technical Sergeant John J. Wehling, Cannon Company, 8 December 1944.
  • Staff Sergeant Hec Kilrea, Combany K, 2d Battalion, 12 December 1944.
  • Corporal John Kotkovetz, Anti-Tank Company, 12 December 1944.
  • Private First Class Charles Sciortino, Anti-Tank Company, 12 December 1944.
  • Private First Class Wayne H. Brooks, Company L, 3d Battalion, 13–14 December 1944.
  • Private First Class Gerald S. Gordon, Company L, 3d Battalion, 13–14 December 1944.
  • Staff Sergeant David G. Blewett, Company A, 1st Battalion, 14 December 1944.
  • Private First Class Rudolph J. Szafraniec, Company M, 3d Battalion, 15 December 1944.
  • Private Donald N. Winters, Company M, 3d Battalion, 15 December 1945.
  • Sergeant Gurney R. Shields, Company G, 2d Battalion, 17 December 1944.
  • Sergeant Thomas A. Voltero, Company G, 2d Battalion, 17–18 December 1944.
  • Private First Class Santo J. DiSalvo, Company G, 2d Battalion, 18 December 1944.
  • Sergeant Paul W. Oligny, Company C, 1st Battalion, 18 December 1944.
  • Lieutenant Colonel Marion P. Bowden, 2d Battalion, 19–21 January 1945.
  • First Lieutenant Elmer S. Ward, 2–3 February 1945.
  • Staff Sergeant Albert V. Martinez, Company F, 2d Battalion, 10 February 1945.
  • Private Theodore F. Reynolds, Company C, 1st Battalion, 10–11 February 1945.
  • Sergeant Michael Antosky, Company K, 2d Battalion, 15 March 1945.
  • Private First Class Charles H. Sinclair, Company L, 3d Battalion, 15 March 1945.
  • First Lieutenant Malcolm G. Smith Jr., 15 March 1945.
  • Private First Class Charles E. Hooker, Company F, 2d Battalion, 16 March 1945.
  • Captain Kermit H. Selvig, Company C, 1st Battalion, 22 March 1945.
  • First Lieutenant Garland B. Taylor, 23 March 1945.

See also

External links

References

  1. Pierce, Frank Cushman (1917). A Brief History of the Lower Rio Grande Valley. Menasha, Wisconsin: George Banta Publishing Company. pp. 78–79.
  2. Pierce, Frank Cushman (1917). A Brief History of the Lower Rio Grande Valley. Menasha, Wisconsin: George Banta Publishing Company. p. 82.
  3. Pierce, Frank Cushman (1917). A Brief History of the Lower Rio Grande Valley. Menasha, Wisconsin: George Banta Publishing Company. p. 106.
  4. Texas Adjutant General (1916). Report of the Adjutant-General of the State of Texas. Austin, Texas: State of Texas. p. 136.
  5. ^ Garey, Enoch Barton; Ellis, Olin Oglesby & Magoffin, Ralph Van Deman (1920). American Guide Book to France and Its Battlefields. New York: Macmillan. pp. 247–49.
  6. Chastaine, Ben-Hur (1920). Story of the 36th: the experiences of the 36th division in the world war. Oklahoma City: Harlow Publishing Co. pp. 1–14.
  7. Chastaine, Ben-Hur (1920). Story of the 36th: the experiences of the 36th division in the world war. Oklahoma City: Harlow Publishing Co. p. 61.
  8. War Department (1920). Battle participation of organizations of the American expeditionary forces in France, Belgium, and Italy. 1917–1918. Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office. p. 24.
  9. Clay, Steven E. (2010). U.S. Army Order of Battle, 1919-1941, Volume 1. The Arms: Major Commands and Infantry Organizations, 1919-41. Fort Leavenworth, KS: Combat Studies Institute Press. p. 427.Public Domain This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  10. "Texas National Guard Reorganization Goes Into Effect Friday; Units Listed". Amarillo Globe Times. 12 December 1967. p. 8.
  11. Castlebury, Glen (18 July 1968). "71st Infantry Brigade Stages Ft. Hood Jump". The Waco News Tribune. pp. 16B.
  12. Browne, Rich (5 May 1978). "Guardsman train for parachute duty". The Eagle Bryan/College Station. pp. E1.
  13. Daemmrich, Bob (7 July 1978). "Adventure Training". The Eagle Bryan/College Station. pp. A1.
  14. Browne, Rich (23 October 1978). "Airborne Operation". pp. 1B.
  15. "Texas Army National Guard reorganizes". The Eagle Bryan/College Station. 12 April 1980. p. 1.
  16. Lemmer, Paul. "The Houston Light Guard, A Narrative". Co. G 143rd LRS. Archived from the original on 22 October 2002.
  17. ^ Faulkner, Michael (23 September 2001). "Co. G 143d Infantry (LRS)". Unofficial Unit Page for Co. G 143d Infantry (LRS). Archived from the original on 21 December 2001.
  18. Jacobs, Janet (13 August 2001). "Paratroopers mark retirement of unit with one last jump". Austin American~Statesman. pp. B1, B5.
  19. Noble, Chris (28 January 2000). "Welcome To the 143d Infantry Detachment (LRS) History Page". 143d Infantry Detachment (LRS), Camp Mabry, Austin, TX Unofficial Home Page. Archived from the original on 7 April 2001.
  20. "Bravo Company, 1st Battalion (Airborne), 143rd Infantry Regiment Deactivation". DVIDS.
  21. Brokaw, Tom; Williams, Brian; Hanson, Victor Davis (2011). Medal of Honor. New York: Artisan Books. p. 82. ISBN 9781579654627.
Public Domain This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the United States Army Center of Military History.
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